FELINE CKD RESOURCES
If you have just received a diagnosis of Feline CKD in your cat, or are actively caring for a cat who has kidney disease, you should arm yourself with great fact-based information, so that you can make sound decisions. Information found on the internet, no matter how well intended, is often wrong. Here are some dependable resources to help you at this difficult time. (Never implement any changes to your companion animal’s care without first consulting a veterinarian who is personally involved in their care.)
VETERINARY CARE
The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS):
Make sure that your cat’s vet knows about this team of world-renowned veterinary nephrologists; they promulgate CKD staging and treatment protocols that are considered the gold standard for vets.
The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) -- Internal Medicine Specialists:
After receiving a diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease, a second opinion from a veterinarian with advanced medical training in internal medicine, who has experience managing Feline CKD patients, can be very helpful. An ACVIM board certified internal medicine specialist can be found here.
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) --Nutrition Specialists:
Making changes to your cat’s diet, if done correctly, may help slow progression of CKD. There are commercially available prescription diets that you can obtain from your vet, but some people prefer, for various reasons, to prepare a special diet at home for their cat. This should only be done under the supervision of a vet. There are veterinarians who have special advanced training, and are board certified specialists in veterinary nutrition. You can search for one here.
LAB RESULTS
“What Do Those Lab Tests Mean?” Chronic Kidney Disease and Feline CKD and other chronic illnesses are often diagnosed following abnormal lab results. This article by Washington State University will help you better understand what those results really mean.
DETAILED FELINE CKD DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
“Chronic Kidney Disease and Failure”: A high-quality article providing a detailed introduction to CKD in companion animals by Washington State University.
“Tanya’s Comprehensive Guide to Feline CKD”: Operated by Helen, in honor of three of her beloved cats who battled CKD, this site is a wonderful compendium of information about Feline CKD, including detailed discussions of various supportive therapies. It’s a great place to learn and gather information to discuss with your vet. As Helen notes on the site, she is not a veterinarian, so be sure to consult a vet prior to making any changes to your cat’s health care.
“ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease”:
An excellent, extensive and comprehensive set of guidelines on diagnosis and management geared toward veterinarians.
"The Ins and Outs of Managing Feline Chronic Kidney Disease":
This article from the journal “Today’s Veterinary Nurse” is geared towards veterinary professionals, and gives a comprehensive overview of the basics of Feline CKD management, with an emphasis on nutritional management.
FELINE HYPERTENSION
Hypertension is frequently associated with Feline CKD; blood pressure management is a critical component of CKD treatment.
"ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension in Cats":
This article provides comprehensive Classification and management guidelines for feline hypertension, including considerations for cats with CKD.
We’re very proud to be supporting the best academic veterinarians in the world as they work diligently towards better treatments and a cure. If you find the information we’ve provided helpful, please consider donating to help us continue funding the very best Feline CKD research. Research is sorely underfunded; we’re committed to working tirelessly for as long as necessary, but we can’t do it without you. We all dream of a future where no cat knows the pain and suffering of kidney disease. Please give generously to help make that dream a reality. Thank you.
VETERINARY CARE
The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS):
Make sure that your cat’s vet knows about this team of world-renowned veterinary nephrologists; they promulgate CKD staging and treatment protocols that are considered the gold standard for vets.
The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) -- Internal Medicine Specialists:
After receiving a diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease, a second opinion from a veterinarian with advanced medical training in internal medicine, who has experience managing Feline CKD patients, can be very helpful. An ACVIM board certified internal medicine specialist can be found here.
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) --Nutrition Specialists:
Making changes to your cat’s diet, if done correctly, may help slow progression of CKD. There are commercially available prescription diets that you can obtain from your vet, but some people prefer, for various reasons, to prepare a special diet at home for their cat. This should only be done under the supervision of a vet. There are veterinarians who have special advanced training, and are board certified specialists in veterinary nutrition. You can search for one here.
LAB RESULTS
“What Do Those Lab Tests Mean?” Chronic Kidney Disease and Feline CKD and other chronic illnesses are often diagnosed following abnormal lab results. This article by Washington State University will help you better understand what those results really mean.
DETAILED FELINE CKD DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
“Chronic Kidney Disease and Failure”: A high-quality article providing a detailed introduction to CKD in companion animals by Washington State University.
“Tanya’s Comprehensive Guide to Feline CKD”: Operated by Helen, in honor of three of her beloved cats who battled CKD, this site is a wonderful compendium of information about Feline CKD, including detailed discussions of various supportive therapies. It’s a great place to learn and gather information to discuss with your vet. As Helen notes on the site, she is not a veterinarian, so be sure to consult a vet prior to making any changes to your cat’s health care.
“ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease”:
An excellent, extensive and comprehensive set of guidelines on diagnosis and management geared toward veterinarians.
"The Ins and Outs of Managing Feline Chronic Kidney Disease":
This article from the journal “Today’s Veterinary Nurse” is geared towards veterinary professionals, and gives a comprehensive overview of the basics of Feline CKD management, with an emphasis on nutritional management.
FELINE HYPERTENSION
Hypertension is frequently associated with Feline CKD; blood pressure management is a critical component of CKD treatment.
"ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension in Cats":
This article provides comprehensive Classification and management guidelines for feline hypertension, including considerations for cats with CKD.
We’re very proud to be supporting the best academic veterinarians in the world as they work diligently towards better treatments and a cure. If you find the information we’ve provided helpful, please consider donating to help us continue funding the very best Feline CKD research. Research is sorely underfunded; we’re committed to working tirelessly for as long as necessary, but we can’t do it without you. We all dream of a future where no cat knows the pain and suffering of kidney disease. Please give generously to help make that dream a reality. Thank you.
We care passionately about animal welfare issues, and about Feline Chronic 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 Feline CKD or other health issues, 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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