Kidney disease is a common problem of feline old age and is often cited as
the second leading cause of deaths in cats.



Chronic interstitial nephritis, a progressive destruction of the tiny blood
filtering units of the kidneys, is encountered in cats of all species and is
somewhat insidious in nature.



It often remains undetected because of the tremendous capacity of the cat's
kidneys to compensate for loss of tissue until deterioration is well
advanced.



As long as one third of the kidney is still functional, there are usually no
obvious signs of sickness.



Beyond this point, illness will develop with symptoms of excessive thirst,
frequent urination and loss of weight becoming evident.



By the time kidney deterioration is diagnosed by clinical test, function is
severely limited and the disease is usually well advanced and progressing to
eventual failure, with only 25 - 30% of the kidney still functional.



Treatment at this stage must be radical and is sometimes time-consuming,
especially initially.



Having said this, there is still hope for renal failure cases, so don't give
up on your feline until you have read all the facts and options.



Elderly cats with kidney failure can be brought from a state of debilitating
illness to one of relative normality if appropriate treatment is
administered.



Although this normality is delicate and treatment may need to be continued
for the remainder of the cat's life, this small 5% improvement can make all
the difference.





To understand how natural care can both treat and prevent renal failure, it
may be useful to take a look at the role of the kidneys in the cat's body
and the causes of renal deterioration.



Kidney Function



Physiologically, the kidneys are primarily involved in maintaining a
constant and healthy internal environment in the body.



The kidney is the organ of homeostasis or balance. It serves many functions
in your cat's body.



One important kidney function is the regulation of the body's water content.
Its role, above excreting excess fluid, is one of conservation (of water) as
much of the fluid that passes through the kidney is reabsorbed.



The kidneys are also responsible for separating wastes and poisons in the
blood from useful substances.



Your feline's kidneys filter hundreds of liters of blood on a daily basis.
The electrolyte balance of the body is also regulated by the kidneys which
excrete excess amounts.



Another important role is maintaining the acid/alkaline balance of the
blood.



Finally, the kidneys assist in the production of the hormone rennin which is
involved in the regulation of blood pressure.



At a holistic level, we see the role of the kidneys as one of regulating and
transmuting the both physical and nonphysical energies flowing through the
body, removing impurities and recycling only that which is harmonious.



We recognize the tremendous amount of work our cats' kidneys are called upon
to perform on a daily basis, in response to both the internal and external
environment.



The Cause of Feline Kidney Disease



There is no single explanation for renal disease.



However the majority of nephritic problems are now understood to be
auto-immune disorders, which means that the destructive process in the
kidney is taking place due to circulating antigens and antibodies.



These are thought to develop in response to an external or internal factor
affecting the cat's body.



Destruction of the nephron is always preceded by acute inflammation. The
trigger that causes the destructive antibody/antigen process could be any
one of a number of factors.



Low-grade infection, dietary deficiency / excess, environmental or ingested
toxins, heredity or nervous stress may be involved.



Whatever the cause, with natural medicine, we know that this destructive
process can be slowed, halted or even reversed in some cases.



We can also prevent the onset of this disease through correct natural care
and therapy.



Common Early Warning Signs



In the early stages of renal disease, there may also be occasional periods
of low energy, depression, lack of appetite and nausea or vomiting that
lasts a few days at a time.



Greasy fur and dandruff are sometimes present.



Diarrhea, constipation, dehydration, bad breath, inflammation of the mouth
or mouth ulcers may also occur.



Later, increased thirst, frequent urination of large quantities of pale or
colorless urine and weight loss may be evident.



These symptoms can also be associated with other diseases so it is important
to seek a full diagnosis from your veterinarian.



Further signs which may indicate renal deterioration include your feline
drinking water on a daily basis (if not on a dry food diet) and repeated
attacks of bladder inflammation.



Skin eruptions often precede kidney failure.



It is important to note these early signs and to take appropriate
therapeutic and preventative action.



Sadly, antibiotics, corticosteroids and pH controlled diets do not slow down
kidney disease. They only mask the symptoms.



Prevention



1) Be observant - detect warning signs early and seek professional diagnosis
and treatment of the underlying cause. Annual veterinary check-ups are
important.



2) Pay attention to your feline's diet. Avoid feeding dry foods (which
contain only 20 - 30% moisture) and foods containing harmful chemical
additives and preservatives. These foods increase the work your cat's
kidneys must perform.



3) Feed a pure, natural, raw, whole food diet for your feline at an early
age. If your cat is accustomed to eating vegetables and grains when young,
it will be much easier to reduce the protein content of the diet as they get
older.



4) Create a non-toxic and stress-free environment for your feline friends.
Cats are greatly affected by chemicals in the environment such as household
sprays, cleaners, pesticides, cigarette smoke etc and absorb these into
their bodies through the skin, lungs and paw pads.



5) Ensure that your feline's friend's environment is filled with
tranquility, harmony and happiness. Felines are also extremely sensitive to
environmental and psychic stresses such as noise, chaos, moving house,
bullying by other animals, family arguments and other non-supportive
emotions. The kidney reflex centre of your feline's body is the
apprehension/anxiety centre of the mind. This centre is associated with the
will to live, the fight or flight response and the ability to cope with
various life stresses, biochemical, nervous and environmental. Like
children, felines easily absorb an atmosphere of anxiety, anger, confusion
and depressed feelings and over a long period of time, this can be draining
on their health. Always provide your feline friends with their own 'peaceful
haven' or special part of the house where they can rest, undisturbed and
renew their inner strength and vitality.



6) Prepare your felines well in advance for any events which are going to be
stressful for them. Communicating with your cat, using flower essences and
extra vitamins B and C can help minimize such stressful events as moving
house, going to the vet, cattery etc.



