As cats age, we watch for physiologic changes that may affect the long term standpoint for health. Many health concerns arise because we notice shifts in behavior, appearance, and activity levels. One condition associated with aging and cats is unnoticeable to such an extent that once the physical signs do become apparent, the disease is already very advanced.
Chronic Renal Disease or Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) is frequently found in aging cats. It brings about a gradual decrease in the capacity of the kidneys. The kidneys fill various needs; they produce urine and channel waste items from the body, regulate electrolytes, for example, potassium and phosphorous, they produce erythropoietin which stimulates red blood cell creation by the bone marrow, and they contribute toward regulating blood pressure. When the deficiency of capacity begins it is not reversible, and other vital organs are affected along with how your cat may feel in general.
Indications of chronic renal failure in cats can be extremely unpretentious from the get go, especially with an animal varieties that depends upon masking ailment and appearing healthy for its survival. Watch for increased thirst and urination, vomiting or different indications of nausea, lethargy or sorrow, helpless hair coat, loss of appetite, lingering over the water bowl, eating cat litter, constipation, a solid ammonia-like odor to the breath, and changes in vision and hearing.
CRF is diagnosed beginning with an intensive physical examination and basic diagnostics go through your veterinarian’s office. Changes in the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine and flush out waste are probably the earliest mean of detecting the disease and will be assessed in a urinalysis. Blood tests will check for increases in Blood Urea Nitrogen and Creatinine to determine whether there is waste ‘develop’ in the blood. Any changes in electrolyte levels and general blood cell health will be measured as well. Your cat is doctor will also want to screen blood pressure and perform a careful eye exam which may include measuring ocular weights.
There is no remedy for CRF, yet whenever it is diagnosed there are various actions you can take to help moderate its movement and keep your cat comfortable at home. Dietary management, supplements, medication, and liquid therapy are all alternatives that your veterinarian may talk about with you.
It is ideal to catch CRF before you notice signs at home by making routine visits to your veterinarian for examinations and lab work. By doing this, inconspicuous changes can be recognized and checked over the long run and preventative measures can be taken in the earliest stages. A decent dental maintenance program will also help support overall organ health. Once-a-year visits may be appropriate for the more youthful feline, yet as the years advance, more continuous visits may be in request.