Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

treatment for renal failure

Hello,
our cat has just been diagnosed renal failure and the vets aren't very motivated for a treatment as they say she is very old. We live in France and do not know where to find a vet who works with natural treatments. Could you give us any advice on supplements that can be found in europe??
Any help would be appreciated
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
234713 tn?1283526659
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I am very sorry about your cat!

You should be able to find everything necessary either at your veterinarian's, online,  at a Chinese market, health food store or pharmacy.  A French "human" acupuncturist and herbalist may also have some of the Chinese herbal formula's that I have listed below.

The following is an integrative protocol for feline renal disease:

1.  Daily Sub-Cutaneous Fluid therapy performed at your vet's office, or to be given at home (your vet or veterinary nurse can instruct you how to perform this).  50 to 100 milliliters daily of Lactated Ringers Solution or Normosol Solution.

2.  Give a Prebiotic and Probiotic  supplement (good bacteria: Lactobacillus acidophilus and FOS,  A prescription form is Azodyl.  Begin with a small amount (one capsule) and gradually increase to up to 3 capsules per day.

3.  Keep your cat eating!  If your cat becomes anorexic ask your vet for a prescription for Periactin, Remeron, or look for Chinese herbal formula's to stimulate appetite: Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (also known as Eight Gentleman), or Yu Nu Jian. Dose for the Chinese Formula's if only a human formula is available would be 1/10 to 1/8 of a human dose.

4.  Give Chinese Formula's for kidney disease, such as: Rehmannia 8 (Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan), and/or: You Gui Wan at 1/8 of a human adult dose.  These are common herbal formula's and you may be able to find one specifically for pets.

5.  Have urine samples checked frequently and treat any urinary tract infection.

6.  Give a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement, such as feline Cosequin.

7.  If blood phosphorus becomes elevated use a phosphorus binder, such as PhosLo, or Epakitin. This is available at your veterinarian's.

8.  An Ace Inhibitor medication, such as enalapril can be a helpful adjunct, since it helps to aid in perfusion of the kidneys.  This is available at your veterinarian's

9.  Beet fiber supplement (as is found in Azodyl), should also be given.  This can be purchased separately if Azodyl is unavailable.  Begin with a very low dose: 1/8 teaspoon and gradually increase until the bowel movement becomes soft (usually 3/4 to 1 teaspoon once or twice daily)

10.  B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and D.  Use an over the counter infant vitamin formula.

Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.  I wish you the the best success!

Helpful - 2
Avatar universal
thank you so much for your reply, I have gone to another vet and have started her out on epakitin, it seems her thyroid is hyper also so she was given something for it called felimazole, this one has been really hard to give.
she's a bit happier with epakitin
she's also got renal food (I don't understand npc3's comment of mouse food and think maybe it might not be balanced for a cat)
I've also been buying mineral water with low phosphate (this is an idea from another forum)
I've been looking for azodyl and the chinese formula of Rehmannia 8 but haven't found any of the two yet. I've been told that azodyl is forbidden here and it seems extremely hard to import for conservation problems
anyway thank you very much for all the advice, I will keep trying!
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Although I don't know of any supplements in you area but I just wanted to say the vets basically acted the same way with my cat, like why bother extending her life just let her die.  They had no advice or hope.  That was 2 years ago.  

What I have learned is feed the cat food it will eat and add a phosphorus binder to it which you can buy online, I use an Aluminum powder which is cheap and works. You'll have to search the net for "phosphate binders or aluminum powder."  Some people also make their own from egg shells.

I supplement with a product called Azodyl you can buy at Amazon.com, I give two caps opened and mixed into her food.  This has worked wonders for me.  Start it now.

I have recently started feeding whole ground mouse, raw, by mixing it into my cat's regular wet food.  Eventually I'll get her on 100% mouse only.  It is naturally low in phosphorous and is a natural "clean" protein that is said to be less taxing on the kidneys than commercial products.  It's only been a month but my cat has gained weight and seems rejuvenated.  I buy it online, it's expensive at $5/lb plus shipping but seems to be very much worth it.

I have also always given her enalipril which is a presecription heart medicine that protects the kidneys. You vet should prescribe this even if the cat does not have heart problems.  It's very important.  I just mix it into food, it's so small.

Over the 2 years since my cat's diagnosis it's really been trial and error, talking to others, talking to various vets and finding out what works for your particular cat.

My cat is at least 18 yrs old and is happy, has a great cat life with good quality and no suffering.

There is hope!
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I have finally received my order of Rhemania 8, but couldn't find any sold for pets. It's the "human" formula in powder form. I have no idea ow much to give my cat who weights 2.5kg (around 5.5 pounds)
is it still safe to give it if she has a slight hyperthyroidism?
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Holistic Care For Pets Forum

Popular Resources
Members of our Pet Communities share their Halloween pet photos.
Has your pet ever swallowed your prescription medicine? Vet tech Thomas Dock explores the top 10 meds that harm pets and what you can do to prevent a tragedy from happening.
Like to travel but hate to leave your pooch at home? Dr. Carol Osborne talks tips on how (and where!) to take a trip with your pampered pet
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.