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Kidney Inflammation in Cats
What is Kidney Inflammation?
The kidneys are a very important organ in cats for regulating multiple key systems in the body. They help to regulate blood pressure and production of hormones and enzymes, maintain a balance of electrolytes, and remove waste from the bloodstream.
Most kidney inflammation develops because of an undetected bladder or urinary tract infection, which then travels up the ureter to the kidneys where it results in inflammation, damage, and severe pain. When the kidneys are inflamed, they usually become abnormally enlarged. Many cats make a full recovery after receiving a lengthy protocol of antibiotics and fluid treatment.
Cats are highly prone to kidney disease and related inflammation. Although it affects all ages and breeds of cats, older cats and Persian or Himalayan cats are more likely than other cats to develop a kidney condition. Most affected cats experience either pyelonephritis (infection of the kidney), acute kidney disease (AKD), or chronic kidney disease (CKD). As with many diseases in cats, it can be difficult to diagnose the exact cause of kidney inflammation.
Kidney Inflammation Average Cost
From 434 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$600
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Symptoms of Kidney Inflammation in Cats
Unfortunately, there are no early warning signs of kidney inflammation, which is what makes diagnosis challenging. Sometimes there are no signs until the cat is experiencing actual kidney failure. Common symptoms include:
- Dehydration
- Increased thirst
- Discolored urine
- Increased urination
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Foul-smelling breath
- One or both kidneys are palpably larger than normal
- Abdominal mass
- Abdominal pain
- Malaise
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
Causes of Kidney Inflammation in Cats
There are several potential causes of kidney inflammation:
Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis, or infection of the kidney, is usually due to an underlying bacterial infection of the urinary tract. Pyelonephritis often gives rise to acute kidney disease (AKD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Kidney Disease
Acute kidney disease is often caused by ingestion of toxins such as harmful plants, antifreeze, pesticides, cleaning products or ibuprofen, but is also caused by pyelonephritis. The kidney becomes severely injured and enlarged. The exact cause of progressive, chronic kidney disease is unknown, however,it can be triggered by dental disease and urinary tract infection.
Other Causes
Other common causes are stones in the kidney or urinary tract, malformation of the kidneys at birth, immune-mediated disease, high blood pressure, and chronic bacterial infection of the kidneys.
Diagnosis of Kidney Inflammation in Cats
A preliminary diagnosis is made by taking a complete blood profile and a urinalysis. The cat will receive a palpation exam and X-rays to assist the veterinarian in finding kidney stones and assessing the shape and size of the kidneys.
A blood panel will shed light on the buildup of compounds in the blood, while the urinalysis will provide your vet with helpful information about the extent of the damage to the kidneys. If the kidneys are enlarged, most vets will also request an ultrasound, a urine culture, or a kidney tissue biopsy.
Treatment of Kidney Inflammation in Cats
Most cats will be treated on an outpatient basis unless the cat is in crisis due to dehydration or renal failure. If your cat needs to be hospitalized, it will be given fluids, minerals and electrolytes intravenously to correct imbalances in the blood. If the causes of the kidney inflammation is a urinary tract blockage, the obstructions must be removed immediately.
Treatment of kidney inflammation is long-term. Most cats receive a high dosage of antibiotics for four to six weeks. In some cases, intravenous fluids will be administered. In rare cases only, surgery to remove the inflamed kidney will be recommended.
Dietary changes are also very helpful. Most cats respond well to a therapeutic diet of high-quality protein and supplements of vitamins B, D, and omega-3 fatty acids. All dietary protocols address the negative consequences of the disease affecting the kidneys, and help with weight gain, reducing acid build-up, reduction of nitrogen waste buildup, and maintenance of healthy B-vitamin and potassium levels.
Depending on the amount of damage and injury that occurred to the kidney due to inflammation, cats may be able to recover full kidney function. All of the treatment protocols will help to keep your cat comfortable and in stable condition.
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Recovery of Kidney Inflammation in Cats
In most cases, cats benefit tremendously from treatment and can live a long and healthy life. Your cat will go to the veterinarian for regular checkups, every three to six months, to be evaluated and monitored. A physical exam will be performed during each visit, and if necessary, a blood and urine test performed to provide more detailed information about the state of your cat's kidneys.
At home, make sure your cat has 24 hour access to fresh, clean, chlorine and fluoride-free water. Keep an eye on the amount of food and water your cat consumes each day so that you can easily notice any sudden changes in weight and hydration.
Kidney Inflammation Average Cost
From 434 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$600
Top
Kidney Inflammation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Siamese
Whiskey
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Appetite
My cat is 8 yrs old, vet told us that his kidneys are bady damage they gave him ib fluids but he didn’t eat just few bites today thay gave him oral steriods. May be they works for him better.
Sept. 6, 2018
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Short
Zelda
4 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Eating
I and my mom took my cat Zelda to the She is at the Animal hospital yesterday because she was skinny and she only
Eat a couple bits of food the last couple weeks and then last week she eat a little bits of food and drink a little water. My cat Zelda as Kidney inflammation and another guy that was their as the same thing going on with is cat. I hope my cat Zelda gets better soon. They have ivy’s in her to get her Kidney inflammation down. I hope she gets better soon and that I don’t need to but her down at all. I didn’t give her anything or another to make her Kidney inflammation. I hope she gets better soon because I love 💗 her a lot. I don't know how she got like that because I didn't give her anything and she didn't get at anything. When I went to visit her today at the Animal hospital their was a guy their get is cat checked out because he don't know what's going on with his cat and then when I was living the guy told me he found out that his cat as Kidney inflammation and his cat is skinny to because his cat lost weight from being to dehydrated from Kidney inflammation. So they have is cat on ivy's to.
May 22, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
IV fluids are the best treatment for kidney disease, so Zelda is in the right place. I hope that she responds to therapy and gets better too.
May 22, 2018
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Kidney Inflammation Average Cost
From 434 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$600
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