Calling Patiodog and others of expertise! Death and the Geriatric Pussycat

Now, my vet seems to want to do bloods and urinalysis on her about every three months.

We have tried to have a talk about this, as I am challenging the need for it, UNLESS the results could bear fruit in the form of some sort of different and at least minimally more effective treatment.

This other vet favours some sort of steroid, which my main vet feels presents some risk to the kidneys in and of itself.

I feel that I am well able to monitor Miranda myself, and I have been spot on as to when she is doing well, and when she deteriorated recently...I can tell when she needs the drip, I believe.

Is there a point in such frequent testing? CAN the results make a difference?

There are special diets available for cats with kidney problems, which have reduced levels of chemicals like proteins, sodium and phosphates. Your vet might also prescribe Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which reduce the amount of protein expelled in the urine. To avoid dehydration, your cat might have a drip for a certain amount of time.

Although feline kidney disease can be debilitating, it is possible for your cat to recover and, with the right management, continue to live a happy, comfortable life.

Many mechanisms lead to weakness. Electrolyte imbalance occurs as the kidneys become unable to concentrate urine and retain vital minerals such as sodium, potassium and chloride. Dehydration is very often present due to the excessive urination. And finally, anemia is another consequence of chronic feline kidney disease, as the kidneys cannot produce hormones that stimulate the production of red blood cells.

The buildup of toxins in the blood stream decreases the life span of red blood cells by half, further worsening anemia. The toxins also lead to nausea and vomiting. Seizures may begin when the toxins reach high enough levels to begin to accumulate in brain tissue. The toxins can become present in the saliva of the cat which are they broken down by bacteria in the cat’s mouth to ammonia. This leads to sores and ulcerations of the mouth and digestive system.

Cats that are exhibiting symptoms of feline kidney disease need veterinarian evaluation as soon as possible. Ongoing monitoring of the cat’s condition is crucial to the cat having a good quality of life.

IV fluids are generally administered to cats suffering from dehydration, because the fluid contains electrolytes that correct your cat's pH balance. IV fluid goes directly into a vein with a drip feed, and training is necessary to insert the needle properly. If the fluid is injected to quickly, you may damage the function of your cat's heart, and if not quickly enough, your cat will not be adequately hydrated.

IV fluid is a form of diuresis, which flushes fluid through the kidneys in order to balance electrolytes and prevent uremia by removing toxins like urea from the blood. IV fluid is not for everyday usage, however, because it overworks the already damaged kidneys.

Cat renal disease in its acute stages can be treated by a few days on an IV, but you should otherwise avoid unnecessary treatment. Drastic forms of fluid treatment should only be used in order to stabilize your pet.

There is no cure for chronic kidney failure in cats, but some acute kidney failure cases can be cured. The best course of action for the concerned owner to take is to ensure that the cat's remaining days are as pleasant as possible. Fresh water should always be available; the owner of a cat with kidney failure may have to refill the bowl more than once a day. Keeping the cat's weight up is essential to keeping the disease from progressing quickly; owners should feed their cats a specially formulated food with extra potassium. A vet may also recommend medication.

Unless the vet recommends otherwise, regular shots and inoculations are no longer necessary in cats with kidney failure. The side effects that are harsh on those with kidney failure outweigh the potential benefits of the shots, which will no longer be as effective. The cat, who should be kept indoors for the remainder of its life, will not be as likely to endanger itself or others.

There are steps that responsible owners can take to ensure that their cats' remaining days are as comfortable possible. As treatment is not complicated or expensive, and survival may extend for months or years, kidney failure is one diagnosis that doesn't always necessitate putting the cat to sleep on discovery.

By the time your pet has reached the end stages of kidney disease, there is very little to be done to remedy his situation or to improve his health. At the end stages of this condition, he is going through a process known as renal failure. This is a situation in which his kidneys are shutting down and will no longer work as they should. Throughout this entire process, it's best to monitor your cat closely for signs of his pain and discomfort. Many cats will experience increasingly violent seizures and may be very uncomfortable and unhappy.

It's a good idea to monitor your cat during the end stages of kidney disease so that you know when the best time to euthanize him will be. While this is an incredibly difficult decision to make, most pet owners and vets alike agree that it is preferable to allowing your pet to die as a result of kidney failure in general. The very last moments of kidney failure are quite unpleasant and may be very difficult to see. For this reason, many owners choose to have their pets euthanized before they reach this final stage of kidney failure.

For more information about managing kidney disease before it reaches this point, speak with your vet. Kidney disease, when detected early enough, is somewhat manageable; you can help to slow the degenerative process considerably.