Treatment



The aim of natural medicine in chronic interstitial nephritis is to reduce
the load on the kidneys and to strengthen and optimize remaining function
through diet, herbal and homoeopathic medicine, nutrients, hydration and
mental/emotional healing.



In addition to home treatment, I suggest you follow the advice of your
veterinarian and holistic animal practitioner.



While each feline must be treated as an individual, the following is a
précis of natural care.







Diet:



In renal disease, the diet must be low in protein, phosphorus and sodium,
yet the protein must be of high quality.



A low residual diet is mandatory (i.e. one which produces as little waste,
metabolic and toxic, as possible).



Avoid the overuse of red and organ meats, chemicals and preservatives and
replace the diet with lacto-proteins such as eggs, ricotta cheese, chicken,
turkey, fish, rabbit and a little lean heart.



A suitable diet is low in ash, containing only 24% high quality protein with
an abundance of raw, pureed vegetables and well-cooked pureed grain.



Enriched white rice, pureed barley flakes (cooked) or baby cream corn is
suitable starch foods.



The diet must be supplemented with an adequate supply of nutrients,
especially the water-soluble vitamins B and C which are quickly lost through
frequent drinking and copious urination.



The following recipe meets the above requirements, containing about 25% good
quality proteins. It supplies adequate amounts of the water-soluble vitamins
B-complex and C and supplies also vitamin A which is good for the kidneys.



The recipe makes a 5 day supply of meals.



Feline Kidney Diet



1½ cups of ground or diced meat (raw or very lightly steamed fish, lamb,
chicken, turkey, lean heart etc)



4 cups of cooked white rice, baby cream corn or pureed barley flakes



4 organic raw egg yolks



2 tablespoons Omega Pet (combined oils) or cold-pressed safflower, corn or
sesame oil



1 cup of pureed raw vegetable such as carrot, zucchini, alfalfa



5,000 i. u. vitamin A (or 2 tsp. Cod Liver oil) from health shop (not
required if using Omega Pet oil)



2 tsp. Animate Supplement powder or 4 crushed Orachel Multi-Vitamin tablets



50 mg. B-complex liquid or tablets crushed from health shop



Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, including the ground or powdered
supplements.



Freeze or refrigerate in portions and thaw as needed. Remember to warm
gently before serving.



To each meal, add ½ tablet/capsule of mixed digestive enzymes, and if
required, flavor with a few drops of tamari soy sauce, preservative-free
baby food, chicken broth, a teaspoon of tuna (or any other healthful food
your cat finds delicious).



Once a week, add a 500 I.U. of vitamin E.



In addition to the diet, it is important to provide filtered or spring water
at all times.



You can also offer your feline friend warm chicken or fish broth once or
twice a day.



This is particularly useful as 'crisis therapy' when your cat friend is
refusing to eat.



Home Made Broth



To make a meat or fish broth, take ½ cup minced meat, chicken, turkey or
fish.



Add 2 cups of pure water and some flavoring (such as a few drops of tamari
sauce) and blend well.



Add pureed vegetable and a sprinkle of vitamin/mineral powder. Make sure you
arm before serving.



Home made broth can be stored in the freezer and thawed as needed.



If your feline friend is in an advanced stage of kidney disease and is not
eating well, the following hints may prove useful:



Warm oatmeal or barley porridge with a little yoghurt can supply energy.



Green barley powder in the meal is excellent if your cat friend likes it
(just a pinch is sufficient). It is nutritious, cleansing and will generally
improve appetite.



Bee Pollen or pure honey with a little slippery elm powder supplies all the
nutrients required to sustain life if your cat friend is weak and will not
eat.



Feed three or four small meals daily rather than several large ones.





Herbal Medicine



The aim of herbal medicine is to produce a tonic, demulcent (soothing),
anti-inflammatory and gentle diuretic effect on kidney tissue.



Corn silk, Marshmallow and Clivers are often used in combination.



Barberry, Buchu, Pellitory and Parsley are also sometimes used. Alfalfa herb
is a general tonic for the kidneys and will improve digestion.



Dandelion leaf and root will improve both liver and kidney function. Burdock
Root, a powerful alterative and blood purifier can both tonify kidney tissue
and detoxify the body of poisons.



Although there are very few herbs which have a regenerating effect on renal
tissue, both Astragalus and Indian Kidney tea appear promising.



Always consult an experienced animal herbalist/holistic practitioner in
kidney disease.



Felines can only tolerate minute doses of herbal medicines and some herbs
useful for humans will have a different effect in feline medicine.



Generally, for cats, I find it safer to prepare the herbs in potency or as a
tea rather than in tincture form.



Clinical Nutrition:



Vitamin and mineral therapy for nephritis is also beneficial.



The mineral Zinc improves immune function and accelerates healing. Along
with Vitamin E, it is a scar tissue preventative.



Vitamin B complex, especially B6, is important for both nerve and renal
function.



Vitamin C is an all-round healer, providing a buffer for stress, reducing
inflammation and boosting immunity.



As Vitamin C plays an important role in the formation of collagen, it is
important in any rebuilding process.



Magnesium (which is plentiful in green vegetables and green powders) and
Potassium are important nerve nutrients.



A feline kidney patient is often susceptible to low potassium levels in the
body, so this mineral is frequently included.



Micro doses of colloidal, biochemic or homoeopathic tissue salts may also be
appropriate.



Sodium Sulphate or Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride and Calcium
Phosphate are often prescribed.



Homoeopathy



An experienced animal homoeopath will select the correct constitutional
remedy for your feline.



Renal failure relates to the tubercular miasm and hence Calc. Phos. may be
appropriate.



Natrum Mur can help the cat who appears hot, thirsty and prefers to be
alone. Sepia is selected for the cat with nausea, vomiting and poor
appