Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
watched are potassium and phosphorus. Cats with kidney dysfunction
tend to have insufficient levels of potassium but an overabundance of
phosphorus. Potassium supplements and phosphate binding agents can
be used to create the right balance. Some veterinarians treat cats with
kidney disease with a drug called calcitriol, to control phosphate and
calcium levels.
Cats suffering from chronic kidney disease can become anemic
because their kidneys stop producing enough erythropoietin, a hor-
mone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells.
Erythropoietin can be supplemented by injection if the red blood cell
count gets too low, and this is another treatment owners can learn to
perform.
Some cats with kidney disease become anorexic and can be helped
with appetite stimulants, anabolic steroids and by hand-feeding. If there is
concern of nausea or upset stomach, oral antacids can be used.Antibiotic
treatment may be required if infection is a secondary problem.
Kidney transplants are available for cats.The surgery is performed at
a few specialty clinics and universities around the country. It is an
expensive procedure with risks of organ rejection, but a successful
transplant may buy a cat a few more years of life.
Is the Clock Ticking?
Even if a cat is being well maintained on fluid therapy and other treat-
ments, kidney disease will invariably progress past a treatable stage. Cats
with kidney disease should be monitored at least every six months.
Cats in end-stage renal disease continue to lose weight, are unable
to maintain hydration even with fluid supplementation and even devel-
op sores in their mouths. It is difficult to know how painful this is to a
cat, but there is no doubt that they are nauseous, weak and very uncom-
fortable. Euthanasia needs to be considered at this point.
