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Blood Chemistry Panel

This is the most common type of test run on CKD cats. This group of checks examines kidney function. It also looks for any other abnormalities associated with poorly functioning kidneys such as electrolyte imbalances (potassium), metabolic acidosis, and phosphorus/calcium imbalances. It includes other tests such as albumin, glucose and cholesterol.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

This test, also known as haematology, examines the blood cells in the cat's body. This is helpful in determining firstly, whether a cat is anaemic, and secondly, whether a cat has an infection, both common problems in CKD cats.

Hyperthyroidism

Urinalysis                                                                                                             Back to Page Index

As the name suggests, this examines the cat's urine. This enables the vet to see if your cat is concentrating urine (CKD cats struggle to do this, so it can help to confirm the CKD diagnosis, though a low USG may also be caused by other health issues) and to check for urinary tract infections and protein in the urine.

Other Tests                                                                                                                                    Back to Page Index

Ideally all CKD cats should have their blood pressure checked regularly. Some cats may also need to have other tests performed.

Blood Pressure

Many CKD cats have high blood pressure (hypertension) which can cause blindness among other problems, so it is really important to check for this.

Ultrasound

This is not routinely performed on CKD cats, but may be offered if your vet suspects a kidney infection, kidney stones or a genetic condition called Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).

Which Tests to Have                                                                                         Back to Page Index

Initially some vets only test a measure of kidney function called blood urea nitrogen (BUN) or urea, or possibly BUN together with another test of kidney function called creatinine. However, if you get to choose which tests are run, I recommend that you ask for the following tests to be run:

Blood Tests:

Blood Chemistry Panel

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) or urea

• Creatinine (Crea)

• Potassium (K+)

• Phosphorus (P or Pi)

• Calcium (Ca)

• Sodium (Na+)

• TCO2 (or CO2), a test for metabolic acidosis (if possible - not every laboratory can do this test)

Complete Blood Count

• Packed cell volume (PCV) or Haematocrit (HCT) - to check for anaemia

• White blood cells - to check for infection

Other Blood Tests

• T4

• spec fPL is a specialised test if pancreatitis is suspected

Urinalysis

• Urine specific gravity

• Proteinuria (protein leaking into the urine)

• Infection

Other Tests

• Blood pressure - not all vets have the equipment to perform this test but it is extremely important for CKD cats

• Ultrasound - if your vet suspects a kidney infection, kidney stones or PKD.

Frequency of Testing                                                                                                                 Back to Page Index

If you are trying to control a particular problem, such as anaemia, infection, phosphorus levels, potassium or metabolic acidosis, it is reasonable to test these every couple of weeks until you have got things under control.

Once your cat seems stable, I would recommend checking bloodwork, urine and blood pressure as follows:

• If your cat is in early CKD (creatinine below 2.5 USA, 220 international), I would have tests run twice a year.

• If your cat has medium numbers (creatinine up to 3.5 USA, 300 international), ask for tests more frequently, every 3-6 months.

• If the disease is more advanced than this, you should consider testing more frequently, every 1-3 months. Thomas was tested every 3-4 months, but as the disease progressed we switched to every 1-2 months.

• In all cases, check for high blood pressure regularly. 

Try to balance the need to run tests in order to monitor and control disease progression with the need to not increase your cat's stress levels unnecessarily, and bear in mind that taking blood too frequently can worsen anaemia. 

In all cases, do your own checks at home, e.g. regular weighing, monitoring of food intake. if your cat seems to be deteriorating or you have any concerns, you should seek your vet's advice regardless of whether tests are due.

If Your Cat Fights Blood Draws                                                                      Back to Page Index

Many cats find having blood taken very stressful. There are some ways to minimise this stress:

• Stay with your cat whilst the blood is drawn. Many vets like to take the cat "out the back" to draw blood but this can frighten the cat, whereas a familiar face (yours) can help keep the cat calm.

• For cats who fight blood draws like our Harpsie, it can be easier to take the blood from a hind leg rather than from the jugular vein in the neck. Our vet used to place a towel over Harpsie's head and draw blood from the leg. You would probably expect a towel over the head to make a cat freak out more but many cats find it calming. Taking blood this way takes longer than taking it from the jugular but overall it still worked better for Harpsie.

• For some cats, the "clothes peg" method may work well.

• Cats hate the smell of alcohol, so it is better not to dampen down their fur with alcohol before a blood draw because it increases their stress levels. It is unnecessary anyway unless your cat has a particularly weak immune system, e.g. s/he also has cancer. Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine explains why this isn't necessary for sub-Qs (the same applies for blood draws).

Keeping Records                                                                                               Back to Page Index