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Feline Renal Disease (FRD)
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Renal failure is the loss of kidney function and can result in the death of the cat if not diagnosed in time. There are two forms of renal failure. The acute form or ARF is less common and is usually triggered by the ingestion of some poison or other toxic substance. Winter months can see an increase in ARF due to cats being exposed to radiator water containing anti-freeze. This is just one of many reasons to keep cats inside and to cat proof your garage if your cat has access to it.
The more common form is chronic renal failure or CRF and results from kidney disease that has been persisting for some time unnoticed by the owner. This form of the disease is not reversible and the function of the kidneys will continue to deteriorate during the course of the disease.
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With either form it is important to recognize the symptoms so your cat can be tested before the disease progresses too far. Some of the signs to look for are:
Increased urination and thirst
Weight loss
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Depression and lethargy
Diarrhea
Blood in vomit or black, tarry stool
Bad breath and oral ulcers
Poor hair coat
Dr. Tran DVM, of Blue Ravine Animal Hospital, suggests testing the kidney levels in cats that have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism since that condition can mask a renal failure issue. Also, cats that have been diagnosed with renal failure may need multiple diet changes to help with appetite loss.
(Continued on page 7)
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Mischievous Mona
A Feline's Advice on Keeping Your Cat Safe
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By Mona Lisa Nitrio
Translated By Jennifer Nitrio
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Things that look like strings…..and why you should keep us curious cats away from them!
What is more fun to a kitty that a stark white, ever so inviting piece of smooth and sleek string? We can chase it, we can roll around the floor with it, we can drag it from one end of the house to another. We can also die from it. And not only string - yes, you heard me, things that look like string are just as tempting. In case I've lost you humans, let me state the obvious… dental floss, drawstrings on
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clothing, shoelaces, bra straps, and my personal favorites - curtain cord/rope and electrical cords are all a great risk to our health!
(Continued on page 8)
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