Natural strategies to protect your kitty's kidneys

Better Nutrition, Feb, 2000 by Nancy Scanlan

Thanks to medical advances, cats are now able to survive some conditions and illnesses that were once fatal. But these same problems -- hyperthyroidism, heart problems, urinary tract obstruction, and diabetes can damage the kidneys. Strays are at particular risk, since they are more likely to have been exposed to toxins that can damage the kidneys, as are aging cats since their kidneys may not function very well.

What causes kidney disease?

Twenty percent of the blood flows through the kidneys with every heart beat, and toxins concentrate in the kidneys so that they can be excreted. Therefore, the kidneys are exposed to more toxins than most other organs. Some of the most notable chemicals that can damage the kidneys are pesticides, herbicides, solvents, and bee venom. Use of natural products around the house will help decrease your cat's exposure to these toxins.

Of the blood going to the kidneys, most is filtered through, so little goes to nourish the kidney tissue itself. Because of this, the kidneys are damaged by anything that decreases blood flow, such as shock, heart problems, trauma, and prolonged anesthesia. Other risk factors for kidney disease are dehydration, high fever, hypotension, acidosis, and electrolyte imbalance.

Some commonly used antibiotics, insecticides, and chemotherapy can also have a damaging effect on the kidneys. Any medications that have the potential to harm the kidneys should be administered in the evening, when a cat's natural nocturnal cycle is at its strongest.

The over-vaccination problem

Over-vaccination may contribute to auto-immune problems by overstimulating the immune system. As the number of vaccines increase, the number of kinds and cases of auto-immune disease increase.

Kidney problems may be caused by a mild form of auto-immune disease. It is possible that antibody-antigen complexes may damage capillary beds in the kidneys and contribute to kidney disease. It is not unreasonable to suspect that excessive vaccination may contribute to kidney failure.

REFERENCES

Bonagura, John D. Ed. Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XIII. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders, p. 857, 2000.

Grauer, Gregory & India Lane. "Acute Renal Failure." In Stephen J. Ettinger and Edward C Feldman, editors: Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders, p. 1720, 1994.

Zawie, Dennis A. and Elizabeth Shaker. "Diseases of the Liver." In Robert G. Sherding, editor: The Cat--Diseases and Clinical Management. New York: Churchill Livingstone, 1989.

Polzin, David, et al. "Chronic Renal Failure," in Stephen J. Ettinger and Edward C Feldman, Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders, p. 1741, 1994.

RELATED ARTICLE: Symptoms of kidney disease

* Thirst

* Excessive urination

* Loss of appetite and weight

* Vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your cat to your vet as soon as possible. Also, if your cat is 7 years or older, talk to your vet about checking for kidney disease regularly.

RELATED ARTICLE: Natural strategies for strong kidneys

Keeping your cat in good health, supporting aging organs with proper nutrition -- feeding a restricted, but high-quality diet protein diet, featuring natural foods, and appropriate supplementation can decrease your cat's risk factors of developing kidney disease. If, despite your efforts, your cat does develop kidney disease, these strategies may help. Use supplements designed for humans (grind them up or puncture gel capsules) and adjust dosages accordingly.

1. Antioxidants. Which ones and how much?

Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) - 50 I.U. per day

Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate powder tastes less sour than ascorbic acid and is easier to hide in food) - 250 mg twice a day

2. Coenzyme Q-10 - 10 mg once to twice a day.

3. Omega-3 fatty acids may help improve kidney function. Be sure to supplement with fish oil, not flax seed oil, since cats can't convert the linoleic acid in flax seed oil to the final form, arachidonic acid. How much? Pop a hole in a fish-oil capsule and give your cat about 2 drops daily.

4. All nutrients needed to grow kidney tissue are found in kidney tissue, so supplementation with glandular kidney tissue ensures that any nutrients we aren't supplying to our cats are obtained. How much? 1/4 capsule of desiccated kidney tissue, twice daily.

5. Acupuncture helps appetite and improves blood flow to the kidneys.

6. B-complex vitamins are lost with the increased urination, vomiting, and diarrhea which often accompany kidney disease. So, a B-complex supplement can help. How much? 1/4 of a B-50 tablet, twice daily. Also, anemia, often seen in early kidney disease, may respond to an increase in B vitamins, but anemia in end-stage kidney disease will not.

7. Supplementation with calcium carbonate may help gastrointestinal problems, acidosis, and calcium imbalance. How much? 100mg, twice daily

Dr. Nancy Scanlan has a holistic veterinary practice in Sherman Oaks, Calif.