Where to Find What You Need

This site has a pretty simple structure, but it does contain a lot of information. This page is therefore a brief overview of what to expect and where to find it. Click on the heading you are interested in, or scroll down and read about each topic. If you still can't recall where you saw something, don't forget, there is also a google search bar at the bottom of each page.

 

Introduction to CRF	Diagnosis
Symptoms and Treatments	Medications and Supplies
Diet and Nutrition	Fluid Therapy and Dialysis
Other CRF Issues	Coping with CRF
Saying Goodbye	Miscellaneous

 

Introduction to CRF
What is CRF?	A simple explanation of the kidney's functions, and what happens to them in CRF. This page also briefly discusses how much function is required, and why cats are often not diagnosed until over two thirds of kidney function have already been lost.
Causes of CRF	This page contains information about the causes of CRF, both proven and suspected. It includes information on the recent research indicating a possible link between feline vaccinations and CRF; this does not mean vaccinations cause CRF. Please note, once CRF is present, it is treated in the same way whatever the cause (except for glomerulonephritis, when additional treatments may be appropriate); so if you're tight for time, skip this page.
Just Diagnosed? What You Need To Know First	An overview of what the bloodtests mean, which symptoms you may see, and which treatments you may be offered. You will probably find this page a good starting point, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed by the CRF diagnosis, though it could also be a handy crib sheet later on.

 

Diagnosis
What Do All Those Test Results Mean?	Discusses the various methods of diagnosis, including urinalysis and bloodwork. Provides an explanation of what the commonly used terminology (e.g. BUN, urea) means and which items you should focus on.
How Bad Is It?	Information on how severe your cat's case might be, and a brief discussion about the concept of end stage renal failure.
Methods of Early Detection	CRF cannot normally be detected until at least 66% of kidney function has already gone. This page explains more about a number of new detection methods which can (or will in the future) enable CRF to be detected earlier than usually happens. Includes information on the ERD-Screen Urine test.
CRF Research	This page focuses on new areas of research, such as a possible cure for renal failure called BMP-7, although thus far this is in its very early stages and has only been tested in rodents to date. Much of the research described here has not been performed on cats, and there is no guarantee that any of it will work for cats, or ever become commercially available. If your cat is sick, focus on the pages relating to symptoms and treatments before reading this page.

 

Symptoms and Treatments
Index of Symptoms and Treatments	There are many possible symptoms involved in CRF. This page lists the symptoms which you may see, in alphabetical order, and provides quick links to more information for each symptom and the relevant treatment.
Symptoms	Detailed information on the symptoms of CRF and possible causes of those symptoms.
Treatments	Information on the various treatments available for CRF. It includes tips on how to deal with basic problems such as stomach acid or constipation, how to use phosphorus binders, and also discusses newer treatments such as Azodyl and Ipakitine (Epakitin in the USA). Also covers standard feline health issues as they apply to CRF cats, such as vaccinations and flea treatments.
Holistic Treatments	Describes some treatments which are not mainstream but which have proven to be effective for many CRF cats.
Working with Your Vet	In some countries, or in more remote areas of the USA, it can be difficult to find a vet who is completely up to date on treating CRF proactively. This page has suggestions on how to work with your vet as a team, and how to persuade your vet to let you try treatments s/he may be sceptical about, such as sub-Qs.

 

Medications and Supplies
Tips on Medicating Your Cat	Tips on how to medicate your cat with minimal stress for both of you.
Obtaining Supplies Cheaply	How to obtain fluid supplies, medications and prescription food cheaply in USA, UK and Canada.

 

Diet and Nutrition
Food Composition and Nutritional Requirements	Discusses the dietary and nutritional needs of CRF cats. Includes a discussion of the low protein debate.
Which Foods to Feed and Which to Avoid	Explains how to introduce a prescription diet, and what your options are if your cat refuses to eat it. Also explains why certain foods, such as tuna or garlic, are not appropriate for CRF cats.
Persuading Your Cat To Eat	This page tackles the common problem of persuading your CRF cat to eat, which is very important because cats who do not eat are at risk of developing a potentially lifethreatening liver condition called hepatic lipidosis.
Tinned Food Data	Analyses of commonly available tinned (canned) cat foods in the UK (many of which are also available in the rest of Europe), and links to similar information for cat food in the USA.
Dry Food Data	Analyses of commonly available dry cat foods in the UK (many of which are also available in the rest of Europe), and links to similar information for cat food in the USA.
Food Manufacturers' Contact Details	Contact details for the main cat food manufacturers in the UK and links to similar information for US manufacturers.

 

Fluid Therapy and Dialysis
Intravenous Fluids and Sub-Cutaneous Fluids	Maintaining hydration is very important for CRF cats, and this page discusses the two main types of fluid therapy: intravenous fluids (IV), usually given in hospital; and sub-cutaneous fluids (sub-Qs, or sub-cuts in the UK), commonly given at home.
How to Give Sub-Cutaneous Fluids: Syringe Method	Information on how to give sub-cutaneous fluids, a very uncommon treatment in many parts of the world, but a potentially life-saving one which is widely used in the USA and Canada. This page gives a photographic demonstration of how to give sub-Qs using a syringe.
How to Give Sub-Cutaneous Fluids: Giving Set Method	Information on how to give sub-cutaneous fluids, a very uncommon treatment in many parts of the world, but a potentially life-saving one which is widely used in the USA and Canada.  This page gives a photographic demonstration of how to give sub-Qs using a giving set.
Dialysis	Description of two types of dialysis, neither of which is commonly performed on cats, but the information is provided in case of need.

 

Other CRF Issues
Anaemia	Information on treating anaemia, a common problem in CRF cats. It includes the use of human erythropoietin (trade names: Epogen, Eprex, Procrit and Aranesp) and blood transfusions, and provides information on the trials of the feline version of erythropoietin, and the separate trials of the feline erythropoietin gene.
Related Diseases	Covers heart problems and hyperactive thyroid, both of which are commonly associated with CRF. Also discusses dental problems, which can trigger or worsen CRF, and Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a genetic disease commonly found in Persian cats in particular, which can trigger CRF.

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