The fact that far too many cats suffer from kidney illness may be the most significant fact to be aware of. According to Dr. Celeste Clements, research indicates that renal illness affects one in three cats. Cats can develop renal illness for a variety of underlying causes, and what’s worse is that it might be hard to detect. Most cats don’t exhibit overt symptoms of renal illness until the condition is quite severe. Even then, slight weight loss, frequent urination, and increased water consumption are some of the early signs of renal disease in cats that are easy to overlook.
There are two main categories of kidney illness in cats:
Cats with chronic renal disease
Cats with severe renal damage
Given the prevalence of renal illness in cats and the importance of early detection, if you see your cat urinating on the floor, soaking the litter box, or otherwise being constantly thirsty, you should take him or her to the vet. However, by the time these symptoms appear, there has frequently been significant renal damage. Fortunately, recent developments in veterinary medicine are making it simpler to identify renal illness in cats earlier—even when no symptoms are visible.
What causes feline renal disease?
Cat kidney illness is notoriously difficult to diagnose early and can be fatal for our feline pets. Generally speaking, kidney disease (sometimes referred to as “kidney failure”) occurs when your cat’s kidneys are not functioning as effectively as they should. Once done, this damage is typically irreversible and can result in a number of problems. It’s a good idea for any cat parent to educate themselves as much as possible about the disease.
A list of the top ten prevalent causes of renal disease is provided below. These are the conditions that your veterinarian will test for.
1. Pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidney tissues
Your veterinarian will be on the lookout for kidney illnesses that may have a better prognosis, such as infections of kidney tissues with bacteria or, rarely, fungal species. In order to treat pyelonephritis, we must eradicate the germs that trigger the harmful inflammation. This should slow the evolution of any chronic kidney illness or speed up the healing process following acute kidney damage. The infection can be confirmed and the most effective antibiotic can be determined by performing a bacterial urine culture and susceptibility test.
2. Nephrolithiasis, or kidney stones
Kidney stones may result from a persistent bacterial infection. Illnesses or genetics that change the properties of the blood or urine. Nephroliths (kidney stones) don’t seem to bother cats too much, but this could change if they obstruct the kidney or its collecting ducts or if they help spread an infection.
3. Hydronephrosis and kidney blockage (ureteral obstruction)
The ureter, a long, narrow tube that joins each kidney to the urinary bladder, can become fragmented and carry kidney stones that are conveyed in urine. They are presumably uncomfortable as they pass through, and if they become stuck in the ureter and partially or completely clog it, what will happen to the kidney? This is a serious problem. New urine cannot easily leave the kidney and backs up3. Hydronephrosis and kidney blockage (ureteral obstruction)
The ureter, a long, narrow tube that joins each kidney to the urinary bladder, can become fragmented and carry kidney stones that are conveyed in urine. They are presumably uncomfortable as they pass through, and if they become stuck in the ureter and partially or completely clog it, what will happen to the kidney? This is a serious problem. The kidneys enlarge as a result of new urine backing up in the kidney since it can’t leave it quickly. When under adequate strain, the kidneys expand and suffer injury (hydronephrosis). It could be fatal if both ureters block simultaneously.
4. Poisons
Not simply antifreeze, but many household substances, can be harmful to the kidneys. True lilies’ petals, leaves, pollen, and even the water in their vases, when nibbled, licked, or chewed by cats, can result in serious kidney damage. One flower delivery in particular should be declined. Aspirin and other NSAIDs, as well as prescription drugs, are examples of common over-the-counter (OTC) medications that might harm the kidneys. Keep all medications in cat-proof containers since even cats that are known to be picky eaters will still devour drugs they find on the counter or floor. Additionally, please talk to your vet before using ANY drugs. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible if you have any reason to suspect that your cat has been poisoned. You can reach out to:
Pet Poison Helpline ( 855) 764-7661 ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435
5. Tubulointerstitial disease, which results in renal tubule damage.
Chronic kidney disease is frequently brought on by inflammation and injury to the tissues supporting the renal tubules. There is frequently no known cause and, as a result, no available alternative for a certain course of action. Only a microscopic study of kidney biopsy material may confirm this form of kidney illness; however, biopsies are not typically advised.
6. Kidney filter damage (glomerular illness)
In feline kidney disease, the glomerulus of the kidney, which is responsible for renal filtration, may be affected. We don’t anticipate any symptoms from this ailment, but since glomerular disease can be brought on by cancer, FIP/FeLV, or other illnesses, time can exacerbate the issues. Chronic kidney disease, which makes your cat ill, is caused by inflammation in the glomerulus of the kidney, which damages the surrounding renal tissues over time.
7. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
This severe inflammatory condition, which affects both domestic and wild cats, frequently targets the kidneys. Some cats, particularly kittens, get fevers and effusions (fluid accumulation in the chest or belly) and quickly deteriorate. Older cats with noneffusive (dry) FIP typically have fuzzier symptoms of illness. When you feel large, lumpy, and rough kidneys (the inflammatory cells may be distorting the outer layers of the kidney), Your veterinarian may become concerned about the potential of FIP.
8. Cancer
Thankfully, kidney cancer in cats is not very frequent. Unfortunately, there aren’t many available treatments for kidney cancer. If the cancer is benign or has not progressed to other parts of the body (including the opposite kidney), solitary tumors that affect only one kidney can be surgically removed with a satisfactory outcome. For your cat to operate normally, only one healthy kidney is required. Surgery won’t be an option for a cure if the cancer is more widespread. A biopsy or small needle sample must be examined under a microscope to get an accurate cancer diagnosis and choose the best course of treatment.
9. An issue with proteins (amyloidosis)
Amyloidosis patients experience functional loss in a number of organs, including the kidneys, when protein deposits take the place of healthy tissue. It is a rare side effect of chronic inflammation affecting other body parts, or in some breeds, like the Abyssinian, Siamese, or Oriental shorthair, it may be genetically preprogrammed. The prognosis is poor because amyloid deposits cannot be removed and functional renal tissue that has been lost cannot be restored.
10. Heritable
The Abyssinian and Persian breeds are widely known carriers of familial renal disease, and it is now being discovered in additional exotic breeds. Though it may not result in illness until later in life, the structural abnormalities it creates are irreversible. Numerous labs provide DNA tests in order to help responsible breeders avoid breeding sick cats with polycystic kidney disease. Early on, polycystic kidneys begin to generate a significant number of little or big grape-shaped cysts filled with fluid, but the kidneys often make up for this until later in life. Amyloidosis in cats can manifest as a renal illness in young or old cats; therefore, the onset can vary.
I hope you find helpful information here. Our feline friends need the best care we can provide for them. The more knowledge we have, the better we can care for them, and the longer they will be around to love us!