Posts Tagged ‘CRF’
Feline Renal Disease – ARF (AKD) or CRF (CKD)?
Two Types of Feline Renal Disease
There are two types of Feline Kidney Disease.
Acute (ARF)[AKD] and Chronic. (CRF)[CKD]
Both Acute and Chronic renal failure (kidney disease ) are results of the deterioration of the kidneys, which filter and process waste and regulate water, electrolytes and blood levels as well.
– Both Acute and Chronic Renal Disease require swift medical attention from your trusted vet.
( Note: The most recent terminology for CRF is’ CKD’ – ‘Chronic Kidney Disease’..chosen in lieu of ‘Failure’..apparently to avoid the more negative connotation… You may see more instances of ‘AKD ‘as well for ‘Acute Kidney Disease’ in place of ARF)
– However, Acute Renal Failure (AKD) is an emergency situation.
It is sudden onset and can have a variety of causes, often trauma, infections, poisoning from ingestion of anti-freeze or other poisons. If the cause is determined and treated quickly enough, before too much damage is done, kidney damage may be actually reversed. If not treated quickly, death can be all too likely.
Never delay in getting your pet to the vet or an emergency facility if your cat is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed below.
Minutes can count!
– Any unusual behavior or lack of activity should always be checked out by your veterinarian.
– Do not spend precious life-saving moments searching the web for answers! –
If your cat is ailing, it should be given medical treatment.
If it is in distress or unconscious or lethargic or shows any other sudden onset signs – Do Not Waste Time!
Get your beloved kitty in for medical attention immediately!
Don’t second guess.
If you don’t know… GO! ..for medical treatment.
Which Type of Feline Renal Disease is it – Acute or Chronic?
♦Acute Renal Failure (ARF)[AKD] hits suddenly as a result of poisonings, illnesses affecting the kidney area, infections, urethral obstrucion and trauma as the most common causes.
– ARF [AKD] can happen to a cat of any age or breed.
– It is an emergency condition. IMMEDIATE attention is required to help avoid permanent damage or death.
– If diagnosed and treated in enough time, the kidney damage may be reversible.
♦Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)(or CKD) is a kidney disease that progresses slowly over time.
However, since your cat can exhibit suddenly any of the common symptoms, it may seem that it is a sudden onset, even though it has been developing all along. But the noticeable symptoms are the result of a critical point in the progression of the disease.
Unfortunately, the symptoms of this form often don’t show until significant, irreversible damage has been done to the kidneys, often leaving only about 30 percent of capacity (or even a portion of one kidney) functioning to do the important job of toxin removal and blood regulation. But you can still give your cat more quality time with you if it hasn’t progressed to the very final stage of kidney failure. Prompt treatment for feline renal disease is in order.
In either case, both whether your cat is showing symptoms of CRF (CKD) or ARF (AKD), you need to get them immediate medical help.
As cited, for Acute Renal Failure, due to the viable causes, the clock is ticking even faster, and minutes can make a difference as to whether the treatment can save your cat’s life and even reverse the damage done.)
Feline Treatment for CRF(CKD) and ARF(AKD)
Proper and effective feline treatment requires diagnosis of the form of kidney failure your cat is suffering.
In both types of kidney disease, your vet’s diagnosis involves a thorough physical exam and an understanding of your cat’s medical history. A variety of lab tests are employed to help make a diagnosis.
Types of Evaluation Tests for CRF(CKD) and ARF (AKD)
Blood tests are common to determine BUN and creatinine levels, two waste products that show up in the bloodstream, which kidneys are built to filter out.
Both forms of renal disease show increased levels of both these substance, since the kidneys aren’t functioning properly.
A determining factor for one type of renal disease over the other can be the blood count for read and white blood cells.
- Decreased levels of red blood cells indicate anemia, which is common to CRF.
- Increased levels are usually a sign of ARF.[AKD]
However, increased levels of creatinine and BUN are among the strongest indicators of chronic kidney failure.
Additional tests are sometimes given to test for feline CRF. [CKD]
- Tests for urine protein to creatinine ratio are given to measure the concentration of minerals and chemicals in the urine
- X-rays of the abdominal region
- Blood pressure is monitored
Diluted urine can indicate the kidneys’ decreased ability to filter waste products, and a tell-tale sign of CRF.[CKD]
OTHER Tests for ARF [AKD]
Your vet may use additional tests to check for:
- Infections
- Possible poisoning from ethylene glycol, or anti-freeze, which is hugely lethal and serious.
- Review of the abdominal area via ultrasounds
- Biopsy of the kidney may be undertaken, depending on your vet’s assessment.
What to Watch For – Common Symptoms of CRF and ARF (CKD and AKD)
Be Alert for These Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD or CRF):
Get Medical Attention for your cat if you notice any of these signs—
- Excessive urination
- Excessive drinking of water
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Dehydration (pale or sticky gums/ loss of skin elasticity)
- A dull coat
Common Symptooms of Acute Kidney Disease (AKD) [acute renal failure – (ARF )
– These symptoms happen suddenly
– Acute Kidney Failure is an EMERGENCY situation.
– Provide Immediate Medical Attention for your Cat
- Lack of coordination / stumbling
- Refusal to eat
- Pain and straining during urination
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Disorientation/dizziness
- Bad breath
- Seizures
- Sleepiness or overly drowsy / immoveable /lethargy
Suggestions for Emergency Readiness
I’ve certainly had my share of late-nite, wee hours of the morning, holiday and weekend frantic journeys to the emergency center. During normal hours all seemed fine. Wait for the clock to move to the ungodly hour…and yes…Houston…we have a problem!
- Keeping your cat carriers clean, handy and ready to go with appropriate papers or towels or blankets inside for comfort, and to cover the carrier when the weather is cold and bitter outside, will save you huge amounts of panic. Especially when you are trying to wake up enough and be composed enough to drive safely to medical help for your cats.
- Keeping the vet or emergency number in a prominent place to call ahead if you have time is also helpful.( The emergency clinic here asks that visitors call ahead.)
- Enter it into your cell phone as well.
– In any case, if possible, have someone call for you as you hasten to the medical facility.
– Having them aware you are coming may help save crucial minutes.
Or dial and call while you are putting on your coat and shoes to save time.
Keep your head – drive SAFELY !
In Summary
Immediate assessment by your vet when your cats show any unusual behavior, takes to hiding, refuse to eat, exhibits lethargy, and/or any of the other symptoms listed here is essential.
- In acute renal failure (acute kidney disease), minutes can make a difference, since by the time you notice symptoms, the damage has already been underway for a while.
- If your cat has been poisoned with anti-freeze, there is a small window to get effective treatment before permanent damage and more likely, death (and a horrible one) occurs.
The more knowledgeable your are about your cat’s normal behavior as well as about what symptoms to watch for, the more you can assist your veterinarian with helpful information that can help swift diagnosis, and the more you will be aware of the need for prompt action in emergencies.
Armed with information and good observation of your special furry cuddles, you can help them survive acute emergencies and extend their lives with you. You can enable them to live on happily in comfort, continuing more of the love they have for you – and the longer you can reciprocate your special bonds of love, affection and joy.