Acute kidney injury in cats: Part 1- aetiology and diagnosis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in cats is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. It can result from pre-renal injury such as reduced renal perfusion, intrinsic renal injury such as nephrotoxin exposure or post-renal injury such as ureteral obstruction or it may be part of an ‘acute on chronic’ episode.

Diagnosis involves obtaining a full clinical history including the potential for nephrotoxin exposure, a thorough physical examination, blood and urine testing and diagnostic imaging. A grading system for AKI based on serum creatinine concentration and urine output has been proposed by the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) and may aid in early recognition of renal injury.