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Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is one of the most common diseases affecting older cats. Approximately 1-3%¹ of all cats are affected by CKD, but it becomes more common as cats age, affecting up to 80% of cats over the age of 15². CKD occurs when the cat's kidneys lose their ability to function properly over time, leading to the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream and various other health issues.

1. Brown SA. Linking treatment to staging in chronic kidney disease. In August JR (ed): Consultations in Feline Internal Medicine. St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders, 2010, pp 475-482.
2. Marino CL, Lascelles BDX, Vaden SL, Gruen ME, Marks SL. Prevalence and classification of chronic kidney disease in cats randomly selected from four age groups and in cats recruited for degenerative joint disease studies. J Feline Med Surg. 2014;16:465?472.

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Your cat's kidneys play many vital roles in the body. Not only do they eliminate waste products and filter toxins, but also:

• Produce hormones that stimulate red blood cell production
• Help regulate blood pressure
• Maintain hydration and electrolyte balance

Over time, the kidneys can lose their ability to function properly, which can cause life-threatening illness.

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Clinical signs of feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be subtle or absent in the earliest stages of the condition. However, as CKD progresses, cat owners may notice various changes like:

• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Appetite changes
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Increased thirst and urination
• Mouth odor

Once these signs become apparent, significant permanent damage to the cat's kidneys may have already occurred. If you notice any of these signs in your cat, contact our clinic at [Insert Clinic Contact Info] to schedule an examination.

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In our previous post, we broke down some of the most common signs associated with feline chronic kidney disease (CKD), but how do vets diagnose CKD? During an examination, your veterinarian will first want to know the signs you've noticed, how long they have been occurring and anything else that may have changed with your cat.

They will then proceed with a physical exam, looking for trends in weight, body and muscle condition, hydration status, and kidney size and shape. From there, your vet will recommend some diagnostic tests, including blood and urine testing, blood pressure, and even an X-ray or ultrasound of the kidneys.

In feline CKD, several blood values are elevated despite dilute urine. These values are creatinine, BUN (blood urea nitrogen), and SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine), which measures waste protein. Bloodwork and urine tests may also spot changes in other values associated with CKD, like a low red blood cell count, dilute urine, elevated phosphorus, and high blood pressure. Your veterinarian will also look for any treatable, underlying causes, like kidney stones or bacterial infections.

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Once a cat is diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), it's important to determine its current stage (1-4). Using your cat's bloodwork results and the globally recognized IRIS (International Renal Interest Society) guidelines will help your veterinarian determine a prognosis and recommend a treatment plan specific to your cat's needs.

IRIS is an organization dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease in small animals. It develops and updates guidelines that are used worldwide to ensure consistent and effective management of CKD.

While there is no cure for CKD, there are ways of managing it and slowing the progression.

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While feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) cannot be cured, there are various treatment and management options depending on the stage of the illness and any additional health concerns your cat may have.

For cats in stage 2 CKD or higher, a key component of treatment is a dietary change. Renal diets are lower in phosphorus and contain higher quality-but a lower quantity-of protein to protect the kidneys. If your cat is losing weight or lacks an appetite, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help.

In the later stages of CKD, the focus is on managing complications and supporting your cat's quality of life. These treatments can include medications for appetite, anemia, and high blood pressure, supplements to normalize phosphorus and potassium levels, and oral or subcutaneous fluid therapy to prevent dehydration. Your veterinarian will also recommend frequent rechecks to monitor your cat's kidney function and make any treatment adjustments.