Which signs are commonly observed with renal azotemia in cats?

• A. Vomiting, anorexia, constipation, and seizures
• B. Lethargy, coughing, sneezing
• C. Diarrhea, dehydration, melena
• D. Polyuria/polydipsia, weight loss, poor coat condition, vomiting

Answer: (D)

In renal azotemia, the kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine and to clear waste, so systemic signs reflect that dysfunction. The most consistent feline presentation includes increased thirst and urination (polyuria/polydipsia) due to impaired concentrating ability, weight loss from a catabolic state and reduced intake, a dull or poor coat from dehydration and ongoing illness, and vomiting from uremic toxins irritating the gastrointestinal tract. This combination directly mirrors how kidney disease disrupts fluid balance, nutrition, skin/n coat quality, and GI comfort.

Other signs listed point to different systems or less typical renal presentations. Coughing and sneezing are respiratory, diarrhea or melena are GI with potential dehydration not specific to renal disease, and while severe uremia can cause neurological symptoms like seizures, they are not the classic early cluster seen with renal azotemia.