Archive Case #49: Feline Chronic Kidney Disease

Clinical Clues

1. An older cat is presented for gradual weight loss, increased drinking, and a decline in appetite.
2. The owner says the cat has been producing larger clumps in the litter tray for months.
3. On examination the cat is thin, dehydrated, and has a poor hair coat.
4. The kidneys feel small and irregular on abdominal palpation.
5. Laboratory testing shows azotaemia with inadequately concentrated urine.
6. Progressive chronic loss of renal function commonly causes polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and isosthenuria in older cats.

Diagnosis

Feline Chronic Kidney Disease

This case is most consistent with Feline Chronic Kidney Disease because the cat has chronic PU/PD, weight loss, small irregular kidneys, and renal azotaemia with poor urine concentration. The most important clues are the long course and renal findings, which make an acute obstructive process less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.