Acute Renal (Kidney) Failure in Cats: Causes, Symptoms Treatments

Causes of Acute Renal Failure in Cats

Acute renal failure in cats is a sudden decline in the functioning of the kidneys.
It can be brought on by poisoning from chemicals like antifreeze or by plants like lilies.
Other causes of acute renal failure are cancers, infections, blockage or dehydration.

Excessive thirst and passing of urine is evident.
There may be a blockage of the kidneys with stones or calcified matter.
Loss of appetite and progressive weight loss is seen in this kidney dysfunction. There may be nausea and upset stomach.
Your cat may be weak and lethargic. You may notice some depression in your cat with kidney problems. He may withdraw and isolate himself. Also read kidney problems in dogs
With kidney difficulties your cat may seem uncoordinated and have bad breath.
High blood pressure is a symptom of acute kidney problems.

Urine testing should be done to see how concentrated the urine is and to check for infection processes that may be going on.
If there is a blockage with stones, surgery may be a necessity.
As a treatment of acute renal failure in cats the diet should be switched to low protein, low phosphorus.

Do not cut out ALL proteins.
Cats need some protein every day. Just limit the protein because the body can’t excrete the toxins of too much protein with failing kidneys.
You do not want urea to build up and make conditions more difficult.
Anti nausea and antacids may be given to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.
Fluids will be given subcutaneously in an effort to prevent the complications of dehydration.
Anti hypertensives are given to keep the blood pressure within normal parameters.
In cases of poisoning or drug toxicity in particular, emergency treatment is necessary to avoid total shut down of the kidneys. Activated charcoal may be given and dialysis may be necessary.