Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026
Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Chronic kidney disease in cats attending primary care practice in the UK: a VetCompassTM study
Megan Conroy1, David C Brodbelt1, Dan O'Neill1
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College-Hawkshead Campus, Hatfield, UK.
Insights
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 1.2% of UK cats. Early diagnosis and management, including renal diets, improve survival times for feline CKD patients.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Animal Health
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent condition in feline populations.
- It is a leading cause of mortality in cats over five years old.
- Limited research exists on feline CKD within UK primary care settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of CKD in cats in UK primary care practices.
- To identify risk factors associated with CKD diagnosis.
- To investigate survival rates for cats diagnosed with CKD.
Main Methods:
- A nested case-control and cohort study design was employed.
- Data were collected from 353,448 cats attending 244 UK primary care veterinary practices between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2013.
- Prevalence, diagnostic investigations, management, and survival times were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of CKD was estimated at 1.2% (95% CI 1.1–1.3%).
- Most CKD cats (66.6%) presented with clinical signs.
- Diagnostic monitoring (serum creatinine, urine protein:creatinine ratio, blood pressure) and use of renal diets were variable.
- Median survival time post-diagnosis was 388 days.
Conclusions:
- This study provides generalizable evidence on feline CKD prevalence and outcomes in UK primary care.
- Findings can assist veterinarians in improving the diagnosis and management of feline CKD.
- Enhanced understanding can improve the health and welfare of cats with CKD.
Abstract:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a frequent diagnosis in cats attending primary care practice and the most frequent cause of death in cats aged over five years, yet there is limited published research for CKD in cats attending primary care practice. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CKD and investigate risk factors for diagnosis and survival of cats diagnosed with CKD in UK primary care practices. The study included cats attending VetCompassTM practices from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013. A nested case-control and cohort study were undertaken. From 353,448 cats attending 244 clinics, the prevalence of CKD was estimated as 1.2 per cent (95 per cent CI 1.1 per cent to 1.3 per cent). Most cats with CKD had clinical signs at diagnosis (66.6 per cent). Few cats underwent investigations or monitoring of serum creatinine (32.6 per cent), urine protein:creatinine ratio (14.9 per cent) or blood pressure measurement (25.6 per cent). A proprietary renal diet was the most frequently prescribed management (63.8 per cent). Median survival time following diagnosis was 388 days (IQR 88-1042 days). This study provides generalisable evidence from the wider cat population to aid veterinarians in improved diagnosis and management of CKD that can benefit the health and welfare of cats with CKD in the UK.
More Related Videos
08:505/6th Nephrectomy in Combination with High Salt Diet and Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition to Induce Chronic Kidney Disease in the Lewis Rat
Published on: July 3, 2013
03:19Author Spotlight: Developing a Bedside Protocol for Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasonography
Published on: June 21, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
01:25Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
01:18Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
01:20Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care