Creatinine Levels in Cats

The creatinine levels in cats can be measured if the cat is suspected of metabolic problems or a kidney disease. The creatinine levels are determined by the activity of creatinine, which provides the energy needed by the cat’s muscles for everyday activities. The creatinine produced will be present in the cat’s blood stream and this will travel in the entire body, being filtered by the kidneys. If the kidneys don’t function properly, this can affect the levels of creatinine.

Average Creatinine Levels in Felines

The creatinine is a substance that is essential and provides the energy needed by the cat’s muscles. The substance is produced by the creatinine in the cat’s body.

The average levels of creatinine can be between 0.6 and 2.2 mg per dl. This indicates the way the kidneys are able to filter the creatinine.

The results may vary according to the cat’s age, kidney function and even breed.

Measuring Creatinine Levels

The creatinine levels can be measured with a simple blood and a urine test.

The blood test is known as the serum blood panel. The test is accurate in giving the levels of creatinine in the cat’s body and will also determine the levels of:

  • Potassium
  • Urea nitrogen in the blood (BUN)
  • Phosphorus
  • Sodium levels

The levels of creatinine don’t fluctuate during the day, so they can be measured at any point and the results will be accurate.

The urinalysis may also be performed if the creatinine levels are abnormal and the vet suspects a kidney problem.

Diagnosing Creatinine Levels

The vet will perform the tests needed to get the levels of creatinine and determine if the levels are within a normal range.

If the creatinine levels are more than 2.5 mg per dl, this means that the cat has elevated creatinine levels and this can point to a kidney problem. This means that the kidneys are not able to filter the creatinine as they should and this will result in a high level of toxins in the cat’s body. Additional tests will be needed to determine the complexity of the problem and see if there are possible underlying causes leading to impaired kidney function.

If the creatinine levels are over 5 mg per dl, this is very likely caused by kidney failure and the cat needs emergency treatment.

Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels

The levels of creatinine can be elevated due to a kidney dysfunction but there are also other conditions that can lead to abnormal levels of creatinine:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Drug administration
  • Ingestion of various types of toxins such as rat poison or antifreeze

Treatment Options

The treatment of the cat will depend on the causes of the high levels of creatinine.

If the cat has a kidney problem, he will get liquid therapy and a change in diet. If the problem is detected early, the kidney disease can be reversed.

The vet will establish the best course of treatment.

 

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