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Feline Chronic
Renal Failure - CRF
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Here for Feline CRF raw meat diet testimonials
A nutritional supplement called "Renafood" from Standard Process, is a very good renal detoxifier and helps to maximize kidney function in cats. Give one or two a day. We give this to all our cats to help prevent early stages of renal failure from the age of 6 years old. Most cats eat them readily if they are crushed into the food. Call Standard Process at 1-800-558-8740 to find a distributor in your area. Renafood is a human product, which in my experience works much better than their cat product Feline Renal Support, so be sure to insist on Renafood. You can also find Renafood online at many health stores.
What
is Feline CRF (Chronic Renal Failure)?
Kidney
failure, also known as renal failure, results from the inability
of the kidneys to function properly. When they are healthy,
kidneys perform several functions, including removing the
waste products of metabolism from your pet's blood, regulating
the volume and composition of body fluids, producing hormones
that stimulate production of red blood cells, and controlling
blood pressure. Once the kidneys do their job, the by-products
produced as a result of the metabolic process are excreted
in the form of urine. It's not hard to understand that the
kidneys work the hardest when your cat is fed a commercial
diet; a diet that is unnatural for your cats system and can
cause CRF.
There
are two kinds of kidney failure. The first is known as chronic
kidney failure, which occurs when the kidneys can no longer
perform the crucial functions of excreting waste products,
producing hormones, and regulating the chemical composition
of body fluids. In this case, kidney function decreases slowly
over a long period of time, which means the physical signs
may appear gradually.
The
second type is known as acute kidney failure. It is characterized
by an abrupt decline in kidney function that leads to changes
in body chemistry, including alterations in fluid and mineral
balances. These changes negatively affect almost every system
in the body. The physical signs are more dramatic with acute
kidney failure because kidney function declines quickly.
What
causes CRF - Feline kidney failure?
There
are many possible causes of kidney failure (CRF), but the most common
is that the kidneys simply "wear out" due to age.
Kidney failure can also be caused by ingestion of toxic substances,
such as many kinds of commercial foods laced with preservatives
and cooked ingredients, antifreeze, some anti-inflammatory
drugs, certain types of antibiotics. In addition, some types
of infections may cause kidney function to decline.
What
are the physical signs your cat might be experiencing CRF?
Any
of the following CRF symptoms may be indicators of kidney failure:
- Excessive drinking
of water
- Increased urination
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Bad breath
- Not eating for a
day or more
- Weakness
- Lack of coordination
when walking
- Depression
- Weight loss or wasting
of muscle tissue (muscle tissue loss is also caused by
old age and lack of activity)
How
can I prevent CRF or feline kidney failure in my cat?
Most
commonly, pets develop kidney failure as they age because
their kidneys "wear out." In this case, it is not
possible to prevent the failure, although it is possible to
treat it. Outdoor cats and dogs are at greater risk of kidney
failure because they are more frequently exposed to anti-freeze.
Ingestion of even a small amount of antifreeze can be fatal.
Allopathic veterinarians recommendations for prevention of
kidney failure are:
- Allowing frequent
attempts to urinate.
- Providing access
to fresh water at all times .
- Avoiding exposure
to antifreeze by minimizing your pet's time spent outdoors
unsupervised.
- Feed a balanced raw diet low in protein.
- Give natural kidney support remedies from your veterinarian.
Holistic
veterinarians generally suggest a nutritionally balanced
raw diet because it is closest to your pet's natural diet.
What
type of cat is most susceptible to feline CRF?
The
prevalence of kidney failure increases with age. Cats and
small dogs show early signs at about ten to fourteen years
of age, while large dogs may experience kidney failure much
earlier.
Kidney
failure is seen more frequently in cats than in dogs, and
certain breeds are more prone to developing kidney problems.
However, all breeds of dogs and cats can be affected, and
at any age. It's always good to have yearly blood work done
on your pet, even at an early age, to establish baseline values
that can be used for comparison later in your pet's life if
kidney failure or another disease is suspected. Also, to catch
any possible illness early so you can treat and cure it early.
How
is Feline CRF treated?
Tests
are necessary to diagnose acute and chronic kidney failure
and to rule out other diseases. Blood and urine samples are
used to test for values related to various kidney functions
and to make sure that infection is not the cause of the physical
signs of CRF.
Acute
kidney failure is potentially reversible, whereas chronic
renal failure is not .
Pets experiencing chronic kidney failure may not respond to
treatment at all or may live another few months or even years.
An acute kidney problem can become a chronic problem. Your
veterinarian can differentiate between acute and chronic failure
based on history, physical examinations, and laboratory testing.
A kidney biopsy may be required to give an accurate prognosis
for your pets life span.
Both
chronic and acute kidney failure can be life-threatening conditions
requiring hospitalization along with a very expensive vet
bill!
Treatment
may include:
- Intravenous fluids
- A special diet to
decrease protein and salt intake
- Medication for high
blood pressure
- Hospitalization
and supportive care
- Control of vomiting
and gastrointestinal problems with diet and drug therapy
- Medications for
anemia (decreased red-blood cell production)
- Potassium supplementation
- Natural remedies
to support the kidney and immune system that only your holistic veterinarian can give you.
After
your pet leaves the hospital, have blood tests and urinalysis
repeated as recommended by your veterinarian. Be sure to administer
any prescribed medications and to feed your pet as directed.
Some owners can administer subcutaneous fluid to their pets
at home. If necessary, your veterinarian can provide instructions
if this. Following care instructions and working closely with
your veterinarian will give your pet a better quality of life
during treatment and may help prolong your pet's life.
Dr. Anna Maria Gardner
on CRF:
"A natural raw food diet can be very beneficial to cats
with mild to moderate renal failure, who are under veterinarian
care. Feline Instincts ® "Kidney Diet " cat
food supplement diet is modified to contain lower protein
and higher fat, with B- vitamins that are so essential in
renal failure. The kidneys can manage the lower protein intake
and yet still enjoy the benefits of a raw food diet which
is so much healthier for their bodies. Your holistic veterinarian
can also prescribe natural remedies to help support your cat's
kidneys along with this diet."
Anna Maria Gardner DVM, M.A. M.B. Holistic Veterinarian www.petsynergy.com
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of your veterinarian. Please do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you have questions regarding your
CRF and your pet's health.
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