Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common ailment in aging cats, and it can be deadly. Damage to the kidneys with CKD is irreversible, and the disease is progressive. Outward signs of the brewing problem usually appear later in the disease’s progression and include:
- Excessive urination and thirst
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Muscle wasting
Unfortunately, by the time most of us notice these signs, the disease has caused some irreversible damage. This is why regular wellness visits that facilitate early diagnosis are vital.
“I strongly encourage all of my clients to have annual wellness screening done on their cats by the time they reach 7 years of age,” says Dr. Suzanne Losito, a Cornell Veterinary College graduate and small animal practitioner in upstate New York. “Wellness screening for cats should include bloodwork [chemistry panel, complete blood count (CBC), thyroid level], and a urinalysis. The urinalysis is especially important in senior cats, as signs of kidney disease may appear in the urine long before the blood values change.” Blood pressure measurement is also an important screening test for cats with CKD (see below).
Ideally, cats 10 years of age and older should have biannual wellness exams.
When CKD Is Detected
If wellness screening reveals early signs of kidney disease, most veterinarians will recommend starting your cat on a kidney-friendly diet. This simple step helps lessen the work burden on the kidneys so the kidneys last longer and can help prevent the accumulation of phosphorus and other waste products in the blood, a sign of declining kidney function.
Prescription feline kidney diets are typically slightly lower in protein and contain lower amounts of phosphorus and sodium. They are usually supplemented with omega fatty acids and other antioxidants to boost cellular health and contain extra calories since weight loss is a big problem with CKD.
The reasons that prescription diets are beneficial to cats with CKD are not completely understood, but studies suggest that this type of dietary modification results in longer survival times for cats with CKD.
As kidney function declines, secondary issues may arise, many of which contribute to the progression of the disease (see sidebar). These secondary issues must be identified and addressed to keep your cat feeling well for as long as possible. Common CKD consequences include:
- Increased phosphorus in the blood
- Decreased potassium in the blood
- Anemia
- High blood pressure
- Dehydration
- Ulcers in the mouth and gastrointestinal (GI) tract
Your veterinarian will recommend regular physical examinations, lab work, and blood pressure measurements to help detect these problems in your cat. Specific treatments to address these secondary issues will be instituted if they arise.
As CKD progresses, toxins may accumulate in the bloodstream, making your cat feel sick. Human patients who reach this stage commonly undergo dialysis to flush toxins from the body. Because dialysis is not practical in the veterinary practice setting, subcutaneous fluid therapy is often used to help promote the flushing of accumulating toxins from your cat’s system.
Bottom Line
The importance of early detection of feline CKD cannot be overstated, and knowing the signs to watch for is crucial. With early detection, careful monitoring, and good care, cats with CKD can live high-quality lives for years. Follow your veterinarian’s advice regarding regular screening for this impactful feline disease.
