FOUNDATION FOR FELINE RENAL RESEARCH

Hyperthyroidism Can Mask Feline Chronic Kidney Disease.

3/16/2021

Updated March 21, 2023.

Do you know that hyperthyroidism can mask Feline Chronic Kidney Disease in cats? Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid glands produce an excess of thyroid hormone. Signs of thyroid disease can vary, but among the most common are weight loss coupled with increased appetite.

So how does hyperthyroidism mask Feline Chronic Kidney Disease? An excess of thyroid hormone causes an unhealthy and unsustainable increase in metabolic activity, which can increases the rate at which the kidneys filter toxins, thereby making them appear to be functioning better than their true condition would allow.

Additionally, weight loss associated with hyperthyroidism can cause a decrease in blood creatinine level. Creatinine is a normal byproduct of muscle activity, and is normally removed from the body by the kidneys. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, they will have a reduced ability to remove creatinine from the body via urine, and it will build up in the blood; that's why blood creatinine level is used as indicator of kidney disease. If muscle is lost due a disease such as hyperthyroidism then, because there is less muscle mass, less creatinine is produced. Therefore, blood creatinine levels could be falsely low (i.e.: closer to normal) than they would be if muscle mass were normal, thereby giving the impression that the kidneys are functioning better than they really are.

Managing Feline CKD and hyperthyroidism together can be challenging--work closely with your vet, and learn more about co-management of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease and hyperthyroidism:

Hyperthyroidism in Cats -- by Washington State University;
AAFP Guidelines for Management of Feline Hyperthyroidism --Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery;
Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats With Hyperthyroidism --Clinician's Brief (subscription required).

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What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

3/21/2020

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Information re-verified on March 27, 2023.

Those of us who have cared for feline family members with Chronic Kidney Disease or other illnesses know that it can be difficult to administer medications to cats. A compounding pharmacy may be able to help make the process easier.

Compounding is the process of tailoring medications for an individual patient. This can be especially useful because some drugs prescribed for cats and other companion animals may be readily commercially available only in a formulation that's intended primarily for humans. (Note: NEVER, NEVER give your non-human animals any drugs, especially human drugs, unless your vet specifically instructs you to do so—the results could prove fatal.) There are several ways in which compounding can be helpful. For example:

Avoiding Toxicity: Even if the active ingredients of of a medication are beneficial to your cat, the readily available human version could contain additives, such as xylitol, which are designed to make it more palatable to humans, but are unsafe for some non-human animals. A compounding pharmacist may be able to create a formulation without harmful additives.

Palatabilty: Readily available formulations may have flavorings, such as cherry or bubble gum, that are intended to appeal to humans. A compounding pharmacist may be able to create your prescription using the flavor of chicken, fish, etc., to appeal to your companion.

Dosing accuracy: It may difficult to create a proper dose of readily available human medication for non-human animals. For instance, if a commercially available human drug is only available in tablet form, it can be difficult to accurately cut that pill into the very small pieces required for a small animal. (Tablets often crush and crumble during cutting, which affects the dose.) A compounding pharmacist may be able to make pills in a tiny size that doesn’t require cutting.

Dosing form: Some drugs can be compounded in different forms and still be effective. For example if, despite your best efforts your cat can’t tolerate liquid medication, it’s possible that the active ingredient can be compounded into a pill or powder. If your cat refuses pills, a liquid or topical gel version of the drug may be a possibility.

And, on a related note, if you have trouble administering medicine to your cat, talk to your vet and your pharmacist about ways to make it easier. For instance it may be difficult to administer a liquid medication into your cat's mouth with a syringe but, if absorption of the medication is not affected by food, adding the meds to food may make the experience more tolerable.

Compounding of medication is not without risks, and must be done in coordination with your vet. It requires special training and facilities, and is governed by regional regulations. But done properly, it can offer great benefits.

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What is Renal Tech?

