Weekend® - Macau Daily Times

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r cat with care
blood pressure, dental disease and low
potassium levels. acute kidney failure
can occur at any age and can be due to
a blockage in the urinary tract, trauma,
infection or ingestion of poison.
Chronic kidney failure offers more
hope for longer survival, but immediate
medical intervention may be able
to save cats with acute kidney failure
and, unlike with chronic kidney failure,
restore full function of the kidneys.
however, the chances for survival are
often slim.
Treatment
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. Kidneys have a vital
role in the life of cats. more frequent
in older cats, the feline kidney disease
may affect younger cats with diet
based mainly on dry foods. the cat
kidney disease may also be a genetic
condition.
the cat renal disease cannot be treated
but can be manageable to delay the
kidney failure.
1. Injecting Fluids
to make the task of the kidneys easier,
fluids may be injected under the skin
of the cat that is suffering from feline
kidney disease. these are also known
as subcutaneous injections. this procedure
must be performed every day.
For better results, the injections may
be associated with drug treatment.
in less severe cases, the injection may
be performed at home. the injection
of fluids can postpone the renal failure,
provided it is administrated during the
entire life of your pet. if your cat has
a chronic renal failure, he will need to
get treatment within a hospital, where
he can be kept under supervision. i
usually prefer to treat all CrF and arF
in hosp. it just has a bigger effect on
the flushing of the kidneys.
2. Drugs
Drugs are an alternative to the injection
of fluids as a solution to manage
the feline kidney disease. Phosphate
binders can help in preventing kidney
failure and extend the life of the sick
cat. however, kidney medication must
18 December 2010
be supported by a proper diet. Dysfunctional
kidneys in cats can lead to
anemia, nausea, high blood pressure
and a build-up of toxins in the blood.
additional drugs will be needed to
treat or manage these conditions.
3. Diet
Changes in the diet are not sufficient
to manage the feline kidney disease,
but associated with medication can
give good results. the cat’s diet should
be poor in protein, sodium and phosphorous
compounds.
the cat’s diet should also contain a lot
of wet foods to keep your pet hydrated.
the dry foods can worsen your pet’s
condition, as these reduce the absorption
of liquids. Keep a bowl with fresh
water for your cat at all times.
You will be able to find cat food specially
made for felines with kidney disease.
these foods need prescription.
the feline kidney disease has no cure
and is a fatal condition. Fluid injections,
drugs and a proper diet are a few options
to help your cat cope with the disease.
Diagnosing your cat in time is important,
so pay attention to the kidney
disease symptoms. symptoms of kidney
disease include permanent thirst,
frequent urination, weight loss and
vomiting. an early detection of renal
dysfunction can significantly extend
your pet’s life and avoid renal failure
for as long as possible. W
Hope this helps.
Till next week
Dr Ruan
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