What Your Dog Wants You To Know About Saying Goodbye
Rest assured, our dogs are amazing at sensing our love and knowing the intentions of our hearts. After all, dogs are excellent judges of characterand your own dog knows you better than perhaps anyone else in your life! So he or she knows that you are doing your best to care for him or her.
Your dog knows that you are trying to help him or her through each day. And I believe that if your precious pup could speak with us, he or she would tell us it is ok to say goodbye on a good day, before every bit of joy is gone.
When to euthanize your dog with kidney failure is a decision only you can make. But I do hope that this article has helped you gain some clarity and comfort as you wrestle with this difficult choice.
Recovery Rate Of Liver Disease In Cats
Though a cats liver can be easily damaged since it is responsible for so many bodily functions, it can also regenerate remarkably well. Though the liver is capable of repairing itself, it will all depend on the cats diagnosis and how long they have been sick.
For example, if a cat is experiencing acute liver failure due to coming in contact with a toxin, aggressive hospitalization and treatment for the toxin can get them through. On the other hand, if a cat has had chronic liver disease that has been untreated, their chance of a full recovery is not as likely.
If your cat is diagnosed in the early stages of liver disease, there are a few ways to manage their condition in the time they have left. Cats can be switched to a prescription liver approved diet, offered daily liver supporting supplements and vitamins, and any other support that your vet thinks they could benefit from. With this additional support, some cats can have a good prognosis.
If your cat is suffering from severe acute liver damage, your cat may need to be hospitalized and offered dietary assistance. Some cats will even need a feeding tube to be placed in certain liver conditions, and require weeks of close monitoring.
Your cats best chance at a full recovery from liver failure is through swift action when the first symptoms are noticed. By keeping a close eye on your cat and any changes in their behavior, you can offer them the best chance at medical intervention.
How To Prevent Kidney Disease In Cats
Kidney disease is a common health problem in cats, especially older cats. There are several things you can do to help prevent kidney disease in your cat: 1. Feed your cat a high quality diet. Nutrient-rich food helps keep the kidneys healthy. 2. Keep your cat well hydrated. Plenty of fresh water helps the kidneys function properly. 3. Have your cats kidneys checked regularly by a veterinarian. Early detection and treatment of kidney disease can improve your cats chances of a successful recovery. 4. Keep your cats stress levels low. Stress can worsen kidney disease. 5. Keep your cats vaccinations up to date. Some viruses, such as feline leukemia virus, can cause kidney disease.
The leading cause of death in cats is kidney disease. Kidney failure can be classified into two types: acute and chronic. Your cat must consume a high-quality, well-balanced diet in order to avoidCKD. There are several warning signs that you should be aware of if you have acute kidney failure, such as vomiting, weakness, dehydration, and changes in your urine pattern. It is frequently found that diets high in dry foods and low in quality water have a significant impact on kidney health. You and your cat can prevent the worst from happening by providing your cat with the best possible nutrition. It is a good idea to schedule regular vet visits as a first step toward reducing your chances of developing kidney disease.
Also Check: Cat Friendly Hotels Columbus Ohio
How Do You Know When It’s The Right Time To Euthanize Your Pet
It varies for every pet and is a personal decision. When your pet is doing well, what does a good day look like? What does your pet do? How do you feel? What does a bad day look like for your pet and for you? In general, if your pet is having more bad days than good days, then it is time to talk to your veterinarian about euthanasia or other interventions.
Cat Too Old To Bear The Pain
As mentioned above, kidney failure is common in cats above 14-15 years of age. At this age, many cats are old and cannot survive with the implications of renal failure anyways.
If you are asked to inject medications in your cat to keep it alive for longer, you can choose to save your cat from the pain and euthanize it.
Read Also: Flea Tick And Worm Treatment For Cats
Feline Veterinarian Dr Lynn Bahr Addresses This Issue
Here is Dr. Bahrs answer, and I whole-heartedly agree with everything she wrote:
It has been a month since the question about the FIV+/heartworm+ cat was posted. He was unnecessarily euthanized, and it is my hope that his death did not occur in vain.
Only in emergency situations should the decision to end a life be done hastily, and then only to help eliminate pain or suffering.
Euthanasia is a terminal solution that should never be undertaken lightly. Only in emergency situations should the decision to end a life be done hastily, and then only to help eliminate pain or suffering. Otherwise, there is no rush or immediate need to euthanize an otherwise healthy cat based on test results alone.
While we dont know all of the details of this particular story, we can use it to educate ourselves and our veterinarians to do better.
If you dont agree with your veterinarian about a treatment plan, let them know that and see if you cant find a better solution together. If not, go somewhere else.