3/3/2020

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Information re-verified on March 8, 2021:

There is a new artificial intelligence/machine learning tool called Renal Tech* that may help predict whether or not a particular cat may develop Chronic Kidney Disease. Dr. Jonathan Elliott, whose Feline CKD genetics and inflammation research at The Royal Veterinary College we are proud to be supporting, is one of the developers of the test.

Essentially, Renal Tech is a computer program that compares your cat’s age and blood test results to those of thousands of other cats who have or have not been diagnosed with CKD. It applies a statistical analysis and, based on how your cat’s data compares to that of other cats, it tries to predict whether or not your cat will develop CKD. This tool is still at a very early stage, and how and under what circumstances it works is quite complex. (To see the original study publication in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, look here.)

Studies must now be carried out to discover the practical applications of this predictive testing; ie: how it can be utilized to improve a cats’ health and quality of life? If we have sound reason to believe that a cat will develop CKD in the future, what can be done to change course? We don’t have those answers yet, but every step we take towards a better understanding of Feline CKD brings us closer to solutions that can help cats live healthier, happier lives. We will be watching these developments closely, and will keep you up to date as information becomes available. Please ask your vet if Renal Tech is appropriate for your cat.
*Renal Tech is a Trademark of Antech.

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Don't Ignore Weight Loss in Your Cat.

3/9/2018

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Updated March 04, 2021:

Not only is weight loss a common sign of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease, but early research shows that it may actually be an early indicator of Feline CKD even in the absence of other signs or confirming test results.* This is a subject that merits further investigation. Be very alert to changes in your cat's weight, and consider weighing your cat at home once or twice a month, even if he/she has no other signs of illness. (It is best to weigh your cat at the same time of day each time, if possible.) The easiest way we've found is to get on a scale while holding your cat, then get on the scale alone, and record the difference in weight. Some people also report success in placing their cat on a baby scale to check their weight. If your cat is losing weight, it's time for a trip to the vet.

Also, please make sure that your vet checks and records your cat's weight at each yearly checkup (twice yearly for seniors). With diligence, trends can be spotted over time that may be helpful in detecting diseases, including Chronic Kidney Disease, earlier in your cat.

*For more information, please see the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine article:
Evaluation of Weight Loss Over Time in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
J Vet Intern Med. 2016 Sep-Oct; 30(5): 1661–1666.

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Meet Claudio!

10/24/2017

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Update: It is with great sadness that we must tell you that our friend Claudio passed away on March 5, 2018. He charmed all who knew him, and will always be remembered and loved. We are very grateful to Lesley-Ann and Claudio for sharing their story to help raise awareness of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease.

Claudio is a twenty year-old boy who enjoys sitting in the bath, having breakfast in bed, and playing with his toys. He also has Chronic Kidney Disease. His life story is inspiring—here’s what his Mom, Lesley-Ann, had to say about her “EXTRA-special” boy:

Claudio is an amazing character. I adopted him twenty years ago, when he was ten weeks old. He was a very sickly kitten and was less than half the weight of his siblings at birth. I fell in love with this tiny little black scrap of a kitten and his two much sturdier brothers. Their rescuer said the little black kitten was not up for adoption because he was so ill. He was not gaining weight, and was not expected to survive. I agreed that I would adopt his two brothers, but repeatedly asked if I could adopt him too. Even if he was not going to live for long I felt it would be better for him to be with his brothers than in a crowded rescue centre. I didn’t sleep all night--I couldn’t stop thinking about the three beautiful kittens I had fallen in love with, and I knew it wouldn’t be right to separate them. Even after speaking with the rescue centre vet who, again, warned me that the little black kitten was unlikely to survive, I still insisted that, for however long he survived, he would be better off with his brothers and me. Eventually they relented and agreed I could adopt all three kittens.

Kitten Claudy!

