One question I had, and I think a lot of caregivers have when given a chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis is, how did this happen? Did I do something wrong?
CKD affects up to 40% of cats over the age of 10 and 80% of cats over the age of 15 (Cornell). It's one of the most prevalent diseases among older cats. The strongest known risk factor for kidney disease is age. So, try not to feel guilty. The cause was very likely out of your control and just something our companions have to battle through.
This 2014 study found that cats were more likely to develop CKD if they were thin or had recently lost weight, had prior dental disease or cystitis, had dehydration or anesthesia in the previous year, were neutered males, or showed symptoms like increased thirst/urination, vomiting, appetite loss, low energy, or bad breath. Some of these may not be actual causes of CKD and more likely early effects of already-existing kidney disease that had not been diagnosed yet.
It's a tough one to nail down. In a lot of cases, the exact underlying cause doesn't seem to be fully identified. My best guess would be that for a lot of cats, many different factors contribute over time. Some other potential risk factors and contributors to feline chronic kidney disease are listed below.
Age-Related Degeneration
Kidney tissue can lose function over time, especially in senior cats. Many cats do not have a single identifiable underlying cause beyond age changes.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Some cats can develop CKD from a previous kidney injury that the kidneys never fully healed from. Exposure to toxins such as lilies or antifreeze, urinary obstructions, severe dehydration, infections, reduced blood flow, or certain medications can potentially be causes of AKI.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
The blood vessels within the kidneys are delicate and can potentially be damaged by high blood pressure. CKD can cause hypertension. That being the case, the two conditions may potentially worsen one another over time.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is another common disease in older cats that is often seen alongside CKD and diabetes mellitus. Hyperthyroidism may place additional stress on the kidneys or mask early stage kidney disease until thyroid levels are more controlled.
Dental disease, genetics, proteinuria, diet and phosphorus exposure, and recurring urinary tract issues may also contribute to CKD in some cats.
Rather than focusing on the cause, you've landed here. Researchers are constantly learning more about feline CKD, and hopefully eventually that means new treatments to help prolong our cat's lives. But we have to focus on what we can control. Diet, hydration, management and monitoring, and quality of life. And certainly quality time.
Sources:
Chronic Kidney Disease
Risk Factors for Development of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats - PMC
Epidemiology of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Cats: An Analysis of the Factors Involved - PMC
Feline CKD: Pathophysiology and risk factors — what do we know? - PMC
Chronic Renal Failure in Cats - Cat Clinic of Roswell
CKD affects up to 40% of cats over the age of 10 and 80% of cats over the age of 15 (Cornell). It's one of the most prevalent diseases among older cats. The strongest known risk factor for kidney disease is age. So, try not to feel guilty. The cause was very likely out of your control and just something our companions have to battle through.
This 2014 study found that cats were more likely to develop CKD if they were thin or had recently lost weight, had prior dental disease or cystitis, had dehydration or anesthesia in the previous year, were neutered males, or showed symptoms like increased thirst/urination, vomiting, appetite loss, low energy, or bad breath. Some of these may not be actual causes of CKD and more likely early effects of already-existing kidney disease that had not been diagnosed yet.
It's a tough one to nail down. In a lot of cases, the exact underlying cause doesn't seem to be fully identified. My best guess would be that for a lot of cats, many different factors contribute over time. Some other potential risk factors and contributors to feline chronic kidney disease are listed below.
Age-Related Degeneration
Kidney tissue can lose function over time, especially in senior cats. Many cats do not have a single identifiable underlying cause beyond age changes.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Some cats can develop CKD from a previous kidney injury that the kidneys never fully healed from. Exposure to toxins such as lilies or antifreeze, urinary obstructions, severe dehydration, infections, reduced blood flow, or certain medications can potentially be causes of AKI.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
The blood vessels within the kidneys are delicate and can potentially be damaged by high blood pressure. CKD can cause hypertension. That being the case, the two conditions may potentially worsen one another over time.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is another common disease in older cats that is often seen alongside CKD and diabetes mellitus. Hyperthyroidism may place additional stress on the kidneys or mask early stage kidney disease until thyroid levels are more controlled.
Dental disease, genetics, proteinuria, diet and phosphorus exposure, and recurring urinary tract issues may also contribute to CKD in some cats.
Rather than focusing on the cause, you've landed here. Researchers are constantly learning more about feline CKD, and hopefully eventually that means new treatments to help prolong our cat's lives. But we have to focus on what we can control. Diet, hydration, management and monitoring, and quality of life. And certainly quality time.
Sources:
Chronic Kidney Disease
Risk Factors for Development of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats - PMC
Epidemiology of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Cats: An Analysis of the Factors Involved - PMC
Feline CKD: Pathophysiology and risk factors — what do we know? - PMC
Chronic Renal Failure in Cats - Cat Clinic of Roswell