Acute Renal Failure in Cats with Kidney Disease
A type of kidney disease, Acute Renal Failure is most often characterized by complete kidney failure. Simply put, a cat’s kidneys just stop working. Sadly, this can happen quite suddenly and at almost any age.
A Cat’s Kidneys
Each kidney inside a cat contains nephrons which are basically small filtering units that filter the blood which is passed through the kidneys. The nephrons reabsorb what is needed from the blood and the waste is then excreted in the cat’s urine. Such wastes actually originate from the normal breakdown of active muscle from the food which the cat eats. A cat’s body will use the food for both energy and to replenish itself. Once the body has taken what it needs from the food, the leftover waste is then sent through the blood to the kidneys, where they are eventually eliminated through the urine.
The kidneys also control the quantity and composition of body fluids, such as mineral concentrations and acid base balance. They also create hormones to stimulate the production of red blood cells, as well as regulating calcium balance. Even if the kidneys experience a loss of some of the nephrons, those remaining are still able to compensate for the loss.
Kidney disease in cats becomes apparent when more than 70% of kidney function has been lost. This usually happens as a result of the kidneys not being able to remove the waste from the cat’s body. The waste will then start to build up within the cat’s body, causing poisoning.
Causes
Whilst Acute Renal Failure can be caused by some type of toxic injury to a cat’s kidneys, it can also be caused by a decrease in the blood flow and oxygen that is delivered to the kidneys. Infections and obstructions of the kidneys can also cause Acute Renal Failure, as can a ruptured bladder which would prevent any elimination of urine.
Oddly enough, cases of Acute Renal Failure in cats are usually increased during the fall and winter months. This is because most people use anti-freeze in their cars, which is sometimes spilled on the ground. Anti-freeze contains ethylene glycol a toxin that is fatal to cats and can cause Acute Renal Failure.
Treatment
Unfortunately, Acute Renal Failure is almost always fatal. However, if it is treated quickly and aggressively, the kidneys can regain their function and your cat will live a happy, normal life. It is therefore, vitally important for you to seek medical help as soon as you notice that your cat is sick or that she has ingested a toxin such as anti-freeze.
No matter what your vet recommends, you should always consider holistic treatments as these compliment the treatments given by your vet. A great, all-natural, treatment to try is Tripsy, which is an effective combination of powerful herbal extracts. Tripsy promotes healthy kidney functioning whilst also fighting kidney infections and improving urinary flow and reducing your cat’s pain and discomfort of kidney stones with the leading naturopathic veterinarian formulated Tripsy.
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