Chronic Renal Failure

We recommend regular urine and blood testing for senior pets as an important part of keeping them healthy. These tests can pick up problems early, which can then be treated and this often means a better result for the pet.

One of the most common of these conditions we detect is Chronic Renal Failure [CRF], especially in older cats. It involves the gradual deterioration of the kidney leading to a poor ability to concentrate urine, toxin build up in the blood and resulting ill health. Cats with CRF show the following signs:

1. Drinking lots of water
2. Weight loss
3. Poor coat condition
4. Vomiting

The earlier the condition can be detected and treated, the better the outcome for the cat. That's why we may recommend the blood and urine tests for older pets - even if they are not showing the above signs.

Treatment of CRF involves the use of medication and a special food. The medication reduces blood pressure to slow the progression of the disease, helps with water retention and protein losses. The food limits the load on the kidney with low sodium levels and high quality protein.

Hill's* Science Diet* and Prescription Diet* offer a range of foods designed by veterinarians to prevent and manage diseases of the urinary tract. For more information click here