Kidney Disease in Cats

Kwyji is one of our feline fighters! He was diagnosed in January 2017 with kidney failure.

The early indications of failing kidneys (chronic renal or kidney failure) include a marked increase in water consumption and in urination, weight loss, decreased appetite, and in some cases, occasional vomiting. If these signs are observed, the owner should have the cat seen by their veterinarian immediately.  Typically these signs are seen in an older patient (greater than 10 years of age). 

When you take your cat into the veterinarian, the doctor will perform a physical exam and a blood test to diagnose kidney disease.  Depending on the results, a treatment plan will be formed.  Kidneys remove toxins from the body, and when kidneys are not functioning properly, your cat will start to show the above the clinical signs. 
There is no cure for kidney disease, but there are several treatments that can be done to help control clinical signs and improve the quality of life.  We often treat our kidney failure cats with fluids under the skin, appetite stimulants, and a low protein diet.  Sometimes gastroprotectants will be used to help with nausea caused by the increased toxins in the body.  Each cat will respond differently to treatment depending on the stage of disease they are in at diagnosis and what is causing the disease.
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If you think your cat is showing signs of kidney disease, please call your veterinarian today to make an appointment.  The earlier treatment is started, the better your cat will feel and more can be done to suppress the disease into earlier stages.  Our mission is to provide high quality, compassionate veterinary care with a personal touch.  We strive to maintain a friendly and comfortable environment for pets and owners and are committed to building strong, respectful, and honest relationships with our clients.  Through teamwork, we are dedicated to ensuring the best care possible and treating pets as if they were our own.