An Ezine for cat owners that changes each time you visit

Tell your friends about CatNews.org

New Article - Photographing Your Elusive Feline

Free Cat and Kitten Content For Your Site

Important

Management of Kidney Failure in Cats

Your animal has just been diagnosed with kidney problems, and you may be overwhelmed by just what that means and what needs to be done to help him/her cope with the disease.

TERMINOLOGY

Kidney disease indicates some degree of kidney compromise; that is, the kidneys are not working at 100% capacity. This may be from an infection, from a toxin, from trauma, or from old age. The damage that is done may or may not be reversible.

Kidney failure indicates that the kidneys are in a state of deterioration; this may be mild, moderate or severe. While this is usually a progressive disease, the rate at which the kidneys fail varies greatly with the time at which the disease is diagnosed, how aggressive the treatment is, and how well the animal responds to treatment.

Either of the above can be acute; that is, the animal has normal kidney function one day and then because of a toxin or infection, the kidneys are suddenly compromised. Usually chronic kidney failure is a slow, insidious progression of the kidney's inability to keep up with the body's needs. The latter is more common in cats and dogs.

SIGNS OF KIDNEY DISEASE OR FAILURE

Often animals live with poorly functioning kidneys for some time before they show signs that are noticed by its owner. (NOTE: the signs of increased water consumption and urine output may occur with other diseases like hyperthyroidism and diabetes). Typical signs of the disease:

Drinking a lot of water

This may be just staying at the water bowl longer to drink or seeking new sources of water such as the toilet or a dripping faucet.

Urinating a lot

Despite frequent cleanings, the litter box is always full, or a previously housetrained pet has accidents in the house, or when the dog goes out, it urinates larger volumes.

Decreased appetite

As toxins accumulate in the body, the appetite drops off so the pet becomes more and more finicky.

Weight loss

This is the result of decreased appetite, but is often inappropriately attributed to old age.

Dehydration

Even though the pet is drinking a lot, they urinate dilute urine and become dehydrated.

Constipation

As the body needs more fluid, the colon becomes deprived of it. The stool dries out and the pet becomes constipated.

Bad breath

Bad teeth can also contribute, but as toxins build up in the body, they cause a bad odor from the mouth.

Oral/stomach ulcers

Acids build up in the stomach and irritate the inside lining; this may cause vomiting and/or digested blood to appear in the stool which then takes on a dark color.

DIAGNOSIS

Suspicion of kidney disease is based on the owner's observation and the veterinarian's physical exam findings and tests that can reveal the presence and severity of disease.

Bloodwork

An explanation of what these terms, along with the normal values, is shown below. (These values are based the interpretations of IDEXX, our outside laboratory. Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital's in-house values may be slightly different.)

BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): one of the kidney enzymes that is increased with kidney problems. This value can also be elevated with dehydration and recent ingestion of a high protein meal. Normal values for dogs are 7-27. Normal values for cats are 17-35.

Creatinine: a more sensitive test of kidney function; commonly increased with kidney problems. Normal values for dogs are 0.4-1.8. Normal values for cats are 0.8-2.3.

Hematocrit (Packed Cell Volume, or PCV): indicative of the amount of red blood cells in the body. These cells are produced by the bone marrow when it is stimulated by a hormone called erythropoietin, made by the kidneys. When the kidneys fail, they stop making this hormone. This results in anemia. Normal values for dogs are 37-55%. Normal values for cats are 24-45%.

Albumin: one type of protein that, with some types of kidney problems, can be lost in the urine (i.e. glomerular disease.) Low blood levels of this is detrimental to the animal. Normal values for dogs are 2.6-4.3. Normal values for cats are 2.4-4.1.

Cholesterol: a type of body fat commonly elevated in animals with kidney problems. Unlike humans, it does not result in hardening of the arteries. Normal values for dogs are 86-328. Normal values for cats are 42-170.

Potassium: low blood levels, especially in cats with kidney problems, are due to the potassium being lost in the urine. Normal values for dogs are 4.0-5.6. Normal values for cats are 3.9-5.3.

Bicarbonate: this is lowered because poorly functioning kidneys create an acidic state called metabolic acidosis. Normal values for dogs are 17-24. Normal values for cats are 17-24.

