From Diagnosis to Lifelong Care: Advancing Feline Chronic Kidney Disease Management

Overview:

This talk will cover key aspects of improving the lives of cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including the pathogenesis and staging of CKD, dietary complications, and management of conditions such as azotemia, acidosis, hypokalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypertension, anemia, dehydration, and anorexia. It will also address the latest treatment breakthroughs, including new therapies for anemia and strategies for managing complications like intestinal dysbiosis. Attendees will gain comprehensive insights into the diagnosis and holistic management of CKD in feline patients.

Learning Objectives:

• Define the IRIS stages and associated clinical manifestations of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats,including common diagnostic markers such as creatinine, BUN, SDMA, urine P:C ratio and blood pressure.
• Identify common complications of CKD such as anemia, hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, and disruption of the normal GI microbiome as well as their pathophysiological basis and effects.
• Implement diagnostic protocols for CKD in feline patients by interpreting laboratory data, including: IRIS staging; SDMA urine protein:creatinine ratio; and blood pressure measurements.
• Analyze the efficacy of interventions including diet, phosphorus control, treatment of anemia and GI microbiome interventions on the progression and quality of life in CKD-afflicted cats.
• Design individualized management plans for cats with CKD that integrate dietary modifications, pharmacological interventions, and
• Evaluate emerging treatments, such as HIF-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors