Fluid Therapy For Cats With Kidney Disease

Iv fluid therapy benefits cats with kidney failure in several ways.

Fluid therapy for cats with kidney disease.

Your vet or the vet tech inserts an iv catheter into a vein in your cat s front leg neck or hind leg. Kidney disease in cats is an illness that nearly 30 of senior cats will face. But providing fluid therapy in a home environment is a vital part of older cat care for many pets and pet owners and it s truly a lifesaving gift of love to a special pet. However subcutaneous fluid therapy can make a sick cat feel better and can extend his life.

Fluid therapy alone is not enough to treat renal disease. Many patients require fluid therapy to combat dehydration. Subcutaneous fluids are generally only part of treating feline kidney disease. Understanding the stages and signs of kidney disease can help to extend your cat s life and keep them comfortable for as long as possible through this stage of their life.

First iv fluids are used for emergency then for replacing nutrients and finally subcutaneous fluids are used for maintaining hydration. In this irreversible condition the kidneys no longer effectively eliminate wastes causing a potentially fatal buildup of toxins. The fluid then gradually disperses throughout the cat s body and helps him or her to maintain hydration at the correct level. Depending on your cat s illness your vet may add medication to the iv fluids.

Instead of placing a slow drip of fluids into the cat s vein as happens with intravenous iv fluids the fluid is injected just under the skin with a needle. Kidney diet for cats. Use your best judgment. You can either follow your vet s advice or opt for making your cat a healthy raw diet.

Aaha guidelines review the latest information that helps the veteri. Just note not all vets are right or know everything. Most cats with chronic kidney disease feel best when sub q fluid administration is repeated every one to three days. It works rapidly removing toxins and providing constant hydration.

If the sub q fluids improve astro s quality of life talk with your veterinarian about making a gradual transition to a prescription diet for cats with chronic kidney disease. These diets help cats feel better and live longer. Your vet will likely prescribe a new stricter diet for your cat. Fluid therapy for cat kidney disease fluid therapy is administered for three purposes during treatment for renal disease.

A special diet and medications may also be necessary.