Phosphorus: this component of the blood is normally eliminated through the urine. Because of poorly functioning kidneys, blood phosphorus levels can become increased and can cause problems with the body's calcium levels. This causes the animal to have a poor appetite. Normal values for dogs are 2.1-6.3. Normal values for cats are 3.3-7.5.

Urinalysis: Analyzing the urine can be helpful to check the specific gravity (the animal's ability to concentrate its urine), the presence of protein (suggestive of glomerular disease), and the presence of infection of the kidneys or the bladder.

Blood Pressure: Animals with kidney failure will commonly have elevated blood pressures. Systemic hypertension affects other organs of the body such as the heart and eyes. With the latter, sudden bleeding into the retina and retinal detachments can occur, resulting in a sudden onset of blindness. Blood pressure can be measured by use of a pressure cuff. If it is increased, medication is started to bring down the blood pressure into a more acceptable range.

TREATMENT

Fluid Replacement

Probably the most important component to treatment of kidney failure, it is important to supplement your pet's fluids even though it appears that your animal is already drinking a lot because the urine they produce is dilute, so they are constantly in a dehydrated state. Additionally, poorly functioning kidneys allow toxins to accumulate in the body. Additional fluids have a flushing action to minimize the toxic levels.

Fluids can be given in 3 ways:

Orally: Making sure that fresh, clean water is always accessible to your pet is paramount. Other types of fluids can also be given, especially to cats that like clam juice, beef or chicken broth, or the water found in canned tuna. Milk is not advised, as it is not well tolerated. Additional water can be added to a pet's regular meal, either canned and/or dry.

Subcutaneously (under the skin, or SQ): fluids are administered by placing a needle connected to an administration set (venoset) to a bag of fluids (usually, a balanced isotonic solution such as lactated ringers, but sometimes saline) and allowing the fluids to slowly enter under the skin, forming a 'hump' that is slowly absorbed by the pet. Fluids usually need to be given every other day to every day.

This can be done in the hospital, or more conveniently at home, especially for animals that need it on an on-going basis, which is the case with pets with kidney failure. Owners can become adept at this after hospital staff demonstrate the technique and instruct the client.

Intravenously (in the vein, or IV): fluids are given directly into the vein after placement of a catheter in the pet's vein, that is then taped in place This can be done only in the hospital with careful monitoring by the staff. Administration of IV fluids may be needed initially if the blood values are elevated and your pet is sick (i.e. not eating; vomiting, dehydrated) or in an animal that has been well maintained in kidney failure and then suddenly decompensates.

Diet

When foods containing meat proteins are ingested, waste products are produced. While this poses no problem for healthy kidneys, ailing kidneys allow toxins to accumulate in the body. Because of this, a low protein diet is often recommended to ease the kidneys' work. For dogs and cats, commercial diets that are low in protein are Hill's Canine K/D and Feline C/D and Purina CNM - NF, respectively. Note - these are prescription foods and thus are only available through your veterinarian.

Not as low in protein, but lower than maintenance foods, are any senior formulation of a commercial brand food. Sometimes, an easily digestible source of protein that produces minimal toxins may be needed (i.e. cottage cheese or cooked egg), especially when protein is being lost in the urine.

Medication - usually in the form of tablets to manage the effects of kidney problems. These medications include:

Blood Pressure Medications: These include enalapril (Vasotec) or amlodipine (Norvasc) or benazapril (Lotensin) to bring down blood pressure. After starting on one of these, it is important to measure the animal's response to the medication to determine if the dosage is adequate. These medications are ongoing.

Renagel: given to bind with the phosphorus that becomes excessively high with the poorly functioning kidneys. This medication may or may not be needed long term.

Antibiotics: these may occasionally be needed for treatment of kidney problems, such as infection of the kidney (pyelonephritis) or of the bladder (cystitis).

Calcitriol (Rocaltrol): this is a vitamin D analogue that helps maintain normal calcium and phosphorus balances in the body. It is often given in the food in small amounts daily. Correct dosage is important as an overdose can be detrimental to your pet. This drug is usually given on an ongoing basis.

Antacids: these act to decrease stomach acidity and decrease the occurrence of ulcers, resulting in bloody vomitus or stool. These over-the-counter drugs, such as cimetidine (Tagamet) or famotidine (Pepcid AC), can be obtained at any drugstore.

