Chronic Renal Failure in Cats

Overview and Facts

Causes

• Causes of Chronic Renal Failure in Cats
There are a number of contributing factors which can result in chronic renal failure, but by far the number one cause of chronic renal failure in cats is age. The majority of these cases are diagnosed in cats over 7 years of age. Some older cats develop this condition as a natural process of aging, and other cats develop the condition as they age due to genetics.

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Symptoms and Types

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Chronic Renal Failure
The main symptoms of chronic renal failure are a result of the cat’s body attempting to compensate for the failure of the kidneys, and to flush toxins out of the body. A drastic increase in how much water the cat drinks, and as a result increased urination, is normally one of the first symptoms a pet owner notices when their cat is suffering from chronic renal failure.

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Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing Chronic Renal Failure
Blood tests and urinalysis can help to identify CRF in cats at an early stage. This is why most veterinarians recommend a yearly screening blood and urinalysis test for cats 7 years and older. The two main items that are measured during the blood tests are blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine.

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Treatment and Care

Treatment

• Treating Chronic Renal Failure
The most effective treatment for chronic renal failure is aggressive fluid therapy. As the cat’s kidneys are no longer functioning properly, it is vitally important that waste products accumulating in the body be flushed out. Fluid therapy is normally administered initially by I.V. and then through a sub-cutaneous route.

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