Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine student Haley Roecker presents a case of Chronic Renal Failure in a Feline patient at Iowa Veterinary Specialties.

1. Chronic Renal Failure in Cats
Haley Roecker
ISU College of Veterinary Medicine
Class of 2017

2. What is it?
• Chronic renal failure is a disease of 1 or,
usually, both kidneys that has been present for
greater than 3 months
• There is usually greater than ~75% reduction in
kidney function
• It is common in older cats
• It is a serious condition that requires medical
attention
http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-
information/article/animal-health/kidney-failure-acute-in-
cats/42

3. Signs & Symptoms
• Increased drinking and
urinating
• Anorexia
• Lethargy
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Seizures or coma
• Dehydration
• Oral ulcers
• Decreased body
temperature

4. Causes of Renal Failure
• Toxins
• Chronic urinary obstruction
• Certain drugs
• Kidney stones
• Lymphoma
• Leptospirosis
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
• Other unknown causes

5. Diagnosis
• Bloodwork
• Urinalysis
• Radiographs
• Ultrasound
https://www.google.com/search?q=x-
rays&biw=1600&bih=799&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=wLqRVdvFI
YG9sAX2v53AAw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#q=lab+tests&tbm=isch&tbas=0

6. Meet “Gus”
• Gus is a 12 year old orange
tabby
• His owners brought him to IVS
because he was dehydrated,
not eating, losing weight, and
had ulcers in his mouth

7. What IVS did for “Gus”
• Gus was diagnosed based on a urinalysis
and bloodwork
• Treatment:
• IV fluids for the dehydration and
diuresis ("flushing out the wastes")
• Medications for the stomach ulcers
• Medicated mouthwash for the oral
ulcers
• Anti-nausea medications
• Appetite stimulants

8. Recovery
• Gus was hospitalized at IVS for 5 days
• He was able to go home once his bloodwork was
normal and he was clinically improved
• He will still be on medications at home and will need
to be seen by his regular veterinarian for check-ups

9. Prognosis
• Chronic renal failure is not curable
• It is medically managed to improve
quality of life and survival
If you are concerned that your cat has renal
failure, please see your veterinarian