Procrit (Epogen): this hormone, normally made by the kidneys, is often lacking in patients with kidney problems. It is given as an injection under the skin, usually by the owners at home after an in-hospital demonstration. It is initially given 3 times a week for 1-2 weeks, then tapered to 2 times a week for 1-2 weeks, then one time a week for maintenance.

The rate at which the frequency is tapered depends on the animal's response, as measured by weekly monitoring of the PCV or packed cell volume. Once the PCV is at the desired level and holding, the PCV should be measured on a regular basis.

It is a safe medication; however, occasionally an animal may form antibodies against the Procrit. The antibodies destroy the animal's own red blood cells, thereby worsening the anemia. Or, in some cases, animals may respond too well and make too many red blood cells. Because of cost, this treatment is usually recommended only for cats or small dogs. This medication can be obtained from your veterinarian.

PROGNOSIS

The outcome of your pet's health depends on a variety of factors, such as what type of disease it has acquired, how severe the disease is, at what stage medical intervention was started, the aggressiveness of the treatment, and how well your pet responds.

As with many diseases, the sooner the illness is detected and steps initiated to reverse the damage or slow down its progression, the better the prognosis. It is important to work closely with your veterinarian to help your pet. Rechecks on a regular basis are important to monitor your pet's health. Its weight, blood and urine values and blood pressure levels are evaluated to determine the need for changes in therapy.

If you have any problems or questions regarding this disease, don't hesitate to ask your veterinarian.

The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.

About the author:

Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital and its cat-only affiliate, Coastal Cat Clinic, are small animal practices located in Pacifica, California. To find a veterinarian or to learn more about the vet clinic and our staff, visit:[http://lindamarvet.com/]

Buy this Photographic Print at AllPosters.com

New Article - The Temperament of cats Also see : Reduce Hair From Your Shedding Cat The best way, of course, is frequent brushing. Your cat may even enjoy this! My own cat loves to be brushed and purrs away rubbing up against the brush to be sure I get his favorite areas. A Common Cat Litter Box Problem - Feline UTI Cat litter box problems stem from a variety of sources. One of the most common causes is a feline Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Cats tolerate pain pretty well. As a matter of fact, we can be fooled that kitty is feeling fine because she's eating

Buy this Photographic Print at AllPosters.com

Recently added articles How to Use a Cat to Attract a Woman Attention to all desperate men out there. Are you having trouble attracting women in your sexual life? Then go buy a cat! Cats are known to be extremely smart animals. They are known to drive all the negative energy away, they are very clean, sensitive, independent and of course they can help you impress most women. Tips on Getting Your Cat to Eat Cat owners are very familiar with the "fussy-eater" syndrome that most cats have. Many worry that their cat will become malnourished or just be constantly hungry all the time. There are several reasons why cats will not eat what's put before them. Here are a few tips on how to get your "fussy-eater" to try their food. Cat History And Cat Classification Of Domestic Cats Scientists classify living organisms into different kingdoms, family, and orders to study more about them. Although, most people do not get into such details, but certain individuals who love cats, will definitely want to know the scientific classification of cats. Blindness in Cats - Five Common Causes of Feline Blindness Cats naturally have superior vision. However, there are various conditions that can cause blindness in cats. Some of these conditions include hypertension, glaucoma, and cancer. Let's take a look at some of these causes of feline blindness. The Importance of Potassium With Older Felines As your cat ages, they will encounter numerous changes over time that will eventually lead to a failure of their organs and internal systems – this is a fact of life. However, it is possible to prolong their longevity by paying attention to the special needs that of older felines and by providing your cat with those elements that they will benefit from as they grow older. New Article - Abused Cats New Article - Floppy Cat Also see : Picking a Veterinarian For Your Cat Or Dog Dog and cat caregivers know their pet needs a doctor just like every other member of their family does. So it's vital then to make sure you've a veterinarian already lined up should problems occur in the future with your cat or dog.

