Chronic Kidney Disease In Cats: What's The Outlook For Your Pet?
Nobody wants to hear that they've been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition. It might not be curable, and you may have to resign yourself to the fact that you'll have to live with the condition and will have to carefully manage it. It's the same with your pet cat. Unmanaged chronic kidney disease in cats can rapidly spiral out of control with serious consequences for your beloved feline. So what are some of the signs of chronic kidney disease in cats? And what's the outlook for your pet?
Potential Symptoms of Kidney Problems
It can be difficult to pinpoint a kidney issue in cats, and your veterinarian will need to make a precise diagnosis. However, there are a number of signs that can indicate your pet cat is experiencing the onset of kidney disease. Excessive thirst and subsequently increased instances of urination can be a sign of a kidney problem. Your cat might begin to lose control of their bladder, too. Lethargy and a loss of appetite are also indicators of a kidney problem, along with vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms are not conclusively signs of chronic kidney disease, but certainly warrant a trip to the vet for further assessment.
Medical Assessment for Your Cat
Your vet will perform a number of tests to confirm chronic kidney disease. They will check your cat's blood and urine, looking for irregularities in protein and phosphorus levels. An x-ray might also be suggested to allow your vet to gauge any physical abnormalities in the kidneys. They might have noticeably increased or decreased in size depending on the precise nature of your cat's kidney disorder. Once chronic kidney disease has been confirmed, what sort of treatment will your cat require?
Living with Chronic Kidney Disease
Sadly, chronic kidney disease in cats cannot be cured. The condition can be managed, although it can ultimately shorten your cat's lifespan. The primary treatment is a strictly-controlled diet. A protein-restricted diet is beneficial, and while you can prepare such a diet yourself, your vet can also recommend a specific commercial brand of cat food. Regular checkups will become necessary so your vet can chart the progress of your cat's chronic kidney disease. In some cases, as your cat's kidney issues progress, their quality of life might become compromised to the point that your vet recommends euthanasia. However, this is not something that will need to be considered in the earlier stages of the condition.
If your cat has begun to exhibit the possible signs of a kidney disorder, it's important to visit your vet as soon as possible. Contact a veterinarian for more information.
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