Veterinarians are smart, caring, well educated, compassionate beings, but not all are cat lovers or focused on caring specifically for cats. Keeping current with the latest and greatest medical care for multiple species is not easy. It can be difficult for general practitioners that treat dogs, cats, and exotics to be experts in all of the conditions that affect them. That is likely the reason the system failed this owner and her cat.
About Dr. Lynn Bahr
About the author
End Stage Of Kidney Disease
At the end of your pet’s bout with kidney disease, he’ll likely have lost a great deal of his kidney function. His body will no longer be able to adequately process the toxins that it typically would have been able to. Unfortunately, the prognosis at the end stage of kidney function is very poor it is typically only a matter of stabilizing yourcat’s system to allow him to die in a peaceful and comfortable manner.
End stage kidney disease is represented with a few distinctive symptoms. In addition to the various other symptoms that will accompany decreased kidney function throughout the earlier stages of the disease , watch out for these end stage kidney disease symptoms:
You May Like: What Is A Cat’s Age In Human Years
When To Euthanize Cat With Kidney Failure
When to Euthanize Cat With Kidney Failure
If youre unsure of whether to euthanize a cat with kidney failure, there are a few tips to remember. The symptoms of this condition are often painful, especially for the cats owner. Its important to remember that the disease is incurable and that there are no treatment options for chronic kidney failure.
Your vet can help you make an informed decision. There are also options for end-of-life arrangements, such as cremation or burial.
com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/lD9JT9g.jpg style=max-height:266px height:auto max-width:41% width:auto margin:0px 10px >
The first thing to consider is the cats quality of life. Your cat may not be able to stand up to your constant fussing.
Even though kidney failure is a painful and uncomfortable disease, it is still possible to prolong the life of your pet. While the last stages of renal failure are unpleasant, you can prepare yourself for the difficult decision ahead by evaluating your cats behavior and bloodwork.
If youve recently taken your cat to the veterinarian, youve likely discovered the conditions symptoms.
Your cats thirst and urination may increase dramatically, and his weight will begin to decline. He may even vomit, lose appetite, and show signs of illness. These symptoms may be accompanied by lethargy and vomiting.
Although kidney failure is a fatal disease for cats, its often treatable and can be successfully managed for years by loving pet owners.
Cat Has Vomiting Or Diarrhea
Sometimes a dying cat will experience serious gastrointestinal issues near the end of their life.
Whether its due to a chronic medical condition or not, these symptoms can cause a serious drop in their overall health.
If your cat is experiencing chronic vomiting or diarrhea in their old age, it may be time to let them go.
Don’t Miss: Flea And Tick For Kittens
Life Expectancy Of A Cat With Liver Failure
Liver failure in cats is a tricky diagnosis that has a varied prognosis based on each situation. The survival rate of each liver condition will often vary based on how quickly the condition was detected, as well as how severe the damage to the liver is. However, if your vet has diagnosed your cat with end stage liver failure, its safe to say that your cat may have limited time.
In cases of liver failure that have resulted in clotting disorders, fluid in the abdomen, and other serious side effects many cat owners have to make a sudden decision on the quality of their life. However, if your cat has been diagnosed with liver failure and is still free of any major symptoms, you could have anywhere from 6-8 months with your feline friend.
When it comes to the question of how long your cat will live with their liver failure, its best to have an in depth conversation with your vet on their specific prognosis. Since there are so many causes of liver damage in cats, your veterinarian will have the most informed answer for you. It is impossible to give you an answer online or through an article like this since so many factors play a part in being able to come up with an answer. After your vet has done their tests, they will be able to offer you a more detailed answer.
How Will My Veterinarian Determine The Degree Kidney Failure In My Cat
Your veterinarian will use the IRIS staging system. IRIS staging is based on serum creatinine levels, with sub-staging based on the presence of protein in the urine and measuring your cats blood pressure. By using this staging, your veterinarian has a better idea on how to proceed with treatment, monitor progress, and to estimate your pets prognosis.
Recommended Reading: How To Use Cat Calming Spray
What Are The Symptoms Of Stage 3 Kidney Disease In Cats
Cat kidney failure symptoms include a dull eye, inability to walk, body odor, incontinence in bladder or bowels, refusal to eat or drink, seizures, confusion, pacing and restlessness, withdrawing, hiding, and running away.
Kidney failure is a condition in which the kidneys and their related organs fail. Kidney failure in cats can be classified into two types: acute and chronic. Acute renal failure can be reversed if caught in time. You may not notice it for years if your chronic kidney failure progresses slowly. Chronic kidney failure is frequently accompanied by bruising and bleeding, as well as increased urination. Kidney failure in cats can cause a variety of symptoms, including dull, sunken eyes, inability to walk, body odor, incontinence in bladder or bowels seizures, confusion, refusal to eat or drink, twitching, paralysis, and restlessness. It is the goal of kidney failure treatment to slow the diseases progression. A cat with end-stage kidney failure should be kept warm and comfortable in its final days. When your cat is suffering from seizures, vomiting, or soiling, it may be necessary for you to consult with your veterinarian to determine whether or not euthanization should be considered.
