Pet Owner Question: I HAVE A 20 YR OLD RAGDOLL CAT THAT WAS DIAGNOSED FOR RENAL FAILURE. I AM GOING TO CHANGE HIS FOOD TO EAGLEPAK HOLISTIC —CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP IN THIS SITUATION–HE IS GETTING AROUND WELL AND I AM NOT READY TO GIVE UP.
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME—
DEB
Williamsport, IN
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“From a veterinarian: you might be better off changing to a prescription food for renal failure, which is specifically made to have a lower level of protein but higher quality proteins to minimize wastes that the kidneys have to deal with, and to balance phosphorus and electrolytes better. Diets specifically made for the particular medical condition are best when there is such a problem–it’s not just a matter of wholesome natural ingredients.
It will also be important to be sure your cat is getting plenty of fluids, as those in renal failure frequently lose more fluid than they can take in on their own and need injections of fluids regularly. Many times we teach owners how to give the fluids at home, which saves them cost and hassle to make sure the cat gets this.
Also it will be important to monitor bloodwork to tweak treatment recommendations, such as needing medication for anemia when the kidneys are no longer making the hormone that tells the bone marrow to make red blood cells (which only live 90-120 days and constantly need to be replaced) or needing medication to block absorption of phosphorus if levels are getting high or potassium supplementation if levels are dropping.”
Melinda R. Burgwardt, DVM
Broadway Veterinary Clinic PC
Lancaster, NY 14086
“Oops, just a little more from the veterinarian:
Acupuncture does seem to make a difference for many patients and should be harmless to try, so feel free to seek a veterinarian who does it. Also consider that this disease is one of the times when anabolic steroids may be helpful (this is the proper use for them, not to build up abnormally large muscles in athletes who take high doses they don’t need and give anabolic steroids a bad name.) Anabolic steroids help the kidneys to do their best as they fail and help the body decrease muscle losses (which add to the work of the kidneys.)”
Melinda R. Burgwardt, DVM
Broadway Veterinary Clinic PC
Lancaster, NY 14086
Kidney illness is oftentimes known as renal disease. Polycistic kidney illness is a widespread misspelling of polycystic kidney disease. Grownup polycystic kidney illness is usually an unique disorder from infantile polycystic kidney disease. Adult polycystic kidney illness is often a genetic condition that is inherited in an autosomal dominant style. Kidney Illness in Cats Persistent kidney illness is actually a reasonably typical disorder in cats, in particular geriatric cats. Kidney Illness in Cats Chronic kidney illness is a reasonably typical condition in cats, especially geriatric cats. Cats with current kidney illness may also be far more prone to pyelonephritis simply because they generate dilute urine.;
My cat 5 year old cat Luna was diagnosed with Acute Renal Failure 4 weeks ago. She spent a week at the vet’s daily then she would come home at night. then we administered medication at home for a week. We also changed her diet to to the K/D cat food. All seemed going great for about a week. She then started to vomit profusely. After awhile she stopped eating. She still continued to vomit. When she hadn’t eaten for 4 days we took her back to the vets. They determined her phosphorous levels were rising again. Luna was so miserable and sick that I and my family had to make the decision to end her pain on Monday. I don’t think there is anything I could have done for her. I will always love and miss her!