Buy at AllPosters.com

Also see : How To Prevent Cat Urine Odor Damage In Rental Property: Feline owners who are renters can face challenges every time they move from one rental to another. Their cat may have the best cat litter box habits in the world, but if the new apartment has cat urine damage from the previous tenant, the cycle starts again

Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com

New Article - I'll Take My Cat Do You Have A Blog? Kitten articles for your blog Also see : Korean scientists clone red fluorescent cats Korean scientists have cloned cats possessing red fluorescence protein (RFP) that can be used to treat human genetic diseases How To Know What Your Cat Wants When It Talks To You - Cat Communication Explained: Many people think cats are asocial, but in fact they are very social animals. They bond with other cats in their house or neighborhood, their owners, even other pets like dogs and birds. They communicate to each other and us a variety of ways.

Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com

Pet Loss: Should You Clone Your Cat? Also see : Cat Door Training: Are you tired of listening to the cat is meowing up a storm or scratching up the door to get in. Let us look at some simple solutions to this problem. Let us take a look at some of the training aids to help train your cat to alert you to Training Your Cat To Use The Toilet You can train your cat to use the toilet. By doing this it will save you time and money. There will be little or no mess. Once the cat has been trained to go into the toilet, you will be able to eliminate the cat litter

Support Your Local Cat Adoption Programs

New Article - Behavior Training for your stubborn Cat


New Article - Home remedies for cats & other pets: Remedy for broken bones


New Article - How To Keep Your Cat Healthy - Cat Feeding Explained

Cat Watching

Getting Ready for the Newborn Kittens

Caring for your cat during pregnancy may require a lot of time and effort in your part but it is a very wonderful and rewarding experience. But after the kittens are already born, you will need to do a different task and that is to take care of the newborn kittens. These kittens will need special kind of attention and care and you must make sure that you could provide it to them.

One good way to start is to prepare your home for the arrival of the newborn kittens. Kittens tend to play with, chew, or nibble anything that attracts their interest like plants, cords, and other materials. You should remove the things that could be harmful to the newborn kittens like anything that could poison them or hurt them. Electrical cords must be kept out of reach. Look for anything sharp and pointed and remove them from the area immediately. Deal with anything that could strangle your kitten like ropes, ribbons, and cords to provide a safer place for your kittens.

You might also want to save your curtains and drapes from kitten scratches so it would be advisable to tie them up so your kittens will not be able to reach them. Make sure that the cabinet for your cleaning liquids are out of your kittens’ reach. Most of these cleaning liquids are poisonous and you wouldn't want your kitty to play with them to prevent any kind of accident.

Another good preparation that you should not forget is to shop for things that your kitten will need. You will have to shop for foods that are suitable for newborn kittens. You should opt for foods that could give your kittens the kind of nutrition they need for growth. The food should also be easily digestible by kittens to prevent any troubles with their tummy.

You should also get them the things they need like their own bowls, kitty basket or bed, blanket, litter box, and toys. This is to ensure that your kittens will be comfortable and that they will have a good playing time. You should provide them with warm and comfortable place or area to sleep in. When choosing toys for your little kittens, make sure that they are safe and will not put the safety of your kittens at risk.

Lastly, you must make sure that your kittens are healthy. After birth, you could have a vet take a look at them to check them up for any illness and to give them vaccines that they need. If your vet saw some signs and symptoms that suggest illness, your kitten might be subjected to some tests and examinations. This is to ensure that they will grow healthy and will reduce the risk of getting sick. These things will help prepare you and your home for the arrival of your cat’s newborn kittens. You will not have to get worried about their safety inside your home and you can be sure that you will able to provide them with anything they need for them to grow happy and healthy.

About the Author
Shaun Bradley
My name is Shaun Bradley and I am an avid Cat Lover/Owner. I have had cats ever since I can remember. Now I have just two cats named Sylvia and Goldie. They are great pets and fairly simple to take care of as long as you know some easy cat training tips. Visit my website for more information http://www.trainingyourcats.com


New Article - Cat Litter Box Health Concerns You Need To Know:

---

Can Cat Lovers Ever Love Dogs?

Cat Health Articles

Is your cat sick? Find out why.

More Cat, kitten, cat litter, free content, Articles

Dealing With Cats And Their Claws
Cats are intuitive with claws, the same way the humans are intuitive with fingernails and toe nails. Cats necessary claws to assess or scrape an exact place or territory that they have been in. Humans hardship identify nails to, score themselves or others, or for break a letter envelop. Cats chiefly stretch their supple bodies to prepare their muscles when they dig their claws totally into wood perhaps or a hierarchy, and then they injure back from their stick. Scratching is a vital physiological penury of cats.

