Kidney Infection Cats With Kidney (Renal) Damage
Article by R.D. Hawkins
Kidney infection cats can sometimes experience varying degrees of kidney damage especially if the kidney infection was caused by a blockage of the lower urinary tract or a congenital bladder defect. Also, severe dehydration or prolonged use of high dose antibiotics may have lead to some loss of kidney function as well.
One of the earliest signs that the kidneys have been damaged in kidney infection cats is a notable increase in frequency of urination. While this might seem like a good thing initially, it really isn’t. What increased urination is telling us is that the kidneys are no longer able to conserve water efficiently. This increased level of urination may lead to behavioral problems such as voiding outside the litter box. Because they are expelling so much water you may notice you cat drinking liquids seemingly all the time.
When kidney infection cats have lost about 70 percent or more of their total kidney function you may start to see a marked difference in their behavior. The medical term for this condition is known as uremic poising or uremia. Signs that point to this condition are lethargy, appetite loss, weight loss, dry hair coat, a brownish discoloration to the surface of the tongue, and ulcers on the gums and tongue. Their breath may also be just horrible, with an ammonia like odor. Vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, and episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding are also not uncommon.
While the prognosis for kidney infection cats who are experiencing varying degrees of kidney failure may seem dire recovery and/or life expectancy will depend on the amount of kidney function remaining. With the kidneys functioning at 25 to 30 percent your pet may be able to live quite a few more years but there are a number of steps that will need to be taken because even the slightest drop in renal function can create serious quality of life issues.
As mentioned above the frequency of voiding will continue to be a concern and we must protect against dehydration. To avoid this a supply of clean filtered water should be easily accessible. Multi water bowels should be placed convenient locations. You might also consider adding a few drops of blueberry or cranberry juice to their water to protect against another bacterial infection.
The diet for a kidney infection cat with kidney damage should include high quality protein in lesser amounts, to minimized the quantity of phosphorus and nitrogen that must be excreted. Canned foods especially those containing a lot of gravy such as turkey and cheese or chicken with gravy are preferred because they add fluid to the diet. Kidney infection cats with renal should be given B and D vitamin supplement to replace these water soluble nutrients which are rapidly depleted because of increased urination.
Additionally, homeopathic natural supplements containing the herb uva ursi are worth considering. Uva ursi is considered a urinary tract tonic and there is some evidence supporting the notion that it contains anti-bacterial properties as well.
In closing, caring for kidney infection cats with kidney damage is a full time job and may not be for everyone. But for most of us the love our felines have given us over the years makes it all worthwhile. With a little luck, some good advice from your vet, and the life extending steps above, hopefully you and your cat will be able to spend many more years together.
About the Author
R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural pet health products and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field.Learn more about natural remedies and natural pet health at Purchase Remedies.com