For example, the diet for CKD
A chill swept through me, and a sharp stab pierced my side. Fever and stabbing pain had increased by evening, making movement impossible. At this point, numerous possibilities exist, but the kidneys are the most likely cause. Yes, our kidneys are an organ without which a person cannot live and eliminate toxins and waste. You know that doctors have a special name for the kidneys—”SECOND HEART.” Imagine if they filter and purify 200 liters of blood a day. This is an important organ in our body, and what about animals? The kidneys in animals play as important a role as they do in humans. They not only filter fluids, cleanse toxins and waste, and maintain pH levels but also produce crucial hormones such as erythropoietin, prostaglandins, and renin. If you notice that your pet has become apathetic, refuses to be picked up, avoids any contact, has an excessive odor from their mouth, and when you stroke them, you notice that their fur is falling out and shedding, their weight has changed—your fluffy friend suddenly looks like a “prisoner of Auschwitz” and has nearly stopped eating.
If your pet’s bathroom habits have become painful due to an odor or blood spots, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. If you notice similar symptoms, urgently visit a veterinary clinic. Even if there are no similar symptoms, if your pet has started behaving/looking differently, SEE A VETERINARY DOCTOR; this will help not only rule out suspicions of various diseases but may also save your pet’s life. Be vigilant and take responsibility for your furry friends. Well, did I scare you? Good, that means you won’t treat this irresponsibly. Since animals are unable to communicate their pain or illness, humans bear the responsibility for their care. You can’t get away with self-treatment or your “pseudo guesses or diagnoses.”
Remember, a doctor makes a diagnosis after conducting tests and examinations. So the diagnosis is CKD. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) results in impaired kidney function. It is a complication following CKD. CKD is a general abbreviation for all chronic kidney diseases in animals that alter and disrupt the structure and function of the kidneys.
There are five kidney diseases noted in cats:
- Kidney inflammation
- Uremia
- Polycystic degeneration of the kidneys
- Acuterenal failure
- Chronic renal failure
Each disease is a separate topic, with its own conditions and treatments. But now we are taking CKD as an example.
You discovered that your pet suffers from CKD, dividing your life into two distinct phases: before and after. Why? Let’s discuss.
After the diagnosis and the veterinarian’s assessment, your pet will need to follow certain rules and a lifestyle, and it is in your power to help the animal not lose its zest for life but rather give it the opportunity to live a long and joyful life. So, what is needed for this? Prescriptions, medications, and procedures will be left for the next articles on CKD (for a more in-depth analysis); for us, we will focus on the veterinary table or simply the diet prescribed by the veterinarian for your pet.
Diet?! What are you talking about? How will a diet benefit my pet? Indeed, a diet can and does help, even leading to the remission of certain diseases (remission refers to the reduction or disappearance of disease symptoms). We can categorize it as either complete or partial remission. What treatments are appropriate or not for a pet with CKD? And here’s where it gets complicated: You can’t just break off a piece of sausage from your plate. Researchers have conducted a vast array of studies and tests.
Dr. Ross SJ and Dr. Jacob F, along with other specialists, conducted studies on dogs and cats at different times, where they were divided into groups, with some being fed a diet developed based on the diagnosis of CKD, while others were given only a supportive diet (without strict restrictions). The study concluded that the kidney therapeutic diet group of animals demonstrated improved kidney function, improved overall health and recovery, and increased lifespan. In contrast, the second group of animals, on a regular maintenance diet, saw only a 3-4% increase in the indicators, which is insignificant for the overall trend.
The diet for CKD and AKI is about nitrogen balance. AAFCO/The American Association of Feed Control Officials, conducting research and development, recommended paying attention to protein content not only in raw products but also in the amount present in prepared food. AAFCO/The American Association of Feed Control Officials has developed specific tables that offer recommendations for both homemade and industrially produced dietary feeds. The NRC/National Research Council has also set requirements for the protein content and its quantity in the diet of animals. What does this mean in simple terms? Your pet needs to reduce its intake of protein and phosphorus.
Be sure to include fats such as omega-3/6, alpha-linolenic acid, EPA, and DHA in the therapeutic diet—they help the kidneys function and have a therapeutic effect. Don’t forget about sodium and potassium, which should also be present in your pet’s therapeutic diet. A therapeutic diet is more than just specialized dry food; it is a rich source of essential vitamins and fatty acids. A therapeutic diet for CKD and CRF is high in calories, incorporating additives such as potassium, vitamins A, D3, C, and E, as well as iron, soy, and other dietary fibers to stimulate the intestines and intestinal bacteria, which aid in removing nitrogen and urea from the animal’s body. A veterinarian prescribes the therapeutic diet based on your pet’s characteristics and the stage and severity of its condition. The veterinarian will also provide guidance on the therapeutic diet, advising you on whether to opt for commercial food or a homemade diet.
The owner can prepare a nutritious therapeutic diet, considering the gram and nitrogen balance, with the help of tables developed by AAFCO and NRC. A pet can live a full and healthy life even with chronic diseases—it depends on you. Avoid self-medicating your pet and making up diagnoses. Listen to the doctor. Read our other articles and stay healthy.
