Iron status of cats with chronic kidney disease

Anemia is a frequent complication of cats with chronic renal disease (CKD). In one study, anemia was present in 57% of the cats with CKD, with a median survival time of 100 days once anemia developed. The etiology of anemia in cats with CKD is likely multifactorial, although the main mechanism is inadequate erythropoietin production by diseased kidneys. Another potential contributor is an absolute iron deficiency, which occurs secondary to reduced oral iron intake, decreased gastrointestinal absorption, or loss through gastrointestinal bleeding.
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Nephrology/Urology Source Type: research