Did you know that a kidney infection in cats is actually quite common? In fact, it's one of the most common infections that cats can get. If your cat has a kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, it's important to take them to the veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Left untreated, kidney infection in cats can lead to kidney failure. Symptoms of kidney infection in cats include fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, and changes in urination habits.
What are the causes of a kidney infection in cats?
The most common cause of pyelonephritis is the spread of bacteria from the lower urinary tract (i.e. the bladder) into the kidney. The most common bacteria isolated in cats with a kidney infection is E.Coli. During infection of the urinary tract, bacteria adhere, multiply, and persist in the urinary tract due to a breach in the cat's urinary defenses. A significant portion of urinary tract infections is caused by E. coli, which accounts for 33-50% of all infections in the kidneys and urinary system. Other possible sources of kidney infection in cats include severe periodontal disease (dental disease). Bacteria from the teeth and mouth can enter the bloodstream, and work their way to the kidneys and cause infection.
Pyelonephritis can be acute or chronic. Renal tubular cells generate inflammatory mediators in the course of an acute pyelonephritis infection, contributing to kidney damage. Chronic pyelonephritis has a more subtle beginning. It may develop without progressing to renal failure but will ultimately cause kidney failure if left untreated.
What are the clinical symptoms of a kidney infection in cats?
Clinical symptoms are variable in severity and may be minimal or non-existent, especially in chronic cases. The most common symptoms of kidney infection in cats are fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, and changes in urination habits. Additional symptoms may include increased water consumption and abdominal discomfort. However, a significant number of cats with pyelonephritis have no clinical signs.
Signs are more severe when associated the kidney infection causes acute renal failure or sepsis. A detailed list of the possible clinical signs of a kidney infection in cats includes:
- Anorexia (lack of appetite)
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting
- Oral ulcers
- Hematuria (blood in urine)
According to recent studies, cats with a kidney infection or pyelonephritis are less likely to experience abdominal discomfort and fever than previously thought but can still occur in some cats.
How is a kidney infection or pyelonephritis diagnosed in cats?
Pyelonephritis is diagnosed by a complete medical history and physical examination, including a urinalysis and urine culture. A urine culture is the gold standard for diagnosing a kidney infection in cats and is performed by obtaining a sterile urine sample and sending it to a laboratory for testing. The lab will determine if there are bacteria present in the urine, what type of bacteria and which antibiotic will work for the bacteria species isolated. In addition, imaging studies (x-rays, ultrasound) may be necessary to determine the extent of kidney infection and rule out other causes of the cat's clinical signs.
How is a kidney infection treated in cats?
Kidney infection in cats or pyelonephritis is treated with antibiotics and aggressive supportive care often including hospitalization and intravenous fluids. The type of antibiotic prescribed is dependent on the results of the urine culture. The goal of treatment is to clear the infection, prevent kidney damage, and reverse any changes in kidney function. Treatment may require hospitalization for a short time so that the cat can be monitored closely. After discharge from the hospital, oral antibiotics are often used for at least 4 to 6 weeks to prevent disease recurrence.
What is the prognosis of a kidney infection in cats?
A repeat urinalysis, urine culture, physical examination, and blood work evaluating kidney values are usually recommended 1-2 weeks after discontinuing treatment. These tests will vary depending on the severity and response to therapy for the individual cat.
The prognosis of pyelonephritis, a bacterial infection of the kidneys in cats, is often good. Cats may respond well to treatment with antibiotics. Their prognosis varies depending on their individual risk factors for the disease and whether or not it affects other parts of their body as well. Pyelonephritis can be worse for cats who have predisposing endocrine diseases (e.g. diabetes), persistent urinary tract abnormalities (e.g., stones, cystitis), neoplasia that affects the kidneys or advanced kidney disease.
A kidney infection in cats, also known as pyelonephritis, is a serious kidney disease that can cause kidney failure if left untreated. Symptoms of kidney infection in cats include lethargy and hiding, vomiting, loss of appetite, and changes in urination habits. If you suspect your cat has a kidney infection, take them to your veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment.