Complications of Feline Kidney Failure

1 Complications of Feline Kidney Failure

I. Diagnosis of feline kidney failure

Check muscle condition: chronic kidney failure cats are wasted by long-term uremia and lose muscle and weight. Acute failure often brings vomiting and rising blood urea nitrogen. X-ray shows enlarged or unchanged kidneys in acute failure but the opposite in chronic; ultrasound shows clearer cortex-medulla change in acute than chronic. Chronic failure bloodwork shows anemia, rare in acute. Electrolytes: chronic failure gives polyuria and low potassium, acute the reverse.

II. Complications of kidney failure

1. Nervous system: rising urea nitrogen and creatinine denature nerve cells, raise blood pressure, and finally cause cerebral edema.

2. Locomotor system, mainly bone: parathyroid overactivity, phosphorus stimulation lowering blood calcium, and poor vitamin D use cause fibrous osteitis, osteomalacia, bone pain, and joint pain.

3. Digestive tract: protein breakdown raises blood ammonia, irritates the mucosa, and causes ulcer bleeding. Kidney impact brings long-term anorexia, vomiting, and excess stomach acid, damaging the stomach.

4. Respiratory system: urea entering the lungs via blood causes fibrinous pneumonia, pleurisy, and cough. Parathyroid overactivity calcifies alveoli. Fast panting and over-breathing lead to acidosis.

5. Heart failure and low protein can cause pulmonary edema. Acidosis, high blood pressure, and toxin damage to the heart muscle can bring pericardial effusion, myocardial change, and heart failure.

6. Long-term metabolic drain lowers blood sugar and disrupts protein; weight loss and dehydration follow.

7. Skin system: skin calcification, melanin deposition, and coarse hair.