Symptoms Of Kidney Disease In Cats
Clinical signs are often related to the severity of the kidney disease and underlying cause. Most cats will exhibit symptoms including:
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Increased thirst and urination
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Urinary accidents, incontinence, or inability to urinate
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Lower back pain
Some cats may show muscle-wasting and signs attributed to high blood pressure, such as vision loss and weakness.
Natural Solutions For Joint Health
Natural remedies for pain relief are also beneficial just like pharmaceutical prescription drugs. Such include:
- Omega fatty acids e.g Omega 3 and 6 help in reducing inflammatory processes in the body by getting rid of free radicals. They also help to relieve pain.
- Acupuncture helps to increase blood perfusion to the joints as well as reduce inflammation. This is done by inserting needles in pressure points.
- Glucosamine: this can be derived from crustaceans. It helps to relieve joint pain as well as support the repair of cartilage.
- CBD oil has proven to be a good pain reliever.
Recovery And Management Of Kidney Disease In Cats
Cats diagnosed early on with kidney disease will benefit from nutritional management and more frequent veterinary attention which may include more frequent checkups and blood work.
Cats in stages I and II may often be monitored for further progression of signs, and some may be given a prescription diet specifically geared to help the kidneys by limiting the amount of work they have to do. Many cats can go on to have a decent quality of life for many months or years, depending on the specific diagnosis.
Cats in stages III and IV often require more medical and dietary assistance:
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If secondary anemia is present, erythropoietin injections can be given at the direction of your veterinarian.
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Dietary supplements may be prescribed to help with low potassium.
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Phosphorus binders may be prescribed to treat high phosphorus levels.
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Anti-nausea and anti-emetic medications can be given to cats with a poor appetite, vomiting, or nausea.
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Fluids given either intravenously or underneath the skin can help with dehydration, and your veterinarian can show you how to administer these fluids at home.
Because of the severity of signs often seen in cats in stages III and IV and the amount of care and effort required to support these cats, some may be humanely euthanized.
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How Does Cosequin Work In Cats
Glucosamine, one of the primary constituents of Cosequin, controls the production of collagen in cartilage . On the other hand, chondroitin prevents enzymes like metalloproteinase, cathepsin, and serine protease from degrading collagen and inducing destruction of joints and cartilages . These two ingredients play a major part in the synthesis of proteoglycans and glycoaminoglycans, the building blocks for cartilage formation .
What To Do About Common Urinary Problems In Cats
Inappropriate urination is one of the most common problem behaviors observed in cats and one of the most common reasons cats are abandoned at shelters. Yes, it can be frustrating when your cat starts urinating outside of the litter box. However, it is also important to remember that cats dont exhibit this type of behavior out of spite or to seek revenge. Inappropriate urination is a sign that something is wrong with your cat.
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Prevention Of Kidney Disease In Cats
Some causes of kidney disease may be preventable , but unfortunately, most causes are not. Heritable conditions, for example, are not preventable, but affected cats, or cats with the genetic copies of the disease, should not be bred.
To limit your cats exposure to toxins, keep lilies out of the home and block off access to the garage, household cleaners, and medications. Limiting exposure to other catswhile keeping your cat up to date on vaccines and monthly heartworm and flea controlis recommended.
If you notice any of the signs above, take your cat to a veterinarian for examination as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and intervention are keys to maintaining quality of life.
Prescription Medications For Joint Pain: What Is Cosequin For Cats
Your kitty cat will not be prescribed a dosage as high as a horse might require, but the fact that Cosequin can help the joints of horses and cats alike speaks to the supplements powerful healing properties. The appropriate dosage of Cosequin is dependent upon your pets weight. Cosequin is a medication that does not require a prescription prior to purchasing. As the best glucosamine for cats, Cosequin works to protect the cartilage that rests between your cat’s joints. As a joint health supplement, the main purpose of Cosequin for cats is to resolve the cause of your felines pain. Interestingly enough, Cosequin is designed to treat joint pain in horses, too.
According to Cosequins advisory information, the recommended amount of Cosequin capsules to give your cat depends on its weight. For cats weighing less than ten pounds, only one capsule should be given with their moist food or wet food. If your feline weighs more than ten pounds and your cat eats dry food, two capsules of Cosequin should be administered along with wet food. Always add Cosequin to your cat’s food whether it is dry food or wet food.If your cat eats wet food exclusively, the amount of Cosequin capsules given should be adjusted according to their weight . Ultimately, it is important to follow the dosage recommendations on the Cosequin packaging in order to ensure that your cat receives the appropriate amount of nutrients and get the desired response.
