Vet3

Vet On Call

Dr. Jean C. Hofve, DVM

Kidney Disease in Older Cats

Jean C. Hofve, DVM
Copyright © 1997, Jean C. Hofve, DVM, All Rights Reserved

Kidney disease, in the form of chronic renal failure, is a common problem in older cats. I have seen kidney failure in cats as young as 4 years, but more frequently in much older cats. The most noticeable symptom is an increase in water consumption and urination ("drink-a-lot, pee-a-lot syndrome"). A blood test should be done if you notice these symptoms, as there are several conditions that can cause this. The increase in drinking and urinating is due to loss of the kidney's ability to concentrate the urine. The kidneys have a very large reserve capacity, and symptoms of failure are not seen until approximately 75% of kidney tissue is nonfunctional. In my experience, kidney failure is the most common cause of death in older cats.

Chronic renal failure is progressive and incurable. No conventional or alternative medical treatment can reverse its course, since the disease involves the loss of kidney cells and replacement by scar tissue. The rate of progression in any individual cat probably cannot be slowed to any significant degree. When the process is advanced, the kidneys become small and lumpy, and the amount of functional tissue is greatly limited. The most significant problems caused by the loss of function are build-up of blood toxins, and anemia. These can cause weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and other signs of illness.

Some cats are able to maintain their body weight and live relatively comfortable lives for months to years, while others succumb to the disease more quickly. In conventional medicine, there are drugs that can minimize anemia, and phosphate binders to prevent phosphorus precipitates from further damaging the kidneys. These may not be palatable, and may cause adverse reactions. It may also be important in some cases to supplement potassium in the food. Some of the best and simplest treatments include:

1. DIET. You may have heard that restricting protein is recommended for cats in kidney failure. However, according to Dr. Martin Fettman at Colorado State University's veterinary teaching hospital, restricted protein has no effect on the progression of renal disease, and only questionable effects on symptoms. Some studies have suggested that excessive restriction of protein may actually cause further damage to the kidneys and other organs, because there is not enough protein for normal body maintenance and repair. Furthermore, there is one big problem with using the protein-restricted commercial diets: many cats don't like them, and won't eat them. Obviously, it does little good to offer a special diet if the cat is going to starve to death! Dr. Fettman emphasizes that it is much more important to feed the cat what it likes and will eat, and maintain body condition, than to be over-concerned about protein content.

It is important to feed a high-moisture diet to help keep the cat hydrated; do not feed only dry food. The best thing you can do is feed a home-prepared diet; but only if the cat will eat it! There are several good books on home cooking for animals. One of the best is Dr. Pitcairn's Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, by Richard and Susan Pitcairn. They discuss why a diet made from fresh, raw foods is important, and provide recipes, including a special recipe specifically designed for animals with kidney disease.

2. SPECIAL NUTRITION. We have found that a nutritional supplement called "Renafood," from Standard Process, helps to maximize kidney function in cats. Give one-two a day. Most cats eat them readily if they are crushed into the food.

3. SUPPLEMENTAL FLUIDS. We can give subcutaneous fluids here, or teach you how to give them at home. This is the least intrusive and most beneficial treatment you can give your cat. Cats in chronic renal failure drink a lot of water, but they cannot drink enough to compensate for the loss of water through the kidneys. Subcutaneous fluids are a good way to help keep the toxins flushed out of the bloodstream and make the cat feel much better. If the cat is sick or not eating, it may be necessary to hospitalize it for a few days for intravenous fluid therapy, followed by subcutaneous fluids at home as needed.

4. HOLISTIC VETERINARY CARE. While no treatment can create new kidney cells when scar tissue has already formed, homeopathy, herbs, flower essences, or acupuncture may be able to help your cat feel better.

Direct questions to: jhofve@earthlink.net

May not be reprinted without permission.