Cat Kidney Disease. Your cat’s kidneys filter and remove toxic waste products from the cat’s blood via the urine. They also regulate calcium and vitamin D levels, maintain your cat’s level of hydration, and secrete the hormone responsible for red blood cell production. Acute kidney disease occurs suddenly and is rare in cats but, with prompt recognition and treatment, it is generally reversible. Chronic kidney disease occurs as the kidneys deteriorate slowly over a cat’s lifetime. This is the most common situation and is called chronic renal (or kidney) disease (CRD). CRD is not reversible, and signs generally don’t occur until 80 percent of feline kidney function is lost.
Causes of Cat Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease – A variety of chronic conditions causing exaggerated abnormal allergic type and/or immune reactions can result in chronic cat kidney disease.
- Chronic Dental Disease
- Chronic bacterial and viral infections
- Chronic skin allergies
- IBD and hormonal disorders like Diabetes
- Blood pressure too high or too low
- Dehydration
- Trauma
- Improper diet, excess phosphorus, and protein
© Dr. Carol’s Tip:
Dr. Carol believes that long-term excessive urination and excessive drinking in felines are the most common initial signs of chronic cat kidney disease.
What you and your Vet can do for Cat Kidney Disease
Diagnostics
- Routine lab tests (blood, urine) don’t reveal CRD until 75 to 80 percent of your cat’s kidney function is lost.
- X-rays and ultrasound allow visualization of the kidneys
- A biopsy confirms the exact diagnosis. Local anesthesia and ultrasound are used to aid removal of a tiny piece of liver tissue and/or cells which are examined under the microscope.
- Fluid therapy to correct dehydration is the single most important factor in treatment. Without normal kidney function toxins, like Ammonia, normally eliminated in the urine build up in the blood and cause serious damage like vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, anemia, heart problems, and dementia. Fluids given under the skin or through a catheter (tube) inserted into a vein. Some owners learn to give fluids at home.
- Dialysis machines that filter toxins from the blood and kidney transplants are available in extreme cases.
- Special diets with restricted levels of protein and phosphorus reduce the toxic waste load on the kidneys.
- Calcitrol is a form of activated Vitamin D, (a hormone) that helps prevent progression of kidney disease. It is given by mouth daily and is excellent.
- Ambodipine (Norvasc R) safely reduces blood pressure when necessary to prevent Hypertension.
- Tumil-K is a potassium source which is often low in these cats due to lack of appetite. Appetite stimulants may be needed.
Complementary Therapy for Cat Kidney Disease
Vitamins
- B Vitamins and Iron help combat Anemia which is often present in cats with CRD. This is because the kidneys normally make a hormone called Erythropoietin, that stimulates red blood cell production but with long term kidney disease the kidneys no longer signal the bone marrow to produce Erythropoietin.
- Vitamin B Complex – 5 milligrams daily
- Vitamin C powder – 250 mg 3 times per day
- Vitamin E – 400 Iu (international units) once a week
- Vitamin A – 10,000 Iu (international units) once a week
- Glandular – beef kidney – available at grocery stores – cats enjoy this
Herbal Remedies for Cat Kidney Disease
- Kombu broth – seaweed rich in minerals and low in sodium
- Parsley tea – 1 Tsp herb taken internally is high in minerals, Vitamins A, B, C and Potassium.
- Horsetail Grass infusion
- Hornbeam is a Bach Flower Remedy used for cold, weak cats – 3 drops daily
Dr. Carol Osborne is an author and world-renowned integrative veterinarian of twenty-plus years. After graduating from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Carol completed a prestigious internship at the Columbus Zoo. Shortly afterward, she launched a very successful private practice and became the founder and director of the non-profit organization, the American Pet Institute. Dr. Carol offers traditional veterinary care for dogs and cats with a softer, natural touch. Her approach highlights the importance of nutrition and utilizing holistic avenues in combination with traditional treatments. Currently, she offers holistic therapies and traditional veterinary medical care for dogs and cats at the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.