Tanya's Comprehensive Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease

What is CKD?
Key Issues
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatments
Diet and Nutrition
Fluid Therapy
Related Diseases
Saying Goodbye
Support

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Polycystic Kidney Disease

While I work on moving this page over, please visit the old version:

https://www.felinecrf.org/polycystic_kidney_disease.htm

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What is CKD?

What Happens in CKD
Causes of CKD
How Bad is It?
Is There Any Hope?
Acute Kidney Injury

Key Issues: Prolonging Life

Phosphorus Control
Hypertension
Proteinuria
Anaemia
Potassium Imbalances
Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infections) and Urinary Tract Infections
Metabolic Acidosis
Kidney Stones

Key Issues: Helping Your Cat Feel Better

Appetite Loss, Nausea and Vomiting
Maintaining Hydration
The B Vitamins (Including Methylcobalamin)
Constipation

Cat Food Data

Assessing Food Content
USA Canned Food Data
USA Dry Food Data
USA Food Brands: Contact Details
USA Food Brands: Helpfulness Ratings
UK Therapeutic Kidney Foods Data

Support

Coping with CKD
Tanya's Support Group
Success Stories

Symptoms

Important: Crashing
Alphabetical List of Symptoms and Treatments
Fluid and Uri nary Imbalances
Waste Product Regulation Imbalances
Phosphorus and Calcium Imbalances
Mis cellaneous Symptoms (Pain, Hiding Etc.)

What Do All The Test Results Mean?

Early Detection
Blood Chemistry: Kidney Function etc.
Calcium, Phosphorus, PTH and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Anaemia and Infection
Urinalysis (Urine Tests)
Other Tests: Ultrasound, Biopsy, X-rays etc.
Which Tests to Have and Frequency of Testing
Factors That Affect Test Results
Typical Ranges
International and US Measuring Systems

Treatments

Which Treatments are Essential
Fluid and Urinary Issues
Control of Uraemia (Waste Products): Mouth Ulcers, Azodyl, PorusOne etc.
Phosphorus, Calcium and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (Calcitriol)
Phosphorus Binders
ESAs (Aranesp, Epogen etc.) for Severe Anaemia
Steroids, Stem Cell Transplants and Kidney Transplants
Holistic Treatments
Fleas
Vaccinations
Antibiotics
Painkillers
Tips on Medicating Your Cat
Supplies: What to Buy and Where to Find It
Working with Your Vet and Recordkeeping

Diet and Nutrition

Nutritional Requirements of CKD Cats
The B Vitamins, Including Methylcobalamin
What to Feed (and What to Avoid)
Persuading Your Cat to Eat

Fluid Therapy

Oral Fluids
Intravenous Fluids
Subcutaneous Fluids
Tips on Giving Subcutaneous Fluids
Subcutaneous Fluids with a Giving Set
Subcutaneous Fluids with a Syringe
Subcutaneous Fluids: Winning Your Vet's Support
Dialysis

Related Diseases

Heart Problems
Hyperthyroidism
Diabetes
Arthritis
Feline Cognitive Dysfunction (Senility)
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Pancreatitis
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Dental Problems
Anaesthesia

Supplies at Reasonable Prices

What to Buy and Where to Find It
USA Online
USA Local (Fluids)
Canada
UK

Saying Goodbye

The Final Hours
Other People's Losses
Coping With Your Loss

Miscellaneous

Prevention
Feline CKD Research
CKD Research in Other Species
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Canine Kidney Disease
Other Illnesses
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My Three CKD Cats: Tanya, Thomas and Ollie
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TREATING YOUR CAT WITHOUT VETERINARY ADVICE CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

I have tried very hard to ensure that the information provided in this website is accurate, but I am NOT a vet, just an ordinary person who has lived through CKD with three cats. Veterinary information changes frequently and I make no representation, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or suitability of the information for your cat. This website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat any cat.

Before trying any of the treatments described herein, you MUST consult a qualified veterinarian and obtain professional advice on the correct regimen for your cat and his or her particular requirements; and you should only use any treatments described here with the full knowledge and approval of your vet. No responsibility can be accepted. By continuing to visit and use this website, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

If your cat appears to be in pain or distress, do not waste time on the internet, contact your vet immediately.

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