Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Blood tests and urinal-
ysis results will not indicate
that kidney function is
compromised until more
than 50 percent function is
lost. In fact, they may not
show abnormal results
until more than two-thirds
of kidney function has
been affected.
The most common
parameters for assessing
kidney function are blood
levels of BUN and creati-
nine, and urine-specific
gravity. BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen, a breakdown product of
protein metabolism. Creatinine is another type of nitrogenous waste
product. Both build up to abnormal levels when the kidneys aren't work-
ing. Urine-specific gravity relates to the concentrating ability of the kid-
neys. Cats typically have very concentrated urine, meaning it has low
water content. In cats with kidney disease, the urine-specific gravity drops
because the urine becomes dilute and too much water leaves the body.
Cats with kidney disease tend to become dehydrated. A skin turgor
test is a simple procedure that cat owners can do at home to check on
their cat's hydration. If neck skin is pinched up and does not fall back
into place within a second or two, the cat is significantly dehydrated. In
this situation, injectable fluid supplementation is probably needed.
DEADLY ANTIFREEZE
Antifreeze is a potent toxin when
ingested by cats. A chemical in
antifreeze, ethylene glycol, irre-
versibly destroys kidney cells. If
you have any reason to suspect
your cat has licked even the tiniest
bit of antifreeze, get him to a
veterinarian immediately. If treat-
ment is not started within four
hours of ingestion, the prognosis
is very poor.
Kidney Infection
Pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis are terms used to describe
infection and inflammation involving different cells within the kidneys.
Because the kidneys filter all of the body's blood, any infectious agent
in the blood is transported to the kidneys.
The clinical signs of pyelonephritis are the same as other types of
kidney disease, but fever and pain on palpation of the kidneys may be
present.White blood cells can also be present in the urine.
Young adult cats are most often affected with glomerulonephritis,
although it is not a common disease. It can present itself in two ways:
nephrotic syndrome and renal failure. In nephrotic syndrome cats develop
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