I have a 12 year old cat who was diagnosed with stage 2 kidney disease. She had lost quite a lot of weight and had blood in urine. We have increased her water intake and incorporated wet food into her diet. She does not present any obvious symptoms but has not been able to gain weight. Would like to know what we can do to ensure the kidney disease does not progress. Diet options and supplements? Want to see her gain her weight back.
Hi Vanessa,
Did your hands-on veterinarian make any recommendations for diet or supplements? In cats with renal failure, a prescription diet is one of the best things you can do to help them out. I rarely add any supplements on top of the kidney diet unless the blood results demand it, usually in later-stage disease.
The IRIS kidney website has tons of information, including this list of guidelines for treatment. Essentially, a clinical renal diet helps most of the points on the list, and increasing hydration (as you have) is important too. Otherwise, regular checks of blood values and blood pressure helps to guide any other necessary treatment.
I hope that helps!
Dr Woodnutt