Cat health symptoms of kidney problems can lead to serious health issues for a cat. Chronic kidney failure happens to older cats more than it does to younger cats. Cats develop kidney problems gradually over time and usually do not show any signs until it becomes serious. With proper check ups and blood tests veterinarians can find problems before they become more serious.
Causes of Chronic Kidney Failure
Once a cat has chronic kidney failure, they will need special care and treatment. Kidney failure is irreversible and can lead to other health problems. Kidney failure is caused by many different reasons including trauma, bacterial infections, medications, toxins and cancer along with fungal infections and autoimmune disease. Kidney failure may also be due to hereditary or congenital abnormalities.
Some Cat Health Symptoms of Kidney Failure
One sign the cat has a medical problem is inability to urinate. The chronic kidney failure problem may be caused by kidney stones, urethral obstruction or bladder stones. If this symptom occurs, seek immediate medical attention before the problem becomes fatal to the cat. Kidney failure shows no early signs, but as it progresses, sign start to appear.
Another symptom of kidney failure is increased thirst. Because the cat is drinking more water, the urine does not bring along all the toxins in the kidneys, which remains in the kidneys and results in kidney failure. Other cat health symptoms of kidney failure are poor appetite, depression and lack of energy.
Cat health symptoms of kidney failure are diagnosed by blood tests and urinalysis. The BUN levels of a cat with kidney failure will be higher than a cat in perfect health. The Creatinine levels will also be higher than normal, which leads to the diagnosis of kidney failure in the cat.
Treating Chronic Kidney Failure
Treatment of kidney failure in cats requires kidney transplant or dialysis. By the time kidney failure is diagnosed the cat may already have so much damage to the kidney that any type of treatment would not benefit the cat and a decision to euthanize the cat before any more suffering occurs would have to be discussed.
Because every owner wants their cat to live a healthy and happy life kidney transplants have become more popular in cats and has allowed them to live a good life. If a kidney transplant does not happen, other methods of treatment may help the cat such as dialysis, which in most cases does work as it filters the kidneys and eliminates the toxins. This procedure requires weekly visits to a veterinary clinic for treatments, which requires a few hours of treatment. For more info see http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Ear_Issues.php on Cat Ear Issues.
If the cat has kidney failure a low protein diet helps maintain lower BUN levels, which helps with the metabolic system, but not the renal problems. Proper diets and proper fluid intake requires dedication on the owner's part. If the cat has a kidney transplant, hospitalization and further medications will be required for a successful kidney transplant that functions properly.
Symptoms Of Kidney Disease
The kidneys are responsible for a number of vital functions. Although acute or severe disease of the kidneys produces symptoms that you would probably not ignore, chronic degeneration may result in symptoms that are too mild or too general to warrant a trip to the doctor. These mild and misleading symptoms include skin problems such as dry skin and eczema. Hundreds of dermatologists now recommend shielding lotion as both and eczema treatment, but if these problems are accompanied by other symptoms of kidney malfunction, you should also consult with your general practitioner.
The kidneys are organs about the size of your fist, located on either side of the spine just below the rib cage. They filter the blood to flush out waste products at the rate of about 200 quarts per day. Although kidney disease is common - estimates suggest that about 8 million Americans are afflicted - it often goes unrecognized and untreated unless the symptoms are extreme and obviously related to the kidneys. For example, dry skin usually results in a trip to the drug store for a bottle of lotion rather than a call to your doctor to get your kidneys checked. However, if the skin problem is on the lower legs and is accompanied by slight redness, itching and puffiness or swelling, you could also have kidney problems.
What are the other symptoms to watch for? The list is long and indicates how important the removal of waste products is for proper bodily function, but here are a few of the main things to look for:
• puffiness and swelling, especially around the eyes or on the face, wrists, abdomen, thighs or ankles
• high blood pressure
• pain the middle of your back below the rib cage
• any change regarding urination or the characteristics of the urine
• poor appetite, vomiting, bad breath
• general malaise, headaches, insomnia or fatigue
Although the most common cause of dry skin and eczema is exposure to harsh chemicals and pollutants, they can also be caused by a number of internal problems. No matter what the cause, is an effective dry skin care and eczema treatment. However, if you also have any of the above symptoms, make sure you also see your doctor to check for kidney malfunction and other internal problems.
Both David Faulkner & Gloria Mactaggart are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
David Faulkner has sinced written about articles on various topics from Recruitment, Diamonds and Dental Implants. You can also find more info on and. David Faulkner's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.
Gloria Mactaggart has sinced written about articles on various topics from Detoxification, Alcohol Treatment and Addictions. Author, Gloria MacTaggart, is a freelance writer who contributes articles on skin care for The National Skin Care Institute. For more information, visit
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