More advanced kidney failure causes other symptoms, including swelling of the ankles or legs, increased blood pressure, nighttime urination, and a reduced need for insulin or other medications.
In advanced kidney failure, blood tests need to be run periodically to be sure that blood calcium and phosphorus levels remain within acceptable limits and that the pet does not become overly anemic or develop high blood pressure.
Cats
with advanced kidney failure are not good candidates either, although dialysis (available at advanced critical care facilities such as those that perform kidney transplants) may improve the values.
Since this is basically just a wearing out process, can
advanced kidney failure be treated with anything other than a kidney transplant?