Renal failure

Consequences of renal insufficiency in CKD

cne-illu-7-Isolation

Regulation of water balance

Loss of the ability to reabsorb water and loss of regulation of salt and other electrolytes in the body.

  • Increased drinking (polydipsia)
  • Increased urine production (polyuria)
  • Dehydration → until collapse
  • Fatigue (apathy), weakness, lethargy
  • Accumulation of fluid in tissues (oedema)
  • Increased blood pressure (hypertension)

Regulation of electrolyte balance

Loss of fine regulation of the electrolyte balance can lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism

  • Lack of appetite (anorexia)
  • Fatigue (apathy), weakness, lethargy
  • Weight loss
  • Itchiness
  • Twitching
  • Teeth grinding
  • Impaired movement (for example weakness of the hind legs) and abnormal movements like walking on hocks (plantigrade gait), uncoordinated movements
  • Constipation
  • Eating cat litter
  • Hypothermia

Regulation of pH balance

The loss of fine regulation of pH in the body can lead to increased acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis)

  • Weight loss and muscle atrophy
    → spine becomes visible and bony
  • Breathlessness, increased panting
  • Mucosal ulcers in the mouth (stomatitis)
  • Vomiting

Production of hormonal substances

Reduced calcitriol production (vitamin D)

A decrease in calcitriol production can lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Disruption of renin synthesis

Disruption of renin synthesis can be associated with high blood pressure.

  • Central nervous disorders such as seizures, convulsions, lethargy, stroke
  • Walking difficulties
  • Visual disorders → blindness due to retinal detachment
  • Proteinuria

Reduction in erythropoietin synthesis

Disruption of erythropoietin synthesis can lead to anaemia

  • Fatigue (apathy), weakness, lethargy → hind leg weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Paleness of the mucous membrane of eyes, ears and mouth
  • Hypothermia, cat cold to the touch, feels cold, shivers
  • Nausea, lack of appetite (anorexia), eats cat litter
  • Increased heart and breathing rate

Removal of toxins

  • Diarrhoea → emaciation, dehydration
  • Shaggy coat
  • Fatigue (apathy)
  • Stomach ulcers which can lead to bleeding
  • Tremor, cramps, abnormal movements, muscle disorders, comatose states