Extremely common in older cats, CRF is a serious condition evidenced by gradual, irreversible deterioration of kidney function over a period of months or years.
The kidney consists of tiny funnel-shaped tubes called nephrons, which filter and reabsorb the fluids that balance the body. When an individual nephron is damaged by any cause, (aging, poison, infection, etc.) it stops functioning. Fortunately the kidney can still function with as few as twenty-five percent of its original nephrons, as other nephrons can grow larger to "fill in the blanks." Kidney failure occurs when the remaining functioning nephrons drop below 25%. Kidney failure creates several body disfunctions: Toxins, such as urea and creatinine which normally are secreted as waste, build up in the blood. Other components in blood, such as phosporus or sodium may rise or fall abnormally. Urine may contain protein which is not handled well by failing kidneys.
CRF is diagnosed by a blood panel, which measures levels of critical blood components such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and a red blood cell count. Analysis of urine will test for protein, bacteria, and blood, as well as how well the kidneys are concentrating urine.
- Warning Signs:
- Weight loss
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Obvious difficulty in urinating
- Dull or ill-kept coat
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Treatment:
- Subcutaneous hydration (Sub-Q)
Severely affected cats may have to be hospitalized for rehydration, however most people can learn to admister Sub-Q at home. - Diet
Your veterinarian may prescribe a low protein diet, low phosphorus based on your cat's overall health, but don't attempt to do this on your own. - Medication
Depending on related problems, such as hypertension or anemia, your veterinary may prescribe a number of different medications. Epogen shots may be given, or oral medication for cleaning the blood of toxins released by the kidneys. - Appetite stimulants
If anorexia is a problem, your veterinarian may prescribe these, although cats often start eating again once they are sufficiently hydrated. You may even use "forced feeding" with high quality canned food mixed with water or other fluids, administered with a small syringe, if weight loss is severe. - Kidney transplant
This is probably not an option for an elderly cat, and is quite expensive (currently $4,000-$5,000).
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is common in senior cats, and is caused by an enlarged thyroid gland and the subsequent increase in the amount of thyroid hormones produced. The treatment of hyperthyroidism is complicated by the fact that the disease often is accompanied by one or more other diseases of the kidneys or heart.
The disease is diagnosed through a combination of a complete health examinationn, blood chemistry panel and a thyroid hormone level (T4).
- Warning Signs:
- Weight loss
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increased appetite (sometimes decreased appetite)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hyperactivity
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Treatment and Management:
- Medications
This is often the treatment of choice for cats with known kidney disease in order to maintain their remaining kidney function. The down side is that the medication is a lifetime necessity. - Radioactive iodine treatments
Although relatively expensive, this method of treatment is usually preferred to surgery because it avoids the necessity of anesthesia. - Removal of the thyroid by surgery
As with radioactive iodine, this method provides a cure, but is not suggested for cats with kidney disease.
Feline Hypertension
Hypertension (high blood pressure) in cats is almost always associated with either kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or certain heart diseases. Although hypertension was uncommon in cats at one time, since cats are living longer today, it is seen more frequently, and sometimes results in blindness or heart disease. Feline blood pressure can now be monitored with a device called a Doppler. Obviously, cats with kidney disease or hyperthyroidism should be monitored regularly.
- Warning Signs:
- Rapid heart rate or murmur
- Dilated pupils that do not respond to light
- Sudden blindness
- Testing indicated for any cat with kidney disease or hyperthyroidism
- Treatment and Management:
- Medications
The underlying condition will be of prime importance in the prescription of medication. - Diet
A low sodium diet might be prescribed by your veterinarian
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