Mary Allen
One in three cats over the age of 15 will develop CKD. Early treatment can ensure that the cat is well for a long time to come.
A progressive loss of function of the kidneys over a long period is referred to as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Older cats in particular are affected. It is also one of the leading causes of death. The disease begins insidiously, which is why it is often overlooked in the early stages. Unfortunately, a cure is not possible. However, early therapy can slow the progression of CKD.
How does CKD develop?
CKD can be caused by any kidney damage, for example by an ascending urinary tract infection or a congenital defect. The kidneys do not fail immediately, but slowly lose function over a long period. Piece by piece, the small filter units in the kidneys, the nephrons, are irreparably destroyed. Because the kidneys have an incredible number of nephrons – around 190,000 in a cat – they can initially compensate for the loss. However, if around two-thirds of the small filter units are affected, the kidneys can no longer fulfill their function adequately. The urine becomes less concentrated and the blood slowly accumulates waste and toxins that are normally excreted in the urine. In the further course, larger particles such as proteins can get into the urine,
How do I know the cat might have CKD?
Does a cat drink more and need to pee more often and in larger quantities? These could be the first visible signs of kidney disease. Many cats with CKD also lose their appetite and lose weight. The fur looks dull and fuzzy. As the disease progresses, waste products in the blood can cause the cat to vomit or appear weak and listless. The breath often smells unpleasant.
At what age are preventive medical check-ups beneficial?
An annual preventive check-up at the veterinary practice should be on the schedule for cats of all ages. By looking, feeling, and listening closely, the veterinarian can detect diseases at an early stage. To track down kidney damage, a urine and blood sample must be examined in the laboratory. This is recommended annually for cats over the age of seven. In the case of very old or sick animals, six-monthly examinations can also be useful.
Can you prevent severe kidney damage in cats?
What influence does food have on the development of CKD? For example, too much phosphate or too little potassium could increase the risk of CKD. Special senior food with a low protein content does not seem to have a positive effect. It has also been proven that it probably makes no difference whether a cat is fed dry or wet food. In any case, she must drink enough: Clean water should always be available. It is also worth paying attention to oral health: dental problems can lead to kidney damage if left untreated.
Algemene vrae
What’s bad for a cat’s kidneys?
Kidney insufficiency is life-threatening because the function of the kidneys is severely reduced or, in the worst case, completely fails. There is an accumulation of toxins in the body, which cause further damage there. Untreated renal failure is often fatal.
What causes kidney failure in cats?
Accumulation of toxic substances in the kidney tissue. poor renal blood flow (ischemia) diseases of the immune system (e.g. feline infectious peritonitis = FIP) infectious diseases.
How do cats have kidney problems?
Frequent drinking, frequent urination, loss of appetite, weight loss, dehydration, vomiting, a dull, unkempt coat, or weakness.
How to prevent kidney problems in cats?
It is also important that your cat always has access to fresh drinking water and drinks it regularly. Because too little fluid means that the kidneys have to work hard to produce urine.
Which meat for cats with kidney disease?
Die vleis moet hoofsaaklik spiervleis met hoë vetinhoud wees. Gans- of eendvleis, vetterige beesvleis (primêr rib, kopvleis, syrib), of gekookte of geroosterde varkvleis is goed hier geskik. Olierige vis soos salm of makriel sal een keer per week doen.
What should a cat with kidney disease not eat?
Important: It is better not to feed too much meat – it contains a particularly large number of proteins, which the body of your cat with kidney disease can no longer handle so well. Also, be careful not to feed too many carbohydrates, but instead focus on healthy fats.
Should cats with kidney disease drink a lot?
It provides all the vitamins that the animal with kidney disease needs. These are mainly water-soluble vitamins (e.g. B vitamins and vitamin C), which a cat with kidney disease excretes in the urine. Also, make sure that your cat always has enough fresh drinking water available.
Hoe kan jy nierwaardes by katte verbeter?
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of chronic kidney failure. The cat should be on a special kidney diet for the rest of its life. Special kidney diet food contains less protein than standard food, but the protein is of better quality.