Risk factors for development of chronic kidney disease in cats

Background

Identification of risk factors for development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats may aid in its earlier detection.

Hypothesis/objectives

Evaluation of clinical and questionnaire data will identify risk factors for development of azotemic CKD in cats.

Animals

One hundred and forty-eight client-owned geriatric (>9 years) cats.

Methods

Cats were recruited into the study and followed longitudinally for a variable time. Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their pet at enrollment. Additional data regarding dental disease were obtained when available by development of a dental categorization system. Variables were explored in univariable and multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

In the final multivariable Cox regression model, annual/frequent vaccination (P value, .003; hazard ratio, 5.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.83–17.64), moderate dental disease (P value, .008; hazard ratio, 13.83; 95% confidence interval, 2.01–94.99), and severe dental disease (P value, .001; hazard ratio, 35.35; 95% confidence interval, 4.31–289.73) predicted development of azotemic CKD.

Conclusion

Our study suggests independent associations between both vaccination frequency and severity of dental disease and development of CKD. Further studies to explore the pathophysiological mechanism of renal injury for these risk factors are warranted.