Chronic kidney disease means chronic (ongoing)
disease of the kidneys.
It is sometimes referred to as renal disease ("renal" means relating to
the kidneys) or chronic renal failure (CRF).
Chronic renal failure was the term previously used to refer to this
condition. The term is unfortunate,
becausewhen they received the
diagnosis, many people would only hear the word "failure"
and presume death must be imminent; after all, if your kidneys have
failed, how can you survive?
It makes more sense to focus
instead on the word "chronic": this means that the disease is an ongoing
one, with gradual deterioration taking place as kidney function fails,
which can actually take some time, even years in some cases.
For this
reason, the academic literature now refers to "chronic renal disease"
(or occasionally "chronic
renal insufficiency"), because they think this more accurately reflect the
true situation. In 2012 I changed the name of this website accordingly.
Whatever terminology is used, with appropriate treatments it may be possible
to slow down this deterioration
and keep your cat healthy and happy for quite some time.
This section contains the following pages:
What Happens in CKD
an explanation of how the kidneys work and what happens
to them in CKD. This includes an explanation of why you cannot normally
diagnose CKD until at least 66% of function has been lost
It is impossible to detect CKD until around two thirds of kidney function
is already gone (so don't feel guilty for not noticing sooner). This page
discusses possible methods for vets to detect CKD earlier.
A discussion on the various stages of CKD, including
the International Renal Interest Society's four stage staging system, and
how bad your cat's case might be.
A discussion of acute kidney injury. This is usually
seen in cats exposed to toxins such as lilies or antifreeze, or who have a
blockage (e.g. kidney stones) or severe kidney infection. It may occasionally develop in addition to
CKD, a condition known as ACKD, most commonly in cats with a kidney
infection or a blockage.
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. 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.
If your cat
appears to be in pain or distress, do not waste time on the internet,
contact your vet immediately.
This site was
created using Microsoft software, and therefore it is best viewed in
Internet Explorer. I know it doesn't always display too well in other
browsers, but I'm not an IT expert so I'm afraid I don't know how to
change that. I would love it to display perfectly everywhere, but my focus
is on making the information available. When I get time, I'll try to
improve how it displays in other browsers.
This site is a labour of love, from which I do not make
a penny. Please do not steal from me by taking credit for my work.
If you wish to
link to this site, please feel free to do so. Please make it clear that
this is a link and not your own work. I would appreciate being informed of
your link.