When I collected Claudio, he weighed less than 500g (1.1 pounds), had discharge coming from both eyes and looked a poor wee soul. I drove from the rescue centre straight to my vet’s office. When my wonderful vet, Mike, saw Claudio, he shook his head and sighed. Claudio and his brothers spent the night at his office. When I went in the next day, Mike was laughing--apparently the little black kitten had caused a commotion the night before by squeezing out through the door of the “pen”, and was discovered by the nurse boldly walking like a tightrope walker along the tiny ledge on the outside of the pen in the cat ward! He had made his mark already--everybody at the vet’s office was in love with this gorgeous, brave, tiny ball of black fluff. What he lacked in size he made up for in character!

Mike said he wasn’t sure what the little one’s chances were, but that together we would all do our best for him, and time would tell. That night I decided to call him Claudio, after Claudio Chiappucci, a brilliant Tour de France cyclist who was small in stature, but renowned for having the heart of a lion and never, ever giving up. A good name for my little fighter, I thought.

The days turned into weeks and the weeks to months. Claudio was sick a lot, and often had diarrhea, but we persevered. With special food and medicine, and a lot of determination from Claudio, he gradually managed to keep food down and began to gain weight. His eyes cleared up and he began to look healthier and stronger. We had turned the corner-- it looked like this little one intended to stay for a while.

Claudio loves to have a drink in the bath!

Somehow 20 years have passed. Following his tough start in life, Claudio became an incredibly energetic and charismatic little cat, and was never ill until February, 2014. I noticed that his appetite was poor, and that he was a bit lethargic. The vet ran blood tests and diagnosed him with Chronic Kidney Disease. Claudio takes blood pressure medication daily, has regular blood tests to monitor his kidney function, is weighed regularly, and is on a renal diet. He drinks more than he used to, and persuading him to eat is challenging; I actively encourage him to eat several times a day. He is served both wet and dry food, and goes through periods where he refuses his food. Warming his wet food just a bit, or putting a little bit of a cat treat on his dry food sometimes helps. I have many different brands of food, and when Claudio decides to stop eating his usual variety, I try a different one--I just don’t give up until I find a combination he likes.

Claudio has spent every day assuming the world is a wonderful place and that every person and animal he encounters is going to love him, and he’s right-- they do. I sadly lost both of his bigger, stronger brothers, aged eleven and twelve. Claudio has also shared me with six other cats over the years. Every new arrival has hissed at him and he has ignored their hissing and just rubbed his head up against them in welcome. My vet describes Claudio as the glue that holds the family together. All my other cats have adored him; you never find Claudio alone--there is always another cat cuddled in with him or playing with him.

On his twentieth birthday my vet put a photo of Claudio on the vet practice Facebook page with the caption “ Happy Birthday Claudio! An amazing cat--quite unique--he loves everyone, fears nothing and will probably never grow up! Keep it up Claudio!” That about sums him up. Every day is an adventure –-he has been a total joy every day of the 20 years we have shared. He still behaves like a kitten. Everybody who meets him is totally charmed by him. He is a joy. There will never be another quite like him. All cats are special, but my Claudio is EXTRA special.❤

We are very grateful to Lesley-Ann and Claudio for sharing their story to help raise awareness of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease.

"Good actions give strength to ourselves, and inspire good actions in others."
-Plato

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Are You Prepared to Help Your Animals Survive a Natural Disaster?

9/8/2017

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Natural Disasters are unpredictable--you can never be entirely sure what will happen. If you evacuate, you may not know where you will end up, or for how long you will be away from home. Of course, it goes without saying that, if it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your companion animals; if you evacuate, take all family members with you. It is best to have an evacuation plan in place in advance, just in case a disaster strikes. If you do need to evacuate, here are some things you should bring with you to help keep your animals as safe and comfortable as possible:

