In Part 1 from last November, we discussed the changes that
occur in your pet when kidney failure sets in. We also discussed many of the
treatments that we utilize to address these changes.
In Part 2, we will focus on more of the natural options for
treating kidney failure in dogs and cats.
Diet
Many misconceptions abound when it comes to feeding dogs
and cats with kidney failure. The typical diet that is prescribed for dogs and
cats with kidney failure utilizes a lowered protein content and is restricted
in phosphorus, which is found in the muscle meats that our dogs and cats need
to eat. The idea behind these diets is that the metabolic by-products of these
meats can’t be cleared as well from the body by the failing kidneys. The
by-products build up in the bloodstream and are called “uremic toxins.” It is
these by-products that cause the animals to be nauseous and lose their
appetites.
The first misconception is that by limiting the protein
content of the diet before kidney failure sets in, we can prevent kidney
failure. This is NOT true for dogs and cats! The original studies were done in
mice and, well, dogs and cats have proven to not be mice!
The second misconception is that by putting your dog or
cat on this diet as soon as kidney failure is diagnosed, you can slow the
progression of the kidney failure. This is also not true. These
protein-restricted diets just decrease the build-up of those uremic toxins…and
in early kidney failure, this build-up is so minimal that its effects usually
are minimal. BUT, our carnivorous pets, especially our cats, need these
proteins, and you may be causing more harm than good by restricting the protein
before it’s really necessary.
Anecdotally, from my observations, cats that are on a raw
diet seem to look and feel better while in kidney failure. I don’t know why
this is, but I think it might have something to do with the cat’s ability to
better digest and assimilate the foods that are in the natural (raw) form.
Perhaps it’s also the high quality source of protein they are ingesting that
makes them feel better overall.
Fish oil (for omega 3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA) is
considered anti-inflammatory and may benefit patients with inflammation leading
to kidney failure. It can’t hurt.
Acupuncture
By inserting tiny needles into acupoints, acupuncture can
increase the circulation through the kidneys, relieve pain associated with some
forms of kidney failure, and possibly decrease the elevated blood pressure that
some patients experience. Our patients that receive acupuncture for kidney
disease often feel a lot better, even if their kidney blood values don’t seem
to be decreasing. Chinese herbs can be used in conjunction with acupuncture to
improve the kidney function and make the patient feel better.
For more information on acupuncture at WAH, visit:
http://wilmingtonanimalhospital.com/services_acupuncture.php
Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies are used to treat a wide range of
conditions. There are literally hundreds of remedies that can be used to help a
dog or cat with kidney failure. The specific remedy for each dog and cat is
selected based on the totality of their disease symptoms. These symptoms can
include mental, emotional, as well as physical signs. To read more about
homeopathic treatment at WAH, visit: http://wilmingtonanimalhospital.com/services_homeopathy.php
If your pet is in renal failure and you’d like to consider
conventional as well as natural options for helping him, please give us a call
at (302) 762-2694. For more information on our practice, visit:
http://wilmingtonanimalhospital.com/index.php.
