Shadow, the 16 year old grey cat, wasn’t doing well. She seemed weak all the time, rarely hungry, yet was constantly at her water bowl. By the time we saw her, she was so dehydrated that it took 3 days of hospitalization and IV fluids to restore her to a state of normal hydration. We diagnosed her with chronic renal failure (CRF), and though she isn’t cured, she is doing better, and has a good quality of life.

CRF is a common problem in all cat breeds. The digestion of food produces waste products, which are carried by the blood to the kidneys to be filtered and excreted in the form of urine. When the kidneys fail, they are no longer able to remove these waste products, and toxins build up in the blood producing clinical signs of kidney disease (excessive drinking and urinating, sometimes noted at more frequent trips to the litter box, lethargy, vomiting, halitosis, poor appetite, and weight loss). CRF can be caused by several different conditions, such as:

• Toxins

• Poor blood flow and/or lack of oxygen (ischemia)

• Inflammatory disease

• Infections

• Cancer

• Immune system abnormalities

Diagnostic tests are needed to recognize CRF and exclude other diseases. These tests may include blood tests such as a biochemistry analysis and a complete blood count (CBC), a urinalysis, and abdominal x-rays.

Although there is no cure, early detection and treatment can slow the progression of the disease. Treatments may include:

• Fluid therapy for dehydrated pets

• Management of blood abnormalities such as elevated or decreased potassium levels.

• Dietary therapy with protein and phosphorous restriction

• Free access to filtered water

• Control of vomiting with diet and drug therapy

• Management of anemia (as CRF can cause there to be a shortage of red blood cells)

Shadow may not be “fixed”, but with the care that she’s received, she feels better, and will hopefully continue to have a good life for months or even years to come. If you suspect that your feline friend may have CRF, call us right away.

Till next time, Dr. Steve, 703-729-0700, www.ashburnanimals.com

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