Nephrotic Syndrome (Kidney Dysfunction with Protein Loss) in cats
- Occurrence: common
- Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis
Nephrotic syndrome in cats is a kidney disease characterized by increased permeability of the kidney filtration membrane, leading to a significant loss of proteins in the urine.
BASICS/CAUSES:
The kidneys play a crucial role in a cat’s body by filtering blood and excreting waste products through urine. One of the core functions of the kidneys is maintaining the correct amount of proteins in the blood. These proteins are essential for various bodily functions, including maintaining osmotic pressure, preventing edema, and supporting the immune system.
In nephrotic syndrome, the normal barrier function of the kidney filtration membrane is disrupted. This membrane is normally selectively permeable, meaning it retains certain molecules and allows others to pass through. When this function is impaired, large proteins like albumin can enter the urine. This leads to a loss of important proteins and can cause a number of health complications.
The causes of nephrotic syndrome can be diverse. A common cause is glomerular damage, which can be triggered by various factors, including immunological diseases, infections, and genetic predisposition. Systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure can also lead to kidney damage and increase the risk of nephrotic syndrome.
Another possible trigger is inflammatory processes within the kidneys, which can be caused by bacterial or viral infections. Toxic influences, such as taking certain medications or the presence of heavy metals in the body, can also impair kidney function and lead to protein loss in the urine.
The most important facts at a glance
Nephrotic syndrome in cats is a serious disease characterized by protein loss through the kidneys. Common causes include glomerulonephritis, systemic diseases such as diabetes, and toxic kidney damage. Symptoms include swelling in the legs, ascites, and shortness of breath. Occasionally, vision problems and cardiac arrhythmia also occur. Diagnosis is made by physical examination, urine and blood tests, and possibly a kidney biopsy. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and treating the underlying cause. Dietary adjustments and medications such as ACE inhibitors can help stabilize the condition. The prognosis varies depending on the severity of the disease and response to treatment. Early diagnosis can improve the cat’s quality of life. Preventive measures include a balanced diet, avoidance of toxins, and regular veterinary examinations. Stress reduction and avoiding overweight are also important to support kidney function. Regular vaccinations and deworming can reduce the risk of kidney infections. Close cooperation with a veterinarian is crucial to monitor the course of the disease and adjust the therapy to achieve the best results for the affected cat.
Causes
- Glomerulonephritis or glomerulopathy.
- Systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus or infections.
- Toxic damage to the kidneys.
Symptoms
The symptoms of nephrotic syndrome in cats can be subtle and develop insidiously, making early diagnosis difficult. A common sign is the development of edema, i.e. swelling, which is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the tissue. These often occur in the abdominal area, in the legs or in the face of the cat.
In addition, affected cats may suffer from weight loss, although they show normal or even increased food intake. The loss of albumin, an important protein in the blood, can lead to a decrease in osmotic pressure, which in turn favors the formation of fluid accumulations in the tissue.
Other symptoms may include increased thirst and increased urination, as the kidneys try to compensate for the lost proteins by increasing urine production. In some cases, protein loss can lead to a weakened immune system, making the cat more susceptible to infections.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome in cats usually begins with a thorough anamnesis and a physical examination. The veterinarian will look for specific symptoms and consider the cat’s medical history to identify possible causes for the symptoms.
An important diagnostic step is urinalysis, in which the urine is examined for the presence of proteins. An increased protein content in the urine, known as proteinuria, is a characteristic sign of nephrotic syndrome. Additional urine tests can help determine the type and amount of proteins lost.
Blood tests are also crucial for diagnosis. They can provide information on the cat’s general health and indicate the degree of protein loss in the blood. A low albumin level in the blood is another indicator of nephrotic syndrome.
In some cases, a kidney biopsy may be necessary to determine the exact cause of the kidney damage. This is an invasive procedure in which a small tissue sample is taken from the kidney and examined under a microscope.
Therapy
The treatment of nephrotic syndrome in cats aims to alleviate the symptoms and treat the underlying cause of the disease. One of the most important measures is controlling protein loss to prevent the formation of edema and stabilize the cat’s general health.
Dietary changes can play an important role. A protein-rich, but balanced diet can help compensate for protein loss. Special kidney diets that reduce phosphorus and sodium content can also be helpful in supporting kidney function and preventing the formation of edema.
Medications can be used to control blood pressure and reduce inflammatory processes in the kidneys. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are commonly used medications that help lower blood pressure and reduce protein excretion in the urine. In some cases, steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs may be needed to control an overactive immune response.
In cats suffering from infections that cause nephrotic syndrome, targeted antimicrobial therapy may be necessary. Treating infections and managing comorbidities such as diabetes or high blood pressure are also crucial to the success of the therapy.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for cats with nephrotic syndrome varies greatly and depends on several factors, including the severity of the disease, the underlying cause, and the responsiveness to treatment. With early diagnosis and appropriate therapy, the prognosis can be favorable, and many cats can lead a relatively normal life.
In advanced kidney disease or if the underlying cause cannot be successfully treated, the prognosis may be worse. In such cases, the disease can become chronic and lead to a progressive deterioration of kidney function.
Regular veterinary check-ups and close monitoring of symptoms are crucial to monitor the course of the disease and make adjustments in therapy. Close cooperation with the veterinarian can help improve the quality of life of the affected cat and minimize possible complications.
Prevention
To minimize the risk of nephrotic syndrome in cats, it is important to pay attention to a balanced diet that is rich in high-quality proteins and contains all the necessary nutrients. A regular veterinary examination can help detect early signs of kidney problems and treat them in time. It is advisable to monitor the cat’s drinking water supply and ensure that they always have access to fresh water to support kidney function.
In addition, contact with potentially harmful substances such as poisonous plants, certain medications or chemicals should be avoided, as these can damage the kidneys. Keep your cat away from areas where it may ingest dangerous substances. Also, make sure that the cat maintains a healthy weight, as overweightÜbergewicht> can put additional strain on the kidneys.
Finally, it is recommended to minimize stressful situations for the cat, as stress can weaken the immune system and indirectly affect kidney function. Regular vaccinations and deworming also contribute to the general health of your cat and can reduce the risk of infections that could affect the kidneys. Good care and prevention can improve the general health of your cat and help prevent kidney problems.