Pathophysiology, diagnostic tests and staging. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common ailment of predominately older patients but can affect cats of any age. The aim of this lecture is to review normal renal physiology and how it changes with disease with further discussion on the mechanisms by which CKD affects biochemical markers. Additionally, there will be a review of International Renal Interest Society staging with regards to CKD.
VSS CONFERENCE
SPEAKER TALKS
DR ALISON JUKES
BVSc (hons) FANZCVS (feline medicine)
Specialist - Feline Medicine
Speaker Talk Highlights
Sat 16th March 1.30pm : Chronic Kidney Disease Part 1: Pathophysiology, Diagnostic Tests and Staging
Sat 16th March 2.15pm : Chronic Kidney Disease Part 2: Treatment and Management of Comorbidities
Chronic kidney disease has the potential to affect many more body systems than just the kidneys and the list of potential treatments is long. This lecture will discuss the evidence base of different treatments for managing CKD as well as comorbid conditions that are commonly seen in cats with CKD.
Sat 16th March 4.15pm : Diabetes Melitus in Cats; Sugar Highs and Sugar Lows
Diabetes mellitus in cats; sugar highs and sugar lows - trials and tribulations of early diagnosis Diabetes mellitus definition: persistent hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion and/or insulin insensitivity.
The diagnosis of early diabetes mellitus in cats is challenging due to practical difficulties in interpreting single glucose readings in our patients due to the impact of stress hyperglycemia and the lack of routine measurement of fasting blood glucose. Additionally, fructosamine is an insensitive measure of glucose averages over time if only mild/moderate hyperglycemia is present (eg blood glucose <17mmol/L).
Current guidelines in the human literature on diabetes mellitus diagnosis are based on abnormalities detected with impaired fasting glucose, impaired oral glucose tolerance and elevations in glycosylated haemoglobin. Most cats with diabetes mellitus are not diagnosed until they have over clinical signs such as polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and weight loss with blood glucose readings often over 20mmol/L. Research investigating normal blood glucose readings in cats in the clinical setting have suggested blood glucose readings taken in consult should be less than 10.5mmol/L and fasting blood glucose should be less than 6.5mmol/L.
Dietary carbohydrate and protein levels can also play a role in spot blood glucose testing. The aim of this presentation will be to review literature around prediabetes in cats and discuss practical in clinic measures to aid in early diagnosis of the diabetic patient.
The diagnosis of early diabetes mellitus in cats is challenging due to practical difficulties in interpreting single glucose readings in our patients due to the impact of stress hyperglycemia and the lack of routine measurement of fasting blood glucose. Additionally, fructosamine is an insensitive measure of glucose averages over time if only mild/moderate hyperglycemia is present (eg blood glucose <17mmol/L).
Current guidelines in the human literature on diabetes mellitus diagnosis are based on abnormalities detected with impaired fasting glucose, impaired oral glucose tolerance and elevations in glycosylated haemoglobin. Most cats with diabetes mellitus are not diagnosed until they have over clinical signs such as polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and weight loss with blood glucose readings often over 20mmol/L. Research investigating normal blood glucose readings in cats in the clinical setting have suggested blood glucose readings taken in consult should be less than 10.5mmol/L and fasting blood glucose should be less than 6.5mmol/L.
Dietary carbohydrate and protein levels can also play a role in spot blood glucose testing. The aim of this presentation will be to review literature around prediabetes in cats and discuss practical in clinic measures to aid in early diagnosis of the diabetic patient.
Sun 17th March 2.00pm : Weak and Wobbly - The Approach To The Ataxic Cat
Paresis and ataxia are common presentations in feline practice and can present similarly and concurrently. The aim of this lecture is to review the normal physiology of motor function in the cat and then consider common diseases (including toxicities, central nervous system disease, metabolic and inherited diseases) which affect the neuromuscular system with a focus on physical examination findings and pertinent diagnostic tests.
