Feline Renal Failure: A Note from The MED

The first Feline 🐱Friday was a success and un"fur"gettable! Dr. Johnston presented some wonderful information about Chronic Kidney Disease, and how to properly diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. According to Dr. Johnston, "Early diagnosis and treatment of feline CKD prolongs the lives of cats!"

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Recommendations for early diagnosis:

Senior Screening

-40% of cats 10 years and older have CKD

-CKD is the leading cause of death in feline patients

-No initial clinical signs

-Early detection can slow progression of CKD

-Quality of Life can be improved

-Renal Diet

-Can prolong survival of feline patients with CKD

Step 1-Diagnose CKD

-Stage 1 and Early Stage

Utilize Senior Screening-One or more of the following:

Increasing Creatinine

Increasing SDMA >14mcg/dL

Abnormal kidney imaging on Ultrasound

Persistent Renal Proteinuria (UPC)

-Late Stage 2-4

Utilize Senior Screening-Must have both

Increased Creatinine and SDMA

USG <1.035

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Step 2-Stage CKD

-Evaluate level of Azotemia

None- Stage 1

Mild- Stage 2

Moderate- Stage 3

Severe- Stage 4

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-Diagnostic Tests:

SDMA-Increased when there is a decrease in GFR (as little as 25%)

Creatinine-Increased when 75% of Kidney Function is lost

Ultrasonography-Allows evaluation of renal architecture, renal perfusion & evaluation ureters & bladder. Kidneys will appear small in CKD

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Step 3-Treat CKD

-Reduce systolic blood pressure to <160mmHg (*euhydrated patients)

-Treat proteinuria-Reduce UPC by 50%

-Renal diet

-Dialysis

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