🐱 My cat has kidney disease. What can I do to help it survive? 🐱

When it comes to kidney disease treatment today, most veterinarians think of using fluid therapy to help manage waste in the bloodstream. However, this method has limitations, as it can only be applied to animals weighing 15 kg or more.

Another effective option is Peritoneal Dialysis (PD), a form of renal replacement therapy. Instead of relying on urine to carry waste out of the body, PD introduces a special fluid into the pet’s abdominal cavity. Waste products and toxins then pass from the blood vessels in the abdominal lining into this fluid, which is later drained out.

Why Peritoneal Dialysis?

• Helps remove waste (like urea and creatinine) when the kidneys can’t

• Balances electrolytes such as sodium and potassium

• Helps correct blood acidity (metabolic acidosis)

• Can also remove toxins in cases of poisoning

When is it used?

• In pets with acute kidney injury (little or no urine production)

• In chronic kidney disease if waste levels are very high

• When fluid therapy alone isn’t enough

• For toxin removal

Things to watch out for

Because PD requires placing a catheter into the abdomen, there’s a risk of infection (peritonitis) if hygiene isn’t strict. It is not recommended in pets with abdominal fibrosis or cancers.

With proper care, though, PD can be a safe and life-saving option for pets with severe kidney problems.

Source: VPN Magazine