In Purr-suit of Health: Does Early Detection and Intervention of Feline CKD Effect Case Outcome?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats is often well advanced before clinical signs develop, making early detection essential to improve patient outcomes. This course reviews the role of proactive diagnostic testing in “apparently healthy” feline patients, with emphasis on the importance of establishing a patient baseline during wellness and patient trends throughout life. Participants will explore the clinical application of traditional and emerging renal biomarkers, including SDMA, urine cystatin B, and FGF-23, for earlier identification of kidney dysfunction and injury. Evidence-based strategies for early intervention, including nutritional management, will be discussed to demonstrate their impact on slowing disease progression and extending survival in cats.

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Explain the clinical rationale for performing routine diagnostic testing in apparently healthy feline patients to detect early-stage CKD
• Interpret longitudinal patient data to identify subtle trends in renal biomarkers that may indicate early kidney dysfunction
• Define and apply the minimum database for evaluating kidney health and disease in feline patients
• Differentiate how traditional renal functional biomarkers and novel biomarkers like cystatin B and FGF-23 provide more insight into renal injury and disease
• Assess the clinical benefits of early CKD diagnosis and intervention, including the impact of renal diets on disease progression and survival in cats