Chronic Kidney Disease

It is estimated that over 50% of house cats 10 years of age and older suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as chronic renal failure or chronic renal disease. Chronic renal failure develops over a period of months or years, and renal function often stabilizes for weeks or months at a time. There is a wide range of symptoms associated with this disease which can be minimized with supportive treatment.

Symptoms

Kitties with kidney disease may:
  • be lethargic
  • appear unkempt (greasy fur, not groomed, etc)
  • experience gradual weight loss
  • be nauseous
  • have a decreased appetite
  • vomit
  • experience muscle wasting
  • urinate frequently and in great quantities
  • have pale gums from anemia
  • be dehydrated
  • have blood in their urine

Kitties with hypothyroid, hypertension, diabetes, and hypokalemia are at higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

Diagnosis

If we suspect your foster may have chronic kidney disease, we will set you up with an appointment with one of our partner vet clinics. A blood test is the best way of determining if your foster cat has chronic kidney disease, and if so, what stage they are at. Once we have a diagnosis, we can appropriately treat your cat to ensure they are comfortable.

Treatment

There is no cure to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD); however, if managed proactively, felines with kidney disease can lead comfortable, long lives. Treatment of kidney failure in cats includes fluid therapy, a diet high in excellent-quality protein with reduced levels of sodium and phosphorous, and dietary supplements. Each stage of CKD has its own treatment plan; therefore, it is important you contact us right away if you notice any drastic change in your foster’s behaviour, as this can mean the progression of the disease.

Stages

Stage
Description
Stage I
Kidney Function: This stage means that your foster’s kidneys are still functioning somewhere between 33-99%. The kidneys are adequately filtering out toxins and waste products, but some changes should be made to slow the progression of the disease.
Symptoms: There are not typically any clinical signs of kidney disease at this stage
Possible Treatment: increased water intake (consider using a water fountain for the feline and adding more water to food), and a diet rich in moisture
Prognosis: Most cats with Stage I CKD have several years until progressing to Stage II
Stage II
Kidney Function: This stage means that your foster’s kidney’s function is somewhere between 25-33%. The kidneys are adequately filtering out toxins and waste products, but they are starting to struggle.
Symptoms: increased water intake, increased urine output
Possible Treatment: Aventi KP powder, and a diet rich in moisture
Prognosis: Cats with Stage II CKD may have several months to several years until progressing to Stage III
Stage III
Kidney Function: This stage means that your foster’s kidney’s function is somewhere between 15-25%. The kidneys are no longer able to adequately filter out all of the toxins and waste products of the body
Symptoms: increased water intake, increased urine output, nausea (lack of appetite, vomiting)
Possible Treatment: Aventi KP powder, Aventi KS powder, a diet rich in moisture, subcutaneous fluids, anti-nausea medication, appetite stimulants
Prognosis: Cats with Stage III CKD may have several months to 3-4 years until progressing to Stage IV
Stage IV
Kidney Function: This stage means that your foster’s kidney’s function is at less than 15%
Symptoms: extreme nausea, lack of appetite, lethargy (lack of energy)
Possible Treatment: supportive care to increase cat’s quality of life, or in extreme cases, vet hospitalization for IV-fluids
Prognosis: often not more than several months