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Treatment

Supportive therapy will be started immediately to meet your cat’s energy demands. Treatment involves treating the symptoms related to chronic kidney failure and anemia, and replacement of deficient erythropoietin. In case of severe anemia, a whole blood transfusion will be performed. Iron will also be added to the supportive therapy in cases with low levels of iron in the blood. Erythropoietin replacement usually provides both rapid and long-term correction of anemia related to chronic kidney failure.

Living and Management

It must be remembered that in most cases of chronic kidney failure, long-term treatment and management is required. Regular evaluations will be required to follow your cat’s progress and to avoid further complications. Your veterinarian will schedule follow-up visits for once a month until your cat’s condition has stabilized. During these visits your veterinarian will record your cat’s blood pressure and adjust the dosage of various drugs being given to your cat. The treatment of chronic kidney disease and anemia is not without side effects, you will need to consult with your veterinarian throughout the process in order to ensure proper management of your cat’s health.

Correction of anemia through erythropoietin replacement therapy will improve the overall health of your cat, including improved appetite and activity level. Your cat will be more playful, gain more weight, and also in better position to cope with cold intolerance. Despite these short-term benefits, unfortunately, the long-term prognosis of patients with chronic kidney failure is usually poor.