1. Food and water to last for seven days.
2. Medications to last for one month.
3. Sturdy, escape-proof carriers and leashes. Bring a collapsable, pop-up kennel too, if possible.
4. Copies of all medical records, including vaccination* records.
5. Written information containing specific instructions* regarding your animals' specific care needs, with special attention to medication regimens.
6. Identification--be sure that your microchip contact info in the microchip database and the info on your animals' collar tags is up to date.
7. Pictures of your animals, and, if possible, pictures of you with them (if you are separated, these can help prove that they are your family members).
8. For cats, a makeshift litter box (small cardboard trays from cases of canned cat food work well).
9. For cats, litter to last seven days.
10. Small bags to dispose of waste and soiled litter.
11. A favorite blanket and favorite toys. Bring a favorite bed, if possible.
12. First aid kit (speak to your vet about what to include, and never administer medication to your animals without a vet's approval).

Additionally, please fill your gas tank, and keep enough cash on your person to last for several days. After a disaster, there may be power outages that cause a failure of gas pumps, ATMS, and/or credit/debit card merchant kiosks.

When you return home there may be dangerous debris scattered about, both inside and outside your home. There could also be downed power lines, and standing water that is unsanitary due to sewage, chemical, or other contamination. The environment may smell and look different, which can be frightening to animals. Do a thorough inspection of the inside of your home prior to allowing your animals to roam the house. And, even if you normally let your animals roam free outside (which we DO NOT recommend), please keep them indoors, or take them outside only on a leash under your very careful supervision.

* Keep your animal's vaccination records up to date--if you find yourselves in a shelter, or need to board your animals, you may be required to show proof of vaccination. And, if your animals need to be boarded, specific information about your animals' care requirements will be invaluable to their caretakers.

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We care passionately about animal welfare issues, and about feline kidney disease in particular, but please understand that we are not veterinarians, and are not qualified to provide veterinary medical advice. If you have a companion animal suffering from kidney disease it is imperative that you consult with a licensed veterinarian, who is qualified to provide you with medical advice and care that meets your animal’s particular health needs.

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Meet Moby!

8/28/2017

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Moby is a very sweet, special cat. He has Chronic Kidney Disease (IRIS Stage 3) as well as diabetes and arthritis, but he never lets that get him down! Here’s what Moby’s Mom, Marcie, has to say about her wonderful boy:

“Moby has a laid-back and mellow spirit like I’ve never seen in another kitty. He’s about 15 years old, and he became part of our family 12 years ago. When he was adopted, he immediately made it known that he wanted to be an active and social member of our little family. Since his adoption day, he has brought my husband, my dog Ginger, and me loads of unconditional love. He plays his little cat-games of ‘Catch Me’ or ‘Pet Me Forever Because You Love It and I Do Too.’ His sweetness, gentleness and patience calm me like no other--he is truly my heart animal.

In February, 2016, we noticed that Moby (who was a stable diabetic), was drinking more than normal, and had stopped grooming. Moby’s vet diagnosed him with kidney disease—I received the call while on jury duty, and almost had to ask the judge to excuse me because I was crying so much.

Moby was already on insulin for his diabetes—now subcutaneous fluids were added to his daily routine. My husband and I have both learned how to administer fluids on our own. In his typical sweet, patient fashion, Moby sits nicely for his daily 5 minute fluid sessions. He gets treats, and is petted and fawned over during his sessions, and has actually come to look forward to them.

Kidney Disease in cats is so much more common than I ever knew, and so many people are in situations similar to ours. When I meet a cat guardian who is caring for a cat with CKD, we connect immediately and it’s a nice feeling to talk to someone who has a similar kitty lifestyle. And people are very understanding of Moby’s needs: Although not every pet sitter can administer fluids, we are lucky to have neighbors who have experienced this with their cat, and are willing to help out. Also, my family always welcomes Moby when we visit, and accommodates him with his own quiet room. And FFRR has been so kind, understanding and supportive--they are invaluable! Any time I have a question about anything cat-health related, they assist me by hearing my concerns, and providing valuable information to help us get Moby the assistance and veterinary expertise he needs. All of this is very helpful in providing Moby with the best care, and insuring that, in spite of his medical issues he gets to participate in the family activities he enjoys.”

