Acute kidney failure in cats is a condition where the kidneys cannot remove waste from the body because they are no longer functioning correctly. The kidneys have two main functions:
The first function of the kidney is to remove waste products from the blood. This waste product is called "urea," which comes from protein breakdown in the body. The second function of the kidney is to regulate how much water, salt, and other substances are present in your body. This regulating process allows you to maintain a healthy balance of these substances so the cat's cells can work efficiently and you remain healthy. Nowadays, many different treatments are available for acute kidney failure in cats. However, it can lead to severe renal failure and the cat's death without treatment.
Acute kidney failure in cats is the abrupt inability of the kidneys to fulfill their normal filtration functions. This condition is not the same as chronic renal disease, the more frequent type of kidney failure. In addition, acute renal failure may be reversible if detected early and aggressively treated.
Acute kidney failure symptoms may include sudden anorexia (inability to eat), listlessness, vomiting (the vomited material may contain blood), and diarrhea. In addition, there may be a recent history of toxin ingestion (particularly antifreeze), as well as trauma, surgery, or illness.
In cats, acute kidney failure can have several etiologies. These include blockage of the ureter or urethra. (i.e., the cat cannot urinate) or poisoning with antifreeze (ethylene glycol toxicity) or hypotension (low blood pressure).
The diagnosis is based on the patient's medical history, clinical indicators, and blood and urine test results. Additional diagnostic tests may include an ultrasound of the abdomen and a kidney biopsy.
In cats with persistent or uncontrollable vomiting, the cat may require nutritional supplementation. Treatment focuses on rapidly eliminating circulating toxins and reestablishing electrolyte balance. Peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis (removing toxins from the blood) are often performed if available in your area.
The kidney has a limited ability for regeneration and recovery, which justifies the guarded prognosis. However, a veterinarian will provide a more accurate forecast to the patient's owner based on the cat's clinical signs and laboratory tests.
Acute kidney failure in cats is one of the most severe diseases that we see in our veterinary clinics. The disease may not show any clinical signs for a long time, but as the kidneys deteriorate, they start causing other organs' problems.