Disorder - Renal Amyloidosis

Organ Systems Involved
Urogenital

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Amyloidosis AA, amyloidosis, amyloidosis lambda

Presenting Signs

Renal amyloidosis is an inherited disease in some breeds of cats. It is a disorder of protein metabolism, where abnormal protein deposits (amyloid) lodge in the kidneys. This leads to the loss of proteins responsible for preventing blood clotting. It also causes albumin (another important protein) to be excreted in the urine. This can cause blood clots in the lungs and also ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen). Most cats are presented with signs of kidney failure as this is the end result of the disease. Signs of kidney failure associated with renal amyloidosis include increased drinking and urinating, poor coat quality, loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, fluid accumulation in the face and abdomen, and laboured breathing if clots form in the lungs.

Cats at Risk

Young to middle aged female cats (<5years)

Treatment

Medical. There is no cure, so treatment is supportive (medical). Management may involve fluid therapy and diet control.

PubMed References
Renal Amyloidosis

Contributor
Shae Sullivan