1. Part of the kidneys' function is to remove waste from the body.
2. Kidney failure is also called renal failure.
3. Kidney failure is either acute or chronic. Acute kidney failure occurs when the kidneys suddenly stop performing their filtering function allowing waste products to build up in the kitty's system. Chronic kidney failure occurs when the kidneys gradually reduce their filtering functions over time.
4. ARF is typically caused by urinary obstructions, infectious diseases, trauma, and the ingestion of toxins.
5. In addition to the bad food, ingestion of items commonly found in homes can cause kidney problems for cats. For instance, antifreeze, lillies (yes the flower that many of us may have in our gardens), acetominophen and ibuprofen, and turpentine are just some of the things that can cause kidney problems.
6. Signs of kidney failure usually don't appear until 70% of the kidneys have stopped functioning.
7. Some of the symptoms of ARF are drinking more water, vomiting, depression, reduction in appetite, lethargy, and increased/decreated urination.
8. If you see symptoms of ARF, you should take your cat to the vet immediately. This cannot be treated at home.
9. Blood tests that are used to diagnosis ARF include measurements of the blood urea nitrogen (BUN), phosphorus and creatinine.
10. ARF is treated by providing fluids (such as through a subcutaneous IV) and through certain medications (a nasty pill I didn't like).
11. Cats with ARF also usually are prescribed a kidney-friendly diet that is low in sodium and encouraged to continue that diet even if their kidney functions return to normal ranges.
12. If ARF is caused by the ingestion of a specific toxin, the vet may try to empty the cat's stomach or use charcoal to try to stop more absorption of the toxin.
13. ARF is often fatal. Early treatment is critical to improve your pet's chance of survival.
Some of the websites that we visited are:
Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Feline CRF Information Center
Cat World
FamilyVet.com
Lexington Cat Clinic (content appears to be from Lifelearn)
Petplace.com
Love to Know
Balgownie Veterinary Hospital
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11 comments:
So sorry to hear that you have ARF due to the bad food. :( It is very sad that so many pets are ill and that others died because of the bad food. :(
The cat who came before me, Whiskers, died of kidney failure, but his was due to old age - he was two months shy of his 20th birthday when he went to the Rainbow Bridge.
Thank you for teaching us about this horrible disease and for the warnings to keep lilies, ibuprofen and acetominophen out of our reach.
Sorry kitty is sick I had a Shar'pei that had CRF. It was very difficult for us all, she was only 7. The vet said there was too much protein in the dry food she liked (She would steal it from the wolf, who needed the extra protein). We tried everything; sub cu fluids, homeopathic appetite stimulation, BARF diet... she went blind and we had to have her euthanised. I'm so happy that you are doing well, and thank you for a great 13!
This is a very important blog subject - I hope all cat owners read it. Thank you. FAZ
This was a very informative TT Zoey! We're very glad that your mom has researched this disease and is doing all she can to help you through it. We're so sorry that the bad pet food made you so ill. It makes us very mad that companies risk the lives of many animals to save money. It makes us even more mad that China freely does this.
Luf, Us
Thank you for the information about ARF. It is a shame that the food was bad and that the people doing it knew it. HISS!! HISS!! Everyone who has a pet cat should read this. I will post it on the TGH roundup today, so more kitties and their mom's and dad's can see.
Be blessed,
Samantha and Tigger
I am sorry that you got sick from the rotten bad cat food. But I am glad that you are getting better. Thanks for teaching us about ARF.
That was wonderful of you to share with us. It is so heartbreaking that you had to live through this torture but I am very happy you survived.
Latte
Thank you for the facts on ARF. A zillion HISSES to those rotten food companies. It's awful that you had to go through that!
i am verree distressed dat yer goin thru dis ... an i'm verree angree wid da food companiez.
thank u fer edukatin us on arf.
luv--yer frend--jh
Furry informative, Zoey. I'm glad that you're gonna join the fray since you were sickened by the tainted kitty food. Sending a stern message to the pet food industry and forcing change may be part of your legacy.
DMM
I apologise, but, in my opinion, you are not right. I am assured.
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