Chronic renal failure (CRF) occurs over a period of weeks, months, or years and is a leading cause of death in cats. Improvement of renal function is usually not possible with CRF and therefore treatment is aimed at reducing renal workload and the clinical signs associated with the decreased renal function. In addition, correction of treatable conditions such as hypertension, pyelonephritis, and renoliths may slow the progression of renal dysfunction. In many cases, owner decisions regarding qualityof life and euthanasia are influenced by how well their cat eats and drinks. If anorexia and vomiting can be controlled and hydration maintained, most CRF cats will be judged to have acceptable quality of life.
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