Introduction
Chronic renal failure in cats is a condition in which the kidneys have deteriorated and begin to fail. The main function of the kidneys is to balance the fluids in the body by removing waste products from the blood; additional functions of the kidneys include regulating blood pressure, breaking down glucose, and assisting with the production of red blood cells. When a cat is suffering from chronic renal failure, the body is unable to filter waste products; often the body also loses the ability to maintain blood pressure, break down glucose sugars, and produce red blood cells.
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. Additional symptoms include lethargy, a reduced appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and bad breath. In severe cases the blood pressure is affected, and in cases of chronic renal failure and high blood pressure the cat may go blind.
When chronic renal failure occurs, the kidneys have begun a slow decline over a long period of time. Unfortunately symptoms of chronic renal failure do not begin to appear until the kidneys are already severely damaged. While chronic renal failure can be treated it cannot be cured. As this disease is most often diagnosed in cats over 7, a yearly blood test that measures kidney function is recommended in adult and senior cats. An early diagnosis of chronic renal failure can help prevent further damage to the kidneys through progressive treatments.