Understanding kidney disease will help you work with us to provide the best care for your cat. Detecting kidney disease early and beginning monitoring and management could add quantity and quality to your cat’s life.
What defines Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease in cats?
- Blood creatinine between 1.6 and 2.8mg/dL
- Mildly elevated SDMA (18-25ug/dL)
- Inadequate urine concentrating ability
- +/- Protein loss in urine
- Serial measurements of the above that increase over time
How do we substage Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 2 in cats?
- Urine Protein:Creatinine measurement in two samples, at least two weeks apart, then every 2-3 months
- Systolic blood pressure monitoring, over up to 1-2 weeks
With proper treatment of the above, cats can improve and move from a higher Stage of CKD to a lower one.
How do we treat Stage 2 CKD in cats?
Treatment must be tailored to each individual cat. It is aimed at slowing the progression of CKD and prolonging kidney function and quality of life.
In general:
- Discontinue all drugs that may be harmful to the kidneys if possible.
- Screen for any treatable conditions like kidney or bladder infections and treat appropriately
- Perform radiographs and/or ultrasound to rule out stones, masses, or other lesions as causes for loss of kidney function
Management of dehydration:
- Have fresh water available at all times for drinking
- If ill and fluids are lost, correct dehydration right away
Systemic hypertension:
- Goal of a systolic blood pressure below 160mmHG
- Calcium channel blocker, such as amlodipine and/or telmisartan
- Consider dietary sodium restriction
- Once stable, recheck blood pressure every 3 months
Proteinuria (protein in urine):
- Feed a clinical renal diet, prescribed by your veterinarian
- A Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor, ACE inhibitor, or other prescription medication may be prescribed
Control phosphate Intake:
- Begin a clinical renal diet, prescribed by your veterinarian
- Begin phosphate binders, such as aluminum hydroxide, if necessary, as prescribed by your veterinarian
Treat potassium deficiencies:
- Begin a potassium supplement such as potassium gluconate
- Begin a clinical renal diet, prescribed by your veterinarian
Monitoring Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease:
- Chronic condition exam every 3 months
- Reassess blood chemistries every 3 months
- Reassess blood phosphorus and calcium every 4-6 weeks until stable, then every 3 months
- Reassess blood pressure and urine protein every 3-6 months
- Home observation for decreased appetite, increased thirst or urination, increased vomiting, lethargy
When should I feed a kidney prescription diet?
Many factors play a role in our recommendation to prescribe a kidney disease diet. These include:
- Urine protein level
- Blood phosphorus level
- General stage of CKD
- Your individual cat’s preferences
If your cat is in Stage 2, a prescription kidney diet will most likely be prescribed. Please never make diet changes for your cat without consulting with us.
We are here to help you understand all of your options to keep your cat healthy. We know you bring your cats to us because you love them, and we are grateful to be a part of their care.
Schedule an Appointment with one of our Feline Veterinarians
Information also available at IRIS – Kidney Guidelines Website