As a pet owner, receiving news that your cat’s creatinine levels are elevated can be concerning, particularly when the value exceeds 700. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the muscles and typically filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. When creatinine levels rise, it indicates that the kidneys are not functioning properly, which can be a sign of a serious underlying condition. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of creatinine levels over 700 in cats, the potential causes, and the importance of prompt medical attention.
What Do Elevated Creatinine Levels Mean?
Creatinine levels in healthy cats are typically around 0.6 to 1.4 mg/dL, depending on the specific laboratory reference range. When creatinine levels exceed this range, it indicates that the kidneys are not adequately filtering waste products from the blood. Values over 700 mg/dL are considered very high and suggest significant kidney dysfunction.
Potential Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): AKI occurs when the kidneys suddenly stop working properly, often due to trauma, infection, toxins, or other causes. This can lead to a rapid rise in creatinine levels.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): CKD is a gradual loss of kidney function over time. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, age, infections, and exposure to toxins. Creatinine levels in cats with CKD may gradually increase over time.
- Dehydration: Dehydration can lead to a temporary increase in creatinine levels as the body tries to conserve water. However, if dehydration is not addressed promptly, it can exacerbate existing kidney problems.
- Urinary Obstruction: Blockages in the urinary tract can prevent urine from draining from the bladder, leading to kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
The Importance of Prompt Medical Attention
Elevated creatinine levels, particularly those over 700 mg/dL, are a serious indicator of kidney dysfunction. Without prompt medical attention, kidney failure can occur, leading to life-threatening complications. Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination and may recommend diagnostic tests, such as urinalysis, blood work, and imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause of the elevated creatinine levels.
Treatment will depend on the specific cause of the kidney dysfunction. In some cases, fluid therapy, antibiotics, or surgery may be necessary. In cases of CKD, the focus may be on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.
Conclusion
Elevated creatinine levels in cats, particularly those over 700 mg/dL, are a sign of significant kidney dysfunction that requires prompt medical attention. As a pet owner, it’s important to be aware of the potential causes of elevated creatinine levels and to seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect that your cat may be experiencing kidney problems. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, many cats with kidney disease can enjoy a good quality of life.