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Are There Any Potential Side Effects
Side effects are uncommon but may include mild gas and soft stools. Studies are limited for this supplement however, and therefore information regarding side effects is also limited.
This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Cannabidiol For Cats In Pain: Relieve Joint Pain With Cbd
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Sign Your Cat Needs Cosequin
Cosequin is a natural supplement used to alleviate joint pain either due to infection, injury, or degenerative diseases. Obesity is also a common cause of arthritis. The extra weight exerts a lot of pressure on the joint which can lead to damage and degeneration of the bone cartilage.
Its mostly given to an adult or senior cats that may have a case of arthritis. Studies show that 90% of cats over 12 years of age have arthritis. Common signs of joint degenerative diseases include:
- Difficulty rising up after a nap
- Difficulty climbing stairs or tabletop
- Difficulty walking
- Pain when being handled in certain positions
- Bathroom accidents since they cant walk to the litter box in time
- They become less active
- They tend to sleep more hours than usual
- Change in grooming habits i.e. over-grooming leaving the skin red and irritated or they stop grooming entirely.
How Effective Is Glucosamine/chondroitin
Limited studies in animals have been performed to evaluate the effectiveness of glucosamine/chondroitin for osteoarthritis, and of the studies that do exist, the quality is lacking. However, there is anecdotal evidence that these supplements may be helpful. Studies evaluating the effectiveness of glucosamine/chondroitin for FLUTD are few, however they do show promise.
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What Is A Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection is usually a bacterial infection in the urinary tract and can be quite uncomfortable for cats. Most commonly, bacteria travel up the urethra and into the sterile bladder. The bacteria then grow and cause infection. Cats historically also have cystitis, or bladder inflammation, that accompanies a UTI. But they can also have inflammatory cystitis where no UTI is present.
Signs of urinary tract infection or inflammatory cystitis can include bloody or cloudy urine, urinating small amounts frequently, urination outside the litter box, straining to urinate, or crying.
Cosequin For Cats Side Effects
Cosequin is highly recommended by a veterinarian as a nutritional supplement due to the few side effects observed while under treatment. Adverse side effects are usually observed as a result of an overdose.
The most common side effect is diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upsets, and nausea. Cosequin should not be used in place with conventional treatment for arthritis, injury, or infection.
It is also known to cause insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels therefore should be used under the guidance of a veterinarian in diabetic cats. It is advised to have their blood glucose levels monitored all through the use of the supplements.
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Cosequin For Cats Maximum Strength
Item prices may vary between online and in club.
Item prices do not include fees for pickup, shipping or delivery unless noted in the item description.
- #1 veterinarian-recommended retail joint health supplement
- The original feline joint health supplement
- Cosequin brand joint health supplements are shown to be safe and effective
- Helps to maintain joint mobility allowing your pet to run, jump and climb more comfortably
Cosequin is the #1 veterinarian-recommended over-the-counter joint health supplement brand. You and your veterinarian want the best for your pet, and Cosequin is here to support that effort. Cosequin is formulated with a trademarked combination of ingredients. Cosequin for Cats contains FCHG49® Glucosamine Hydrochloride and TRH122® Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate in a convenient sprinkle capsule.
- Combines glucosamine, chondroitin and manganese to provide additional joint support
- Easy-to-administer sprinkle capsulesjust open and sprinkle over food
- Also recommended by veterinarians to support bladder health
- Cosequin brand joint health supplements are shown to be safe, effective and bioavailable in peer-reviewed, published U.S. veterinary studies
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How Long Does It Take For Cosequin To Work In Cats
If you have ever taken medication for long-term treatment, you probably already realized that Cosequin will take some time to work.Supplements for pets need to be introduced to the body over and over again until they are able to take effect. It takes some patience, but if youre wondering how long it takes for Cosequin to work in cats, we have the answer for you!
One of the many perks of Cosequin as a joint pain reliever is that it is fast-acting. On average, Cosequin takes about four to six weeks before youll see noticeably positive changes. Be sure to take this with a grain of salt because every cat is different, so your feline friend might exhibit symptoms of joint pain for longer, or your little buddy will seem to be relieved within a shorter time frame. Some cats will receive Cosequin well while others might not be as susceptible to a good outcome.
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What Is Glucosamine/chondroitin
Glucosamine/chondroitin combination is a nutritional supplement used to treat osteoarthritis in dogs, cats, and horses, as well as feline lower urinary tract disease in cats.
Glucosamine acts as a mild anti-inflammatory and is used by the joints to make cartilage components and by the urinary tract for protection.
Chondroitin inhibits destruction and promotes production of cartilage components. Sometimes these are used in combination with other joint supplement nutrients.
