This purpose of this study is to find out whether we can predict which cats with early chronic kidney disease (CKD) will be fairly stable over time and progress slowly versus those cats that will have more rapid progression. If we can predict which cats are likely to have rapid progression, we could intervene with a monitoring schedule so therapies could be used earlier in an effort to maintain good quality of life for as long as possible.
This study involves the use of a lab test for a protein called cystatin B that is found in urine. This protein is released into the urine from the kidneys when there is ongoing damage to kidney cells. Urinary cystatin B might be helpful to detect cats with more rapidly progressive CKD and that is the purpose of the study.
We need at least 20 senior cats (age 7 and older) that have early CKD.
- Cats must be current patients of Bytown or Merivale Cat Hospital.
- Enrolled cats will visit our hospital at scheduled intervals over the next 12 to 16 months for physical examinations and blood and urine testing.
- Your cat's health will be monitored in detail - the lab tests can also detect other diseases.
- You will get a copy of all your cat's test results.
- If your cat qualifies, we will provide you with information on what is involved for each visit. The physical examinations and the majority of the lab tests will be performed for free but a few must be paid for.
- Nothing else is involved - no medications, no special foods.
- You will get a $35 gift card for every visit once your cat's eligibility is confirmed.
Click the Next button to find out if your cat qualifies for the study by answering some questions.
Please note: Cats that have been diagnosed with chronic diseases such as diabetes or cancer are not eligible. Cats taking prednisolone (or a similar drug) for intestinal disease are not eligible.