KIDNEY FUNCTION IN CATS
Cat’s kidneys play a vital role in maintaining her health. They help control blood pressure, regulate the bloodstream, produce important hormones, enzymes, and red blood cells, as well as remove metabolic waste from the blood. If the cat’s kidneys aren’t able to function properly, this can lead to significant, life-threatening problems.
Kidney failure is one of the most common causes of severe illnesses in cats, especially in older cats. There are two categories of renal failure in cats: acute renal failure and chronic renal failure. Signs of acute renal failure usually manifest over a week or month’s time, while chronic renal failure is present for a longer period.
COMMON CAUSES OF CAT RENAL FAILURE
ONE OF THE MAJOR CAUSES OF KIDNEY DISEASE IN CATS is dry food… Kibble has low moisture content and does not provide the water cats need in their daily diet. If cats are fed dry diet they suffer mild but chronic dehydration that causes huge stress to kidneys over time… which eventually leads to kidney disease !
Early spay & neuter also contribute to kidney failure ! Kidneys do not properly develop by the time animal is spayed, thus kidney function diminishes with time and especially if kidneys are overworked, due to lack of moisture in their nutrition, which eventually leads to kidney failure.
CAT NUTRITION
Providing the proper nutrition for a cat can help reduce the risk of kidney disease and failure and improve overall health. If a cat has been diagnosed with kidney disease, modifying food can help slow the progression of disease and lengthen lifespan. Specially formulated foods can be beneficial to the kidneys by having less protein and phosphorous than other pet foods. Phosphorus restriction can lessen the severity of the symptoms and progression of kidney damage, while decreased, high-quality proteins can help restore normal acid-base levels.
Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. If a cat has kidney problems, the right nutrition can positively impact it’s life. Make sure there is always plenty of fresh water available to a cat at all times.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR DOGS
If dog’s CRF is caused by some factor other than damaged kidneys — for example a disease that decreases blood flow to the kidneys or a urinary tract obstruction, it is possible the problem with the kidneys can be reversed with appropriate treatment of the underlying cause. That is why it is important for a vet to determine the source of the CRF.
If the disease is the result of irreversible kidney tissue damage, in many cases renal function will stabilize for weeks or even months at a time. And while the disease will progress and kidney function will continue to deteriorate, pet’s symptoms can be minimized with supportive treatment.
Fluid therapy is a cornerstone of treatment for dogs with kidney failure, primarily to prevent dehydration due to the large amount of water that is passed out of the body.
Subcutaneous (under the skin) fluid delivery may be necessary, and many pet owners can do this at home after some instruction by their veterinarian. Potassium is often added to the fluids or the animal’s diet to safeguard against muscle weakness and heart rhythm disturbances that result from low electrolyte levels. In some cases, IV fluids may also be required.
A dog should have round-the-clock access to fresh, clean water. Withholding water, for example overnight, will not solve your pet’s need to urinate in the middle of the night and could cause a real health crisis.
You will need to keep careful track of the amount of food and water your pet consumes each day. If consumption decreases, additional fluids must be administered to prevent dehydration. You should also weigh your pet at least weekly to insure healthy weight is maintained with proper calorie intake along with proper hydration.
The food for a dog with CRF is also critically important to manage disease and overall well-being. A reduced amount of high-quality protein and high moisture content are essential, but phosphorus intake must be restricted. Since phosphorus is found primarily in high protein food sources, you can quickly see the need for expert guidance on how to best nourish your pet.
Your integrative/holistic vet is your best resource for advice on the right diet for your pet’s condition, and also what supplements, medications if necessary, and other therapies will help sustain your dog’s health and quality of life.
SUPPORTIVE SUPPLEMENTS
Astro’s Oil https://astrosoil.com/
OTHER SUPPLEMENTS
COLOSTUM
One excellent products that rejuvenates kidneys & liver is COLOSTRUM
One scoop (human dose) daily mixed in 1 tsp of more of water (depending on pet size) & administered with medicine dropper
NATURAL SUPPORT FOR FELINE CRF:
Co-Q10 – 10 mg/daily helps lower the blood pressure and increases energy. You can get capsules and break them open and mix it in your cat’s food.
Dandelion – make a tea from dandelion greens and give ½ a dropper full 2 or 3 times a day. This is an herb that is very good for the kidney. Dandelion Root also comes in an extract which can be given with a dropper.
Baking Soda – add just a pinch with food each day. This can help reduce acid in the body.
BAKING SODA
VIDEO: Repair Kidneys With Baking Soda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUzJLji8N7Y
DOSE – CATS: a pinch added to the food is enough
DOSE – DOGS: a pinch/10lbs body weight added to the food is enough
In the alternative, mix one part baking soda & 3 part water
KEEP MIXING UNTIL BAKING SODA IS COMPLETELY DISSOLVED
Administer with syringe or medicine dropper
Made in pancreas & used by kidneys to filter toxins from the body
When body is compromised by illness it does not produce it in enough quantities so it is important to supplement with baking soda.
NOTE: Baking soda is only dangerous to cats & dogs when ingested in large quantities. Specifically, a dog must eat at least one teaspoon per pound of body weight for the substance to become dangerous.
Please refer to the following chart to understand the toxic level of baking soda !
HERBS FOR KIDNEY SUPPORT
Herbs can be either in form of a tea or alcohol free concentrated tinctures.
Hawaii Pharm, aside from hawing excellent extracts, also has a line of pet extract formulas.
https://www.hawaiipharm.com/veterinary-liquid-herbal-extracts
Dandelion (root & leaf)
Marshmallow root
Nettle
Oregon Grape
Yarrow
A MUST READ PAGE !!!
https://petremedycharts.blogspot.com/2010/10/chronic-feline-renal-or-kidney-failure.html
MORE RESOURCES
DETAILED TREATMENT FOR CRF by Dr. Andrew Jones
Azodyl is one of the products that Dr. Jones recommended….
However, Azodyl is very pricey, about $73.00. I ordered it and when I read ingredients more carefully I realized one of the ingredients (titanium dioxide) is a known carcinogen !!! Decided this is not something that I feel is safe for my dog…
The ingredients Azodyl are S. Thermophilus, L. Acidophilus, B. Longum.
I researched and found a product that has all 3 of these ingredients and additional beneficial bacteria for much less money !
KIDNEY DISEASE TREATMENT BY DR. ANDREW JONES
REVIVE KIDNEY FUNCTION NATURALLY
PlanetAyurveda.com
For free consult E-mail HerbalRemedies123@yahoo.com
REHMANNIA 8 aka Shen Qi Wan (must have Pao Fu Zi & Rou Gui)
1/4 tsp/10 lbs body weight 1 x day
by Health Concerns
Or this brand…
Phosphorus binder ALOH (Aluminum Hydroxide)
SUPPLEMENTS
MUSHROOMS
Shitake
Maitake
Ganoderma
VITAMINS
Royal Jelly – pinch/10 lbs body weight
CoQ-10
Taurine
Sun-chlorella
Omega 3 flax oil or fish oil 500-1000 mg/10 lbs body weight 1 x day
Bromelain 100 mg/10 lbs body weight 2 x day
Asparagus root
NAC
L Arginine
L Glutamine
FERA Probiotics for Dogs & Cats
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B078955BY2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
S. Thermophilus
L. Acidophilus
B. Longum
OVERVIEW OF CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE
https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?meta=Generic&pId=11196&id=3854218
MORE RESOURCES
http://felinecrf.org/holistic_treatments.htm#suggested_remedies
RENAL FAILURE (SHRUNKEN KIDNEY) TREATMENT FOR YOUR DOG AND CAT
