The majority of patients can be treated on an outpatient basis, but if your cat is showing signs of severe nitrogenous waste in the bloodstream (azotemia), high blood pressure (hypertension), or blocked vessels due to clotting (thromboembolic disease), it should be hospitalized. Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to stop the loss of protein into your cat's urine and increase blood pressure.
Living and Management
You will need to limit your cat's activity in order to prevent thromboembolic disease. A low-protein, low-sodium diet, perhaps one that is specially formulated for strengthening the kidney, should be fed to your cat. Your veterinarian will assist you in creating the best diet plan for your cat.
Your veterinarian will schedule follow-up appointments for your cat at one month after the initial treatment, and then again at three month intervals for the year following. At each visit, a chemical blood profile, a urinalysis, and an electrolyte panel will be performed. The chemical blood profile is useful for monitoring kidney function, and the urinalysis will indicate the amount of protein being lost into the urine. Your doctor will also take your cat's blood pressure and monitor its weight at each visit.
Glomerulonephritis and amyloidosis are progressive. If the underlying cause cannot be resolved, your cat will eventually lose all kidney function. The prognosis for end-stage kidney disease is poor.
The prediction of a disease’s outcome in advance
A bundle of fibers that are used in the process of sending impulses through the body
Protein found in the urine
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
a) A cavity in certain animals b) Term refers to a rear chamber in the heart or a cavity in the brain
High blood pressure
The product of protein being metabolized; can be found in blood or urine.
A medical condition in which the glomeruli become inflamed
A medical condition in which arteries become thicker and harder in texture.
A type of protein that can be dissolved in water; found in milk, egg white, certain muscle, blood, and some urine.
The condition of having urea and other nitrogenous elements in an animal's blood.
The amount of pressure applied by the blood on the arteries.
The space in the abdomen that holds the major digestive organs in an animal. Normally referred to as the area between the diaphragm and the pelvis. Also referred to as the peritoneal cavity.
The escape of fluid or blood into tissues or body spaces or cavities
Extreme loss of blood