Kidney (or renal) disease is a condition that occurs quite commonly in cats. This is a condition in which the kidneys are not functioning properly. Healthy kidneys work to remove toxins, maintain a normal electrolyte balance, release hormones needed to produce red blood cells, and regulate hydration. So, it’s vital to keep this organ in good health because it’s heavily related to your pet’s overall well-being. If kidney function is decreased significantly, this results in kidney (renal) failure, which may be reversible or permanent based on underlying causes.  

In many veterinary practices, renal disease is diagnosed daily (so you’re not alone if your pet has been diagnosed). This disease could be a side effect of the following, but not limited to a pet’s long-term prescription medications, acute injury or toxin ingestion, congenital defects present from birth, or age-related changes to the kidneys.  

Depending on the cause and severity of kidney failure, the progression may be slow or very acute and may require urgent veterinary care and/or hospitalization. Some causes of kidney failure may be successfully treated, and the kidney function can improve—while other causes may not be curable, but can often be managed to slow progression of disease and improve quality of life with proper and routine veterinary care. This is where the importance of lab work comes in. So, let’s learn more about the role that prescreening plays in your pet’s overall treatment.  

By monitoring renal levels with blood and urine testing and conducting physical exams and diagnostic testing—we can identify kidney changes more quickly. This helps to keep our pets healthier for longer and begin treatment much sooner. The goal is to check consistently and catch illness early. With Thrive Plus membership, you can save on the services needed to support this. 

Senior pets are prone to some types of renal compromise as they age. Annual prescreening lab work is recommended for all pets ages seven and up. This captures a snapshot of kidney function and helps to establish a baseline. Once parameters are set, we can monitor and compare these levels and values annually to highlight progression of renal changes in advance. And then we can start to develop health recommendations, such as supplements and diet changes to slow the progression of renal disease. Renal disease cannot be cured, but we can assist in slowing its progression. Kidney transplants are not an ideal option for most pet owners and their pets. So, let’s do what we can by scheduling annual blood and urine tests to ensure that your pet’s health continues to be a priority. We believe that these wonderful pets that offer us all the joy in the world deserve the same level of attention and care that we would want for our own health needs. And this care and attention begins with knowledge from and partnership with your vet. 

 Dehydration is a common cause of kidney failure in cats, but there are other potential reasons the kidneys could be failing. Other causes include the ingestion of:   

If your pet is suffering from kidney failure, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms. If so, please seek medical support from your nearest vet:   

This condition is serious and the prognosis for pets suffering from kidney failure can be poor, but it can also vary greatly. If detected early and treated aggressively, some cats can recover from kidney failure. Your vet can provide you with an accurate prognosis for your pet's recovery, following complete examinations and testing. They will show you an estimate of treatment costs and help guide you through the most appropriate approach to treatment for your pet.   

The idea is that with consistent prescreening lab work, your pet’s health can be closely monitored, and any signs of illness can be treated sooner than later. Learning the signs of kidney failure is vital so that you can seek support for your cat when and if needed. This can help immensely in the effectiveness of their treatment and offer you peace of mind that your pet’s health is being tracked steadily.  

Our shared hope is to see your pet thrive—every day of their life. So, we recommend partnering with professionals that can help make that hope a reality. Talk with your vet and book an appointment at a clinic near you.  

 

If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, please call or visit your local emergency veterinarian immediately.