Tell a friend:

Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com




New Article - About Your Cats Tongue

---

Cat and Kitten Picture Video Gallery

New Article - Cat Chat: How Cats Communicate


New Article - How to Make your Cat Urinate in the Litter Box




New Article - Feral Cats Can Make Good Pets


New Article - All About Traveling With Cats


New Article - How to Solve Litter box Problems in Multi-cat Homes


New Article - New Recipes Transform Canned Cat Food


New Article - How to Control the Smell From the Litter Box

Cat Shelters in San Antonio

San Antonio Pet Scene


New Article - Are You Abusing Your Cat?

Newest Cat and Kitten Articles

Cats are intrigued by water
Cats: everybody knows how much they dislike getting their fur wet. Yet, many people that own a cat can claim that they have often found their kitty with its paws inside their water bowl or playing with the water dripping from a faucet. As odd as it is, many cats love water, they are attracted to it and many spend hours just playing with it.

Sporotrichosis in cats
Sporotrichosis (fungal infection) is very common here and it can be a potentially serious fungal infection that can infect cats, dogs, or people. The risk of people contracting this disease from infected cats, the seriousness of this disease should never be underestimated and veterinarians or owners may often overlook Sporotrichosis as a potential cause of the symptoms.

Why Does My Cat Do Strange Things?
Cats are very interesting animals. They have certain behavioral habits which, although confusing to their owners, have explanatory reasons. One such act is purring. People wonder why their pets purr - does it just mean they are happy or is there more to it than that?

Are These Five Killers Chasing Your Cat?
As a cat owner, your first responsibility is to keep your pet healthy. However, even with balanced nutrition and a good amount of love and attention, cats can still get sick. Learn about the most common ailments that affect cats so you can try to prevent them or cure them quickly with the proper medical care when you first spot the symptoms

Cat Allergy - What Can I Do, I Love Cats:
According to a recent report, between six and ten million people (that’s approximately two percent of the population!) in the United States are allergic to cats or exhibit symptoms of cat allergy. However, people often misunderstand these symptoms. Majority believe that cat allergy are caused by allergens from the fur or cat dander (scales of the skin), when, in fact, most of the potent allergens come mainly from saliva and sweat

How To Have A Happy Cat:
Do you like to learn about new and interesting things? If so, this article will be right up your alley! A healthy animal makes for a happy cat. If you are a cat owner and you want to make your cat happy

Pumpkin, The Halloween Cat
The neighbor's car pulled into my driveway. She got out holding a stranger in her arms. "I found this cat in my yard. Is he yours?" "No." "Oh. I thought he was." "Well, he's not."




Shelter Cats Make Great Companions

Other Crazy Stuff

An Engineer's Guide to Cats

Worlds First Bio-engineered Pet

See The Gen Pets

Yemengzhu - The 3 billion dollar rock

Yemengzhu - The 3 Billion Dollar Rock
What weighs 6.2 tons and is worth more then 3.1 billion dollars? Are your guessing a new high tech battleship or maybe a new stealth fighter? Well it's a big ball of glow in the dark fluorite. Thats right a rock!
read more

Get help with your cat's health

Red fluorescent cats

Red fluorescent cats: This picture, taken through a special filter in a dark room, shows a cat, left, possessing a red fluorescent protein that makes the animal glow in the dark when exposed to ultraviolet rays, appearing next to a normal cloned cat.

Pet Classifieds Free Pet Classifieds

Our Awards

Meet My Cats

I am a slave to 8 cats

Rare Picture Of All My Cats

Trouble, Patches, and Sweetie Pie enjoying a sunny San Antonio Day. (What a life!)


Cassidy and Snowflake Same mom different litters - Rescued from a feral colony in San Antonio


Cassidy was born with a club foot and two different color eyes


Cassidy runs and plays just like her normal sisters


Sarafena - Queen of the Witches


Cookie Monster came from a local flea market


Trouble (Grand Ma) weighs in at 18+ pounds. At 12 years old she still plays with the young cats.


Starvin Marvin - AKA "Whizzer" - Our only Tom. Marvin Has FHIV but is healthy and living high on the hog.