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An Owner's Guide to Kidney Failure in Cats
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by: Russell
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Word Count: 375
The kidneys are responsible for producing hormones, controlling blood pressure, and removing waste products. Kidney or renal failure in cats occurs when damage is done to the organs. This can occur suddenly or progress over time.
Causes
Numerous things can cause your cat's kidneys to fail. Age is one of the most common as kidney function will naturally decline as your cat gets older. Certain infections can also lead to this condition. Other causes include ingestion of antifreeze and some medications like antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Symptoms
The kidneys can keep functioning even after suffering 70% damage. This means that kidney failure in cats won't produce symptoms until the condition is already well-advanced. Two of the most common signs of this disease include increased thirst and increased urination. Your cat may also develop constipation, vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite, and general weakness.
Diagnosis
Numerous tests need to be done in order to diagnose renal failure in cats accurately. Urine and blood samples are analyzed to measure kidney function. These samples can also be used to detect an infection that may be causing problems. A kidney biopsy can detect how advanced the condition is.
Treatment
Unlike the liver, the kidneys aren't able to regenerate. Therefore, any damage caused is irreversible. Treatment of kidney failure in cats isn't designed to provide a cure. Instead, the aim is to help your cat live as comfortably as possible.
When diagnosed with this condition, your cat will likely be placed on a special diet. This involves decreasing intake of protein and salt. Your cat may also need to take medication to control hypertension, or high blood pressure. The kidneys are also responsible for producing hormones to maintain a proper level of red blood cells. Therefore, your cat may need medication to combat anemia also.
Renal failure is a very serious condition. However, there are many other conditions that can affect your cat like feline <a href="http://www.cat-illnesses.com/feline-congestive-heart-failure/">congestive heart failure</a>. You should be knowledgeable about these various conditions so you can get your cat treated quickly if he's affected. Luckily, cat-illnesses.com provides just what you need. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of <a href="http://www.cat-illnesses.com/">cat illnesses</a>.
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