Figure 2. Comparison of mortality in cats with chronic kidney disease fed a renal food or maintenance food over a 2-year period.

Dietary management of the cat with early chronic kidney disease

While dietary intervention is regarded as a cornerstone of management of CKD, the timing of renal diet introduction and the degree of protein restriction required is more controversial (Witzel, 2018)....

Figure 1 Polydipsia is one of the most common signs seen with chronic kidney disease, but is generally not present until International Renal Interest Society stage 2 of disease.

Diagnosis of the cat with early chronic kidney disease

CKD is primarily diagnosed by a history, physical examination and clinical signs (Box 2, Figure 1) compatible with CKD, alongside identification of azotaemia and a urine specific gravity <1.035. Note...