Chronic kidney failure is very dangerous for cats, but if treated it does tend to offer better survival rates than acute kidney failure. On the other hand, if acute kidney failure is addressed immediately and successfully, a cat may be able to regain full functioning of his kidneys — an option unlikely with chronic kidney failure. Emergency veterinary treatment of acute kidney failure can include:

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  Inducing vomiting to eliminate ingested poisons

• Intravenous fluids to combat dehydration
• Medications that increase urination
• Management of secondary symptoms, such as anemia and electrolyte imbalances
• Peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis to purify the blood

Medical care for chronic kidney failure is usually aimed at controlling symptoms and preventing the condition from worsening, usually by treating anemia, controlling vomiting and targeting specific electrolyte imbalances. Your veterinarian might also recommend a long-term change in your cat’s diet. Be aware that this type of kidney failure usually requires lifetime of monitoring and special care.

Sources

FAB Cats. “Chronic Kidney (Renal) Failure in Cats.” November 2008 (June 13, 2011)

http://www.fabcats.org/owners/kidney/crf.html

Healthy Pets, WebMD. “Kidney Failure (Uremia) Symptoms in Cats.” (June 13, 2011)

http://pets.webmd.com/cats/kidney-failure-uremia-symptoms-cats

Pet Education, Doctors Foster and Smith. “Kidney Disease: Causes, Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment.” (June 13, 2011)

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2142&aid=350

Primovic, Debra. “Acute Renal (Kidney) Failure in Cats.” Pet Place. (June 13, 2011)

http://www.petplace.com/cats/acute-renal-kidney-failure-in-cats/page1.aspx

Primovic, Debra. “Chronic Renal (Kidney) Failure in Cats.” Pet Place. (June 13, 2011)

http://www.petplace.com/cats/chronic-renal-kidney-failure-in-cats/page1.aspx

VetInfo. “Kidney Failure in Cats.” (June 13, 2011)

http://www.vetinfo.com/kidney-failure-in-cats.html