Renal tubular acidosis is a rare but welfare-significant condition in cats causing acid-base imbalance, weakness, and urinary stone formation.
Cats with renal tubular acidosis suffer from episodic profound muscle weakness that can render them unable to hold their head up or walk, which is acutely distressing. Chronic metabolic acidosis impairs bone health and general wellbeing. Because the condition is rare and its presentation overlaps with other disorders, diagnosis is often delayed. Recognition of the syndrome and prompt treatment with appropriate supplementation can dramatically restore quality of life for affected cats.