Dietary supplements are substances that can be used to supplement the diet, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, botanicals, enzymes, and probiotics. While many supplements are sold over the counter, they still contain ingredients that have biological effects that should be managed by your veterinarian. Follow your veterinarians directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label.
There are differences in how countries regulate supplements. In the United States, these substances are not as vigorously regulated by the FDA as other medications, which means they can be sold without the manufacturer proving their effectiveness, safety, and without a guarantee of consistent or accurately reported ingredients. In Canada, products that have been evaluated for quality, safety, and effectiveness by Health Canada and authorized for sale will have a license number on the label.
What Is Kidney Disease In Cats
A cat has two kidneys, one on each side of the abdomen, and they play a vital role in filtering waste from the body. Additionally, the kidneys serve to regulate the bodys balance of fluids, minerals, and electrolytes. They conserve water and protein and play an important role in maintaining blood pressure and red blood cell production by making a hormone called erythropoietin.
There are different types of kidney disease in cats and various underlying causes. These often develop into one of two categories: acute or chronic.
Examples of acute kidney disease:
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Parasitic infections
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Bacterial infections, often caused by an ascending bladder infection, which can lead to pyelonephritis
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Tick-borne diseases
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Toxins, such as antifreeze, ingestion of lilies, and certain antibiotics
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Shock and hypotension
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Obstructive uropathy, often seen in male cats that are unable to urinate. This is considered a medical emergency
Examples of chronic kidney disease:
Cats cannot survive without their kidneys. Many of these conditions are progressive in nature and debilitating which can lead to death. When enough damage has occurred , signs become apparent and regeneration will not occur, leading to chronic kidney disease. Chronic renal failure , renal insufficiency, and chronic kidney disease are medical terms used interchangeably to describe the same condition.
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Cosequin For Bladder Health
Originally Posted by blueandfrodothanks for the help guysblue eats all canned food. i feed the go! grain free canned food, chicken turkey and duck flavour and fresh water trout flavour. the only supplement she gets is l-lysine when her eyes get gooey from the uri she had about 4-5 years ago. it acts up about once every few months and i give the l-lysine 2 times a day for 3 days and it clears up.should i get some supplements? i just don’t know what to do. my vet suggested i go to some website and i have provided everything on the list that i can. she has a heated bed that she barely ever leaves. our new house is double the floor space as our other house and she doesn’t even seem bothered by the dogs anymore, in fact i usually find blue and brom cuddled together on the couch. well, she is on her heated bed and brom is cuddled next to her.she really does seem much calmer and happier since we moved.what do you think i should do? thanks
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Feline Arthritis: A Cause And An Effect Of Cat Joint Pain
Speaking of arthritis, this condition is viewed as both a cause and an effect of joint pain in cats. In a way, feline arthritis is a catch-22 situation. Joint pain often leads to arthritis, and from there, arthritis exacerbates joint pain.
Unfortunately, arthritis is not curable in the sense that your cat will be able to revert back to how they felt prior to being diagnosed with arthritis. However, it is a condition that can be managed and controlled so that constant pain is not a requirement.
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Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
by Franktown Animal Clinic | Nov 5, 2019 | Health
One common problem that we see in our feline friends is inappropriate urination. We often see cats for sudden, seemingly random urination outside the litter box. Sometimes, these cats urinate in very undesirable places around the house, such as on pillows and bedding. Many clients ask why this has happened. One possibility is feline lower urinary tract disease. Unfortunately, this disease is difficult to pin down, and sometimes frustrating to treat. However, if an owner is dedicated and committed to their cat, it can be successfully managed.
Feline lower urinary tract disease is a genetic disease that affects 1-2% of cats, Persians in particular. It is an inflammatory condition of the bladder seen primarily in younger cats. FLUTD is a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that a full diagnostic workup is performed and all other urinary diseases have been ruled out first. With FLUTD, your veterinarian may only see hematuria and nothing else. This is indicative of sterile cystitis, or inflammation in the bladder without a true bacterial infection. Clinically, the symptoms youll see at home include urination outside the litter box, straining to urinate, pollakiuria , and hematuria. These symptoms are usually acute, and can recur over and over. These signs are not specific to FLUTD. Therefore, a full workup should always be done to make sure other diseases, such as a urinary tract infection or bladder stones, are not present.
Straining In The Litter Box
The litter box straining that cats are usually doing especially if they’re male cats is straining to PEE. It’s usually not constipation. And this is DEFINITELY an emergency! If your cat is straining or vocalizing while trying to “go,” or making frequent unsuccessful trips to their box, they need to go to the vet IMMEDIATELY! If it’s a urinary obstruction, immediate vet care is your cat’s only shot at survival.
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