Feline Chronic Renal Disease

When Cheryl Hobbs noticed that her cat, Jonesy, had become far less active than she used to be and was losing weight, she took Jonesy to the veterinarian right away. Blood and urine tests indicated that Jonesy was in the early stages of chronic renal disease (CRD). The recommended therapy included switching to a low-protein diet and encouraging the cat to drink more water. By the follow-up visit a month later, Jonesy had noticeably improved. Now, 6 months later, the difference is amazing. “She is like a kitten again,” Cheryl says.

When a kidney is healthy, it excretes a large amount of toxins in a relatively small amount of water. A kidney in CRD loses the ability to properly rid the body of toxins. Consequently, a cat with the condition usually drinks greater and greater amounts of water in an effort to provide the kidneys with enough fluid to perform their job. Eventually, however, the cat cannot keep up with the failing kidneys’ needs, and toxin levels begin to rise.

At this point, other symptoms besides excessive thirst begin to be noticeable. These symptoms may include excessive urination, a loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss, listlessness, nausea, or vomiting. Although these are the most common signs of CRD, they also are fairly generic signs that can be attributed to a number of different causes. If your cat begins to exhibit any of the above signs, it is essential that you visit your veterinarian for examination and testing.

A COMPLETE WORKUP
If CRD is caught early, treatment is much more effective. Cheryl fortunately noticed the warning signs of Jonesy’s distress early. However, many cats tend to hide signs of disease, and often feline CRD is not evident until two-thirds or more of kidney function has been lost. As a result, it is best to check for CRD when your cat is middle aged. By 7 years of age or so, your veterinarian will usually begin screening for the disease. You can play a proactive role by closely watching for signs of CRD.

Vigilance is critical for catching this progressive condition early. As with many diseases, early detection improves the prognosis for the cat.

WHAT CAUSES CRD?
Age, environment, genetics, and disease are all potential contributing factors to CRD. Possible causes include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, low levels of potassium, certain infections, acidified diets, and dental disease. This condition affects cats far more often than it does dogs.

WHAT CAN I DO?
The good news is that, with early diagnosis along with proper treatment, cats with CRD can live for years. Probably the most important place to start is the diet. Low-protein diets available through your veterinarian’s office have been proven to extend the lifespan of cats with CRD, according to Dr. Josie Thompson, a veterinarian at Civic Feline Clinic in Walnut Creek, California.

Another key element to treating CRD is making sure your cat stays well hydrated. Affected cats must have unrestricted access to fresh water.

Dr. Chris Adin, a veterinarian at Veterinary Specialists of Rochester in Rochester, New York, points out that changing to a canned, low-protein food actually helps increase fluids as well. “Canned food is about 70% water and adds much-needed fluids to your cat’s diet,” he notes.

In addition to these dietary changes, supplements might have a positive effect on your cat. Ask your veterinarian what he or she recommends.

ADVANCES IN CARE
Some relatively recent advances in CRD care, such as improved feeding options, dialysis, and even kidney transplantation, are available to cats. These choices can extend the length of time—and enhance the quality of life—owners and their cats have together. As Dr. Adin points out, “For people who want to pursue them, options exist for treating cats with CRD that can help your cat live longer and enjoy a better quality of life.”

“She is like a kitten again,” Cheryl says.

WHAT PRECAUTIONS CAN I TAKE?

Although there is no surefire way to prevent CRD, you can still take several precautions by:

• Providing ample access to fresh drinking water
• Asking your veterinarian if a special diet or a supplement is appropriate
• Beginning baseline lab work and annual screening when your cat is as young as 2 years of age and following up with regular physical and dental exams