We are very thankful to Moby and Marcie for sharing their story to help raise awareness of Feline CKD.

March 1, 2019: It is with great sadness that we must tell you that our friend Moby has passed away. We will always remember him--he will be greatly missed, and forever loved.

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." –Winston Churchill

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What is the SDMA Test? Can it help detect Kidney Disease earlier?

4/27/2017

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Information re-verified on March 8, 2021
Updated on March 6, 2020.

You may have heard about a relatively new test that may be able to detect Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) earlier than conventional tests in cats and dogs. The test measures the blood levels of a substance called Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA), a byproduct which results from the enzymatic breakdown of certain proteins. SDMA is normally removed from the bloodstream by healthy kidneys. The feedback we've received from veterinarians who are leaders in the field of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease research is that SDMA measurement still needs more validation work, but that it may be a very useful diagnostic tool when utilized in addition to creatinine measurement, especially in older cats that are losing muscle mass.* One concern regarding the SDMA test is that it may appear to perform better than creatinine, but that it actually may perform very similarly depending on the "cut points" i.e.: the points where normal versus abnormal are defined. But the test is showing enough promise that The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) updated it's guidelines in late 2016 to reflect the fact that SDMA may be a useful diagnostic tool, and published refined staging and treatment guidelines in late 2019 to reflect the ongoing promise of the test. IRIS is the gold standard for Chronic Kidney Disease diagnosis and treatment guidelines for cats and dogs; Dr. Jonathan Elliott, a giant in the field, whose research we are proud to be supporting, is on the IRIS board. Here's what they have to say about the SDMA test:

1. Regarding SDMA generally: "Clearly SDMA has utility for the diagnosis and management of dogs and cats with renal disease. But, as with any promising new biomarker, there is a need for additional studies." You can read the full statement here:

2. Regarding the incorporation of SDMA results into CKD staging: "These recommendations are based on current state of knowledge where SDMA appears to be a more sensitive indicator of early stage CKD in the dog and cat. The specificity of SDMA has not been tested in large scale prospective studies to enable all the factors influencing specificity to be understood. We expect these guidelines to be updated with further recommendations that will assist the use of SDMA in the diagnosis and staging of CKD in the future." You can read the full statement, and the latest staging recommendations here.

It is noteworthy that at least one study indicates that SDMA utility may be compromised in diabetic cats but, as noted earlier, SDMA is still at an early stage, and more research is needed.

3. In late 2019, IRIS republished their CKD treatment recommendations with fully integrated recommendations for how to include SDMA results in treatment plans. The recommendations are here.

IDEXX Labs is currently offering this test as part of certain blood panels at no additional charge, so please ask your vet if it could be appropriate for your feline or canine companions.

* Creatinine is a normal by-product of muscle activity, and is normally removed from the body by the kidneys. If muscle is lost, (which often happens in older patients, and in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease), then less creatinine is produced. Therefore, creatinine levels in CKD patients could be falsely low (i.e.: closer to normal) than they would be if muscle mass were normal, thereby giving the impression that they kidneys are functioning better than they really are.

Update--March 7, 2019:
A study published on February 21, 2019 which examined Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)* in 97 dogs, concluded that the overall performance of creatinine and SDMA, as markers of reduced GFR were similar. But the study also states that use of SDMA as an adjunct to creatinine may provide additional value for diagnosis of decreased GFR. More research is warranted. Pelander L, Häggström J, Larsson A, et al. Comparison of the diagnostic value of symmetric dimethylarginine, cystatin C, and creatinine for detection of decreased glomerular filtration rate in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2019; 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15445

* Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the volume of fluid filtered by the kidneys over a specified period of time, and is directly proportional to kidney function i.e.: higher GFR equals more kidney function, lower GFR equals less kidney function.

