A Practical Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
An interactive guide for veterinary interns on the staging, diagnosis, and management of CKD in cats.
Scroll down to explore Staging, Diagnosis, Management, Calculators, and a Knowledge Check.
Pathophysiology & IRIS Staging
CKD is a progressive, irreversible loss of kidney function. The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) staging system is used to classify the disease based on blood creatinine and SDMA levels, which helps guide treatment.
Clinical Signs & Diagnosis
Clinical signs are often subtle in early stages. Diagnosis relies on a combination of history, physical exam, and key laboratory tests.
Treatment & Management
Management is multi-modal and aimed at slowing progression and maintaining quality of life. Treatment intensity increases with advancing IRIS stage.
CKD Management Calculators
Use these tools for essential calculations in managing feline CKD patients.
Maintenance Fluid Rate Calculator
Enter weight to calculate daily fluid needs.
Resting Energy Requirement (RER) Calculator
Enter weight to calculate daily caloric needs.
Knowledge Check
Test your understanding of the key concepts presented in this guide.
This tool is for educational purposes and should not replace clinical judgment. Doses should always be confirmed with a veterinarian.