RSS
Home
Kidney failure in cats: A complementary approach
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
help for your companion cat
A diagnosis of Chronic Renal Failure in older cats is all too common. Kidney failure seems to strike cats more frequently than dogs, although they too can develop the disease. Pet owners usually do not become concerned about symptoms—weight loss, copious urination, fatigue--until the problem is advanced: most vets do not see their CRF patients until there has been up 75% loss of kidney function. At that point, you are dealing with an irreversible situation that can, however, be controlled for a period through nutrition and hydration.
Veterinarians and nutritionists debate the efficacy of reducing proteins, phosphorous, and sodium in the CRF cat’s diet. Traditionally, it has been believed that through a limited protein intake, the kidneys will have less stress and therefore will function more efficiently. There is concern about maintaining the cat’s optimal weight and muscle tone, which quickly degrade when dietary proteins are limited. A veterinarian usually prescribes a special diet for the CRF patient, but unfortunately, not all animals tolerate the new diet well, and some will refuse to eat. Dry food, which some cats are dependent on, should be avoided. It has been suggested that substituting smaller quantities of high-quality protein for the typical diet may decrease kidney stress while maintaining muscle tone.
A holistic approach to CRF, whether or not you choose to feed a prescription diet, include the use of Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils, along with Vitamin E and multivitamin supplements to support immune system health. Some holistic vets will also prescribe Chinese and Western herbs. There is evidence that these nutrients can prolong and improve the health of the affected pet. You might also investigate Feline Future, a prepared nutritional supplement consisting of butter and proteins, to which you add lecithin, fish oil, and pumpkin.
It is also of the greatest importance to maintain adequate hydration. You vet will show you how to inject water subcutaneously into your dehydrated cat, a treatment that must be carried out daily. It works like a charm: a listless, anorexic cat will usually start to eat and play shortly after an injection. I have known one cat who was able to exceed her predicted lifespan by two years, with her owner carefully adjusting the diet and administering the hydrating injections without fail.
http://www.healthypetjournal.com/default.aspx?tabid=25105
http://www.felinefuture.com/?p=2194
www.familyvet.com/Cats/Renal.html
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
