Understanding Stage 1 Kidney Disease in Cats

Kidney disease, also called renal disease, refers to the loss of kidney function. The kidneys' job is to filter waste products out of the blood while retaining appropriate levels of water and salts. When the kidneys are
diseased, waste builds up in the bloodstream and increased amounts of water passes through the kidneys resulting in an increase in urination. This decrease in kidney function can lead to other medical concerns, such as high blood pressure or anemia. Kidney disease can be chronic (slow and long term) or acute (sudden) in onset.

Stage 1 kidney disease is the first level of chronic kidney disease in cats, and it's the earliest your cat can receive a diagnosis. At this point, it's unknown what causes some cats to develop kidney disease and not others. But age, genetics, certain viral infections, nutrition and dental disease are all risk factors.

Signs
 

Signs of kidney disease in cats can be easy to overlook, especially in its early stages. Stage 1 kidney disease is progressive, so it can advance quietly for years until your cat shows signs. Indicators of kidney disease may include:

• Weight loss

• Increased thirst

• Vomiting

• Constipation (and sometimes diarrhea)

• Increased urination

• Decreased energy or increased sleeping

• Unkempt coat, with or without dandruff

• Decreased appetite

• Bad breath

If you notice any of these signs or simply notice a change in your cat, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Keep in mind that litter box and elimination habits can be difficult to recognize, especially in multi-cat households.
 

Diagnosis
 

Maintaining regular vet visits is the best way to catch feline diseases early. During a physical exam, your vet performs a complete check of your cat including (but not limited to) evaluating your cat's overall muscle tone, heart rate, skin and fur condition, oral health and presence of advanced disease. They'll also evaluate kidney size, symmetry and texture and examine your cat's eyes. All of these measures can provide clues about your cat's kidney health. In addition to a physical exam, your vet may also test your cat's blood and urine to screen for kidney disease.

Screening Tests

During your cat's routine wellness screening, your vet tracks levels of various markers on a biochemistry panel including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, important electrolytes and other substances. They also regularly perform a urine test that measures the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine, called a urine specific gravity.

Another test that measures the ratio of protein to creatine in the urine can also provide valuable information about kidney health. This test isn't always offered with routine screenings; however, it is considered to be a very useful test for evaluating kidney function. If your vet recommends it, it can be worth the extra cost.

SDMA

A more recent innovation, the IDEXX SDMA is a kidney biomarker specific to kidney function that supports early diagnosis. If available to your vet, they may be able to use this tool in combination with standard blood and urine tests to catch kidney function decline as early as possible.
 

Nutritional Management
 

There's no cure for kidney disease, but nutrition is often considered a key factor for managing cats with kidney disease. Most of the time, an ideal food for affected kitties isn't acidified and is lower in protein, sodium and phosphorus. However, this recommendation may vary in early Stage 1 cats. Your vet can help you find the right food to support your cat's health, from early disease stage foods to advanced support meal plans.

Maintaining adequate hydration is also paramount. Recirculating water fountains, multiple water stations that are easy to access and rotating the placement of water bowls can encourage proper hydration; Wet food can also increase water intake. In some cases, your vet may recommend your cat as a candidate for regular fluid therapy, either in a veterinary hospital or at home. They'll also closely monitor your cat's blood values to make sure they're healthy and balanced.

In addition to ensuring proper nutrition and hydration, here are some other tips to support your cat's health:

• Follow up on treatment for other commonly occurring diseases or consequences of kidney failure, such as anemia or high blood pressure.

• Track your cat's weight with a gram scale, as this is an important indicator of overall health.

• Warm food before serving to help entice picky eaters.

• Help with grooming and give your cat plenty of TLC.

• Follow your vet's recommended testing to track disease progression, support treatment and ensure the best possible quality of life.