Renal Effects and Characteristics of a Newly Identified Dopamine-1 Receptor in the Cat Kidney

Investigators confirmed that cats have renal dopamine receptors but in fewer numbers than in other species. This finding explains why cats with kidney disease respond poorly to dopamine. Investigators also determined that cats seem to have receptors that bind to the drug fenoldopam to a greater extent than to dopamine. Through this study, they found that fenoldopam causes increased urine output in healthy cats shortly after a drug infusion. Although further studies to test this response in cats with kidney disease are needed before the drug can be recommended, these findings indicate that fenoldopam holds promise for treating cats with acute renal failure. The results also support offering this treatment in cats who have not responded to other therapies.