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Feline Chronic Kidney Disease and Hypertension

3/12/2017

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Updated on March 12, 2021.

Zach and Emma, the two sweet kitties mentioned in this post, have both passed away. They will be missed, and we are thankful to their families for sharing their experiences to raise awareness of blood pressure monitoring.

Feline Chronic Kidney Disease (Feline CKD) and hypertension very often go hand in hand.  The relationship is a complex one that is not yet fully understood. One of the studies that we're currently supporting at the Royal Veterinary College, London, "Unravelling the Genetic Basis of Blood Pressure and  Kidney Function in the Cat", has, as it's goal, the determination of whether or not there are genes in cats that are associated with Feline CKD and/or hypertension.  In addition to it's complex relationship with CKD, high blood pressure can also lead to many other health problems in cats, including blindness, brain damage, and other cardiovascular issues.

Despite the importance of blood pressure monitoring, pressure checks are still not routine in veterinary practice.  You may be told that it's impossible to get accurate blood pressure measurements in cats, because the test causes stress, which in turn, elevates blood pressure--a phenomenon known as "white coat syndrome".  This may occur; however, individual blood pressure measurements are not valuable just as stand-alone tests.  It's important to get baseline measurements, and then continue checking the pressure at regular intervals to spot trends over time. Even if the measurements are falsely elevated due to stress, measurements that continue to increase over time could be indicative of developing or progressing hypertension.

     Although it’s common for cats to experience stress during the test, there are some ways to help reduce the stress your cat experiences.  Here are some tips from one of our supporters, Susan, whose cat Zach had hypertension and CKD, and had his blood pressure checked every three months:

"Take a towel or blanket to the vet; it smells like home, and cushions the exam table.  Ask that the blood pressure check be done in the exam room, let the cat lie on the blanket/towel, and while the pressure check is being performed, stay close to your cat and gently rub the ears, cheeks, and under the chin."

Susan reports that Zach actually fell asleep once during a blood pressure check, and that his vet now follows this procedure for pressure checks on all patients.

And, Carol, who's cat Emma had CKD said:

"Emma tolerates (blood pressure readings) pretty well.  We go in early so she can get used to the room. She gets treats, scratches and praise, and is getting used to it; I think not giving up is the key."

     Here are some reliable resources to help you and your vet learn more about Feline Hypertension, and techniques for getting accurate measurements:

"ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Feline Hypertension"
ISFM has released excellent new, comprehensive guidelines, aimed primarily at veterinarians, on the diagnosis and treatment of Feline Hypertension.  Dr. Rosanne Jepson, BVSc, MVetMed, PhD, DipACVIM, DipECVIM, FHEA, MRCVS. a leader in the field, and the Principal Investigator on the study we're currently supporting, is one of the experts who drafted the guidelines.

"Indirect Blood Pressure Measurement"
You can learn more about noninvasive methods of obtaining accurate blood pressure readings in companion animals from this article by Clinician's Brief (free subscription required).

"Which Drugs Can Control Systemic Arterial Hypertension in Dogs and Cats?"
If hypertension is discovered, there are some medications that may be appropriate.  Cats have a unique biochemistry; some drugs can be harmful to cats, and extra care must be taken in cats with Chronic Kidney Disease.  Vets, this article from Clinician's Brief about blood pressure medications includes cautionary notes for treating animals with Chronic Kidney Disease (free subscription required).

We hope that by spreading the word, and urging people to ask for the testing as part of their cats' wellness care, it will become more routinely available. Getting accurate blood pressure readings can be challenging, but the results can be invaluable. If you haven't already, please speak with your vet about measuring your cat's blood pressure.

Vets and cat companions, have you had success measuring cats' blood pressure? If so, please share.

If you like what we do, please remember that we can't do it without YOU! Please help give cats a healthier future by making a donation to support groundbreaking Feline CKD research.

Thank you.

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What Can I Do To Prevent Kidney Disease in My Cat?