If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, please see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Because CRF is typically diagnosed in slow stages, it is possible to manage it properly. However, if the cat is not properly cared for, it can develop CRF, both the cat and the owner.
When To Euthanize Cats With End Stage Kidney Disease
Sadly, leaving the cat to die naturally may cause suffering. Those high toxin levels often lead to seizures and her last few days are likely to be unpleasant. Instead, before this happens it is kinder to ease her distress by making the humane decision to say goodbye.
Making the ultimate decision is less difficult if you have planned ahead and written down at what stage you consider it unfair to the cat to continue. To aid decision making, it is helpful to think of your cat in her prime and what you would consider unacceptable quality of life back then. For example, if your cat was a greedy eater, then a lack of appetite is a sure sign she is not herself. Weigh up factors such as:
- Dignity – Does she soil herself?
- Lack of pain or discomfort – Is she vomiting regularly?
- Playfulness – Does she now hide away?
These intangible factors often tell you a lot about how sick the cat has become.
You May Like: Cheapest Place To Buy Cat Litter
What Is Kidney Disease In Cats
Kidney disease in cats can be broken down into a few different categories acute kidney disease, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure.
Though many use the terms kidney disease and kidney failure interchangeably, these disease stages are not the same at all.
To help you better understand your cats situation, lets break down the different phrasing.
How Do You Know When To Put Down A Cat With Kidney Disease
Knowing when to let a kitty with CKD go is difficult, especially if you have gone all in on treatment. Sometimes pet parents can suffer from caretakers fatigue and the outlook appears impossible, so a fresh perspective is needed.
Perhaps a family member or friend visits and is shocked at how much your cat has changed or the level of care you need to provide, and it causes you to second-guess your decision. As hard as it is, the bestand maybe easiestway to make decisions is often to look at the world through the eyes of your cat. In other words, evaluate your cats quality of life, or QOL.
In human medicine, we can easily consult with the patient in most cases to determine what is or isnt working about a treatment protocol and make adjustments accordingly. That is certainly more challenging when we need to rely on nonverbal cues from a cats body language and behavior.
You May Like: Why Are My Cats Throwing Up So Much
Types Of Kidney Failure Seen In Cats
There are two types of kidney failure in cats. Each type differs in causes, treatment options and prognosis.
Acute Renal Failure
If your cat is suffering from acute kidney failure, it means that their kidneys are suddenly unable to function properly. This type of kidney failure occurs suddenly, within days or weeks. If diagnosed in time, acute renal failure can often be reversed.
It can happen in cats of any age and typically results from poisons, trauma, infection, organ failure, urethral blockages, dehydration and other causes. Poisons, such as toxic plants, pesticides, cleaning fluids and human medications, are the most common cause of acute renal failure.
Chronic Kidney Failure
Chronic kidney failure in cats is a gradual condition that typically develops over several months or even years. This type of kidney failure is typically caused by autoimmune diseases, cysts in the kidneys, and genetics.
Chronic kidney failure is a progressive illness that can lead to total kidney failure, where the kidneys gradually stop working as they lose the ability to filter toxins out of the blood.
The End Stage Of Cat Kidney Disease
One of the most deadly diseases or conditions which afflicts felines is cat kidney disease.This condition is relatively common amongst older cats. As your cat ages, his kidney begins to lose nephrons, which are the functional cellsthat operate within the kidneys and help them to continue their filtration and detoxification processes. As this happens, toxins can begin to build up in the blood as kidney tissue begins to die.
There are a number of different stages of cat kidney disease, and they generally correspond to a difference in kidney function and overallhealth in your cat. The end stage of kidney function is the last and most severe of these stages.
You May Like: Bravecto Flea Medicine For Cats
How Your Cat Feels In End Stage Kidney Failure
The cat in end stage renal disease feels nauseated and weak. She refuses food and may be very thirsty or stop drinking altogether. She will also be thin, and the anemia means she lacks energy even to do simple things like groom. Sadly, a mistake often made by owners is to think a purring cat is happy. A sick cat purrs to comfort herself so the hard decision to say goodbye should not be postponed because the cat is still purring and presumed content.
Surviving Well On Dialysis
Cats with dialysis may need to rely fully on dialysis treatment, unlike those with partial kidney problems.
This is not very ideal, because dialysis can be painful as well. But if your cat is living a normal, healthy life and is behaving normally as well, there is no need to euthanize it.
Especially if it is on pain killer medications to reduce the pain of dialysis, there is nothing to worry about.
You May Like: How To Get Fleas Off Of Kittens