Kidney Disease Feline

Scientists often refer to cats by the term 'feline'. All cats often suffer from the problem of renal insufficiency as they get older. The kidneys lose nephrons, resulting in renal failure. Nephrons are the functional units of the kidney. It becomes difficult to treat such a problem since by the time the problem is noticed, between 60 and 70 per cent of all renal mass has been lost.

The first symptom of this feline kidney disease is inability to concentrate urine. This leads to increase intake of water into the body and more frequent urinating patterns. When more damage occurs, toxins build up, causing depression, oral ulceration, bad odor, vomiting and decrease in appetite. The last stage of renal failure is characterized by frequent seizures and decrease in body temperature. Depression is often followed by coma.

Increased urination and vomiting are the most common signs of this disease. Thirst increases as well. Immediately you see these signs, it is time for you to tell your veterinarian to come and carry out a diagnosis. Blood tests should be carried out, specifically BUN (blood urea nitrogen), phosphorous and creatinine. BUN is a chemical that is made from ammonia inside the liver. Ammonia is usually absorbed into the gut once dietary protein has been broken down. Once BUN has been produced in the liver, it's often taken into the kidneys for excretion.

Creatinine is a chemical that is formed after chemical processes have taken place in the muscles. Creatinine is a good indicator that the kidney is functioning well. However, high amounts of this substance do not cause any harm to the cat's body. Feline kidney diseases are often characterized by increased phosphorous production, a clear indication that the cat could be having renal failure.

It is also good for the veterinarian to look out for signs of kidney disease feline complications that can be found in the urine. One such sign is loss of protein in urine. If the urine is very concentrated, you should have a reason to be worried about the cat.

Although cats suffering from renal insufficiency are unable to release concentrated urine, they easily become dehydrated. Blood and urine values are somewhat complicated to interpret although the best experts should let you know what the implication of various tests are in the whole diagnosis process. In this regard, veterinary advice is very important. Radiography can also be used to examine the kidney. Sometimes, ultrasound tests are carried out in order to ascertain the accuracy of the diagnosis process.