KIDNEY PROBLEMS IN CATS

KIDNEY PROBLEMS IN CATS

The kidneys cleanse the blood of harmful substances and help to remove nitrogen. If a cat has problems with the kidneys, this should be treated as soon as possible.

Acute kidney failure is a real emergency and must be treated immediately by a veterinarian. The cat produces a reduced amount of urine, usually followed by extreme thirst. They suffer from pain in the stomach and lower spine, and dark urine, sometimes containing blood. Usually their overall well-being is severely impaired and the animals are apathetic and/or no longer eat. This dramatic condition can occur as a result of an accident with high loss of blood, after serious infections, and also after poisoning with heavy metals, antifreeze or medication.  

Firstly, emergency veterinary care with infusions and diuretic drugs is essential, followed by treatment of the underlying disease, if necessary with antibiotic therapy lasting several weeks.

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN CATS

Diseases of the internal organs are not uncommon in cats, especially in older animals. Of particular importance are the organs that are central to the metabolism, such as the kidneys. As the main excretory organ, they are responsible for the daily production of urine. One of the main functions is the formation of concentrated urine. If the kidneys are chronically damaged, they can no longer fully perform their two most important functions, namely urinary concentration and the discharge of substances via the urine. Cats then suffer from a chronic failure of the kidneys (insufficiency). It is one of the most common causes of death in older cats.

SYMPTOMS AND RISKS

Since the urine can no longer be concentrated sufficiently, cats urinate more. With cats you have to observe things a little more closely: Larger clumps of litter, several smaller clumps or more frequent visits to the litter tray are the first signs. Cats are usually more thirsty than normal, in other words, they drink more water. The problem with chronic kidney disease is that it is progressive, i.e. the destruction of kidney tissue cannot be stopped. Because the urinary substances, which are toxic in the body of the animal, are no longer excreted, the animal basically poisons itself. In such cases the affected animals are visibly very ill. They are not hungry, they sleep a lot, are prone to vomiting and diarrhoea and lose weight. You should always consult a veterinarian if your pet displays these signs of illness.