What is Renal (Kidney) Disease?
Renal disease is a relatively common condition diagnosed in
geriatric animals. It is defined as the inability of the kidneys to
perform their normal functions such as excretion of protein waste
products and fluid regulation. The kidney cells lose function resulting
in improper blood levels of urea and creatinine. The imbalance of
urea makes the animal feel nauseated, lethargic and depressed.
Initially owners may notice their pet is losing weight and shows little
interest in eating. Other signs of kidney failure may include vomiting,
dehydration and constipation.
Diagnosing Renal Failure
To diagnose renal failure, the doctor will start with a comprehensive
physical exam. Next, samples of blood and urine are collected. The
pet's levels of urea (protein by-product) and creatinine in the blood
are compared to a range of normal levels. A urinalysis is completed
and the concentration level of the urine is measured. Elevated urea
and creatinine values along with dilute urine are consistent with
renal failure.
What happens next?
When a cat or dog is diagnosed with renal failure, a few
options may be considered:
Fluid Therapy
The goal of fluid therapy is to make the cat more comfortable
and slow the progression of the condition. By flushing out the kidneys,
it lessens the symptoms of renal failure. Cats begin to eat more
regularly and show more energy.
Renal failure patients need their body weight, lab tests and overall
condition re-evaluated every two to four months.
More information:
http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/kf.html
http://www.felinecrf.com/
Renal disease is a relatively common condition diagnosed in
geriatric animals. It is defined as the inability of the kidneys to
perform their normal functions such as excretion of protein waste
products and fluid regulation. The kidney cells lose function resulting
in improper blood levels of urea and creatinine. The imbalance of
urea makes the animal feel nauseated, lethargic and depressed.
Initially owners may notice their pet is losing weight and shows little
interest in eating. Other signs of kidney failure may include vomiting,
dehydration and constipation.
Diagnosing Renal Failure
To diagnose renal failure, the doctor will start with a comprehensive
physical exam. Next, samples of blood and urine are collected. The
pet's levels of urea (protein by-product) and creatinine in the blood
are compared to a range of normal levels. A urinalysis is completed
and the concentration level of the urine is measured. Elevated urea
and creatinine values along with dilute urine are consistent with
renal failure.
What happens next?
When a cat or dog is diagnosed with renal failure, a few
options may be considered:
- For cats: begin fluid therapy to rehydrate the animal and
flush out the kidneys to restore the proper balance of urea and
creatinine. - For dogs and cats: start your pet on a prescription diet that
has less protein to decrease the kidney work load. - Clients have the right to decline any treatment, and may take
the pet home or elect euthanasia.
Fluid Therapy
The goal of fluid therapy is to make the cat more comfortable
and slow the progression of the condition. By flushing out the kidneys,
it lessens the symptoms of renal failure. Cats begin to eat more
regularly and show more energy.
Renal failure patients need their body weight, lab tests and overall
condition re-evaluated every two to four months.
More information:
http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/kf.html
http://www.felinecrf.com/
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accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this one
do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their veterinarian
before acting on it
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this one
do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their veterinarian
before acting on it