12/28/2016

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(Updated on March 2, 2019)

What Can I Do to Prevent Kidney Disease in My Cat?

Feline Chronic Kidney Disease (Feline CKD) causes tremendous pain and suffering, and claims the lives of approximately one of every three cats. People frequently ask us, "What can I do to prevent kidney disease in my cat?" Feline CKD is a progressive disease, and there is currently no known prevention or cure. We're proud to be supporting the research of the best academic veterinarians in the field as they work diligently towards better treatments and, ultimately, a cure(s). (Feline CKD is a complex disease, and kidney damage may occur via multiple mechanisms.) In the meantime, you need not feel helpless. Here’s what you can do to help keep your cat healthy for as long as possible:

I. See Your Vet Regularly.
Your first line of defense is regular veterinary checkups. Although CKD in cats is notoriously difficult to detect, (clinical signs usually don’t appear until about 70% of kidney function is lost), regular veterinary care, including blood tests, urinalysis, and blood pressure measurement, will help your vet detect the disease as early possible. Cats are masters at hiding illness and pain, so regular checkups are very important, even if your cat seems well. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), cats should have yearly veterinary checkups until they reach about 7 years of age, at which time checkups should be increased to every six months. (Each cat is different and, especially if your cat has a known medical problem, they may need to be seen more frequently. Speak to your vet about your cat’s particular needs).

Also, be certain that your vet knows about the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS). Their team of world-renowned veterinary nephrology experts (including Dr. Jonathan Elliott, a giant in the field of Feline CKD research, whose current genetics research we’re very proud to be supporting), promulgates staging and management recommendations that are considered the gold standard for vets.

II. Know What’s Normal.
Each cat is a unique individual. Keep close track of what’s “normal” for your cat. Being attuned to your cat’s typical behavior will help you spot deviations that may be signs of trouble. If your cat doesn’t seem to be acting quite right, don’t just assume it’s part of the normal aging process. Here’s an article from the American Association of Feline Practitoners (AAFP) about monitoring your cat's behavior. And this article by Preventive Vet, about how to detect pain in cats, discusses a variety of very subtle behavior changes that can be signs of trouble.

III. Know the Signs of Feline CKD.
Signs can vary, but some of the most common ones are excessive drinking, excessive urination, poor appetite, vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, and neurologic problems including confusion and loss of coordination. If your feline companion exhibits any of these signs, bring them to the vet without delay. If your cat is diagnosed with CKD, your vet can recommend measures that may help him/her feel better, and slow (although not prevent) progression. Such measures may include special food, medications, and subcutaneous fluids.

IV. Practice Good Oral Hygiene.
Early research indicates that advanced dental disease MAY be associated with kidney disease in cats. This is very early research, and more investigation is needed. But good dental hygiene is always a great idea, so have your vet check your cat’s teeth during checkups. And, if your cat will permit it, brush her/his teeth. Here’s a video from Cornell University about how to accustom cats to tooth brushing.

Finally, please don’t overlook the last very important step that you can take in the battle against Feline Chronic Kidney Disease--become an ally! We are completely committed to working hard for as long as necessary until a cure is found, but we can’t do it without your help! Please check out our research pages, and please donate so that we can keep supporting the very best, most promising research. You can help us give cats a healthier future—there is so much to be done!

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We're glad you're here, we'll strive to provide you with great information, and we welcome constructive comments. Please be courteous and stay on topic; bad manners, promotions and/or spam will disappear faster than Fluffernutter's dinner.

Hyperthyroidism Can Mask Feline Chronic Kidney Disease.

What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

What is Renal Tech?

Don't Ignore Weight Loss in Your Cat.

Meet Claudio!

Are You Prepared to Help Your Animals Survive a Natural Disaster?

Meet Moby!

What is the SDMA Test? Can it help detect Kidney Disease earlier?

Feline Chronic Kidney Disease and Hypertension

What Can I Do To Prevent Kidney Disease in My Cat?

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