Kidney
Disease in Cats - A New Approach
By
Neil Geddes
 Until
recently there has been very little we could do for cats in kidney failure
apart from give them antibiotics, appetite stimulants and adjust their
diet. It is estimated that 18% of cats in this country are suffering
from kidney failure at any one time and given that it is a progressive
disease often leading to death it has been a very depressing condition to
treat.
Thankfully Novartis - a veterinary drug company - has just launched a drug
which might make a difference. Fortekor, a drug that reduces blood
pressure, has just been licensed for use in cats with kidney insufficiency
and according to the data published with the drug it would appear that
Fortekor may allow affected cats to live a significantly longer and better
life. The drug was initially used in humans with high blood
pressure. Fortekor works by reducing the pressure inside the kidney
thereby reducing the damage to the kidney cells and stopping the vicious
circle which leads to chronic kidney failure.
This drug is not a cure for kidney failure but it is certainly a huge step
in the right direction and given that the vets' governing body - The Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons - is about to start discussing the ethics
of kidney transplants in cats we may well be getting close to the time
when kidney failure does not automatically mean death.
So if your cat has recently been diagnosed with kidney failure or if you
are suspicious that your cat is suffering from this condition e.g.
increased thirst, weight loss or inappetance, now is the time for you to
consult your vet.
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Kidney Disease in Cats - A New Approach