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Healing & Alternative Health
Dr. Carson's Holistic Animal Care:
Kidney Failure in Cats - Monitoring the Course of the Condition
by Kathleen M. Carson, D.V.M |
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Last month I wrote about a kitty named Tiger who was found to have kidney disease or chronic renal failure (crf). I left off just as Tiger was going home from the hospital after his initial diagnosis and treatment.
Tiger’s doctor explained that he needed to come back to the hospital for follow-up examinations and tests so that the she could continue to evaluate his condi tion. These visits would need to be frequent at first, approximately every 1 - 2 weeks. As time went by and Tiger’s condition became more stable, the visits could be made further apart, perhaps every few months.
There were several specific tests that were especially crucial to follow for Tiger. First was a blood test called creatinine. This would tell his doctor how well his kidneys were getting rid of his body waste. An elevated creatinine is the primary test used to diagnose crf and follow its improvement or regression with time.
Next was his blood levels of phosphorus (P). As mentioned previously, sick kidneys tend to lead to elevated levels of P in the blood (hyperphosphatemia), and this further injures the already damaged kidneys.
Third was his blood potassium (K). Cats with crf often have blood levels of K which are lower than normal (hypokalemia), and this results in pronounced muscle weakness and possible heart problems.
Fourth was the blood test called packed cell volume (PCV), or a closely-related one called hematocrit (Hct). These tests measure what percentage his red blood cells (RBCs) are out of his total blood volume . Animals with crf have a tendency to develop anemia; this would be reflected in a lower-than-normal PCV or Hct.
Fifth, Tiger’s urine would have to be monitored for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cats with crf are more prone to UTIs since their diluted urine can’t always fight off invading bacteria. Because of this urinary dilution, hisurinalysis (UA) wouldn’t necessarily show the large numbers of bacteria, white blood cells (WBCs), and/or red blood cells (RBCs) which a veterinarian usually looks for to diagnose a UTI. Thus, periodic urine cultures will be necessary.
Lastly, Tiger’s blood pressure would be taken each time he came in for a follow-up visit. As you might guess, taking the blood pressure of a cat on a visit to the veterinarian can be tricky. Most cats are slightly or greatly stressed at the veterinarian’s. Of course, stress elevates blood pressure. Various tricks are used to get as accurate a reading as possible. As much as scheduling permits, the cat is ushered into an exam room as quickly a possible, reducing or eliminating long stays in the waiting room. Usually a cat is more relaxed with a family member in the room, preferrably holding the kitty. The doctor or technician comes into the room as promptly as possible to take the measurement. Often, several measurements are taken, the highest and lowest thrown out, and the rest averaged to reach the final result.
Initially, Tiger’s creatinine and P levels were elevated in his blood, but his K and PCV were both within normal limits. He also showed no signs of a UTI, and his blood pressure was normal. His doctor would continue to monitor these values on each follow-up visit, for things could change with time. This is why regular check ups and monitoring of blood, urine, and blood pressure values were so important. That way things usually would be caught before they could get too far out of hand. If Tiger’s family were to wait until he obviously wasn’t feeling well, a serious or even life-threatening situation could have developed.
Next month I’ll write about the various treatments used to help cats with
crf. |
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Dr. Kathleen Carson, DVM
Veterinarian & Author
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Dr. Carson received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of California at Davis in 1968. She's been a small animal practitioner (dogs and cats ) for all the years since, except for a short stint at the San Diego Zoo when she first graduated.
She belongs to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.
Since 1974 she's lived and practiced in the South Bay Area near Los Angeles. She started the area's first house call practice in 1976 and the first pet crisis/loss group in 1989. The human-animal bond is of special interest to her.
She started exploring complementary veterinary medicine in 1987. Her practice became 100% holistic in 1996. She utilizes acupuncture, herbs, supplements, Bach Flower Remedies, homeopathic remedies, nutrition and medications for her patients in her practice.
She's currently taking a leave of absence from her house call practice due to health reasons but continues to do phone consultations and to write.
E-mail:
Critterhlr@aol.com
website:
http://www.holistic
vetconsult.com
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