Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common diseases in aging cats and dogs. Up to 30–40% of cats over 10 years of age suffer from some degree of kidney failure. The kidneys lose function slowly and irreversibly, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, life expectancy and quality of life can be significantly improved.
IRIS Classification — Disease Stages
Kidney disease is classified according to the international IRIS system into four stages. Stage 1: kidney damage without symptoms, creatinine normal. Stage 2: mild kidney failure, mild symptoms (increased drinking). Stage 3: moderate failure, clear symptoms (loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss). Stage 4: severe failure, uremic symptoms (nausea, mouth ulcers, seizures). In the early stages, the SDMA blood test can detect kidney damage months before creatinine rises.
Symptoms
Early symptoms are often subtle: increased drinking and urination, mild weight loss and decreased appetite. As the disease progresses, symptoms intensify: vomiting, diarrhea, poor coat, muscle weakness, anemia (pale gums), mouth ulcers and ammonia smell in the breath. Because symptoms develop slowly, many owners do not notice the changes in time. That is why we recommend annual blood tests for pets over 7 years of age.
Treatment and Monitoring
Kidney disease cannot be cured, but progression can be significantly slowed. The cornerstones of treatment are: renal diet (reduced protein and phosphorus — proven to extend life expectancy), phosphate binder therapy, fluid therapy (subcutaneous or intravenous), blood pressure medication and anti-nausea medication. Anemia is treated with erythropoietin when needed. Regular monitoring (blood tests, blood pressure, urinalysis) is essential for adjusting treatment. At our clinic, we follow kidney patients on individually tailored schedules.