If your cat has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (also known as CRF), you may be wondering if your cat can survive or be cured? The unfortunate truth is that kidneys do not regenerate and by the time we see symptoms, a large amount of the kidney mass is lost. Although kidney disease in cats cannot be cured, there are measures you can take to slow down this progressive disease and give your cat more quality time.
How much time? That will depend largely on how quickly you catch the disease and how aggressively your react. The more progressed the disease is, the less effect your actions will have. Some benefit can be achieved at any stage of the disease because it can make your cat more comfortable - and possibly extend their life. Many cats have lived for years after being diagnosed with kidney disease.
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What steps should you take? Helping your cat cope with kidney disease is relatively easy and involves four basic steps.
1. Make dietary changes. This does not necessarily mean restricting protein. Previously it was believed that feeding a low protein diet was the first line of defense. Newer research has shown that restricting protein too early in the disease cycle may actually accelerate kidney decline. Now the focus is on feeding high quality protein and limiting foods that are high in phosphorous.
2. Provide key, targeted supplements. Fish oils, digestive enzymes, probiotics and bioflavonoids work together to reduce kidney load, eliminate toxins and protect the remaining kidney tissue. The is a crucial step in slowing the advance of kidney disease.
3. Ensure proper hydration. Making sure you cat takes in enough water to keep the kidneys flushed is extremely important. In the early stages, a water fountain may provide enough enticement to drink enough on their own. In the later stages of the disease it may be necessary to hydrate with subcutaneous fluids, which are administered with a needle under the skin. Most cats tolerate this well and it can be done at home.
4. Healthy lifestyle choices are also important. Practical considerations like eliminating exposure to toxic substances, skipping unnecessary vaccines, reducing stress and encouraging exercise are among the changes you will need to give your cat the best chance possible.
The bottom line: It is always worth trying to help your cat live a higher quality life with this disease, no matter what stage they are in. You don't have to accept the diagnosis as a death sentence. Take action now. Your cat is depending on you.
Kidney Disease in Cats - Is it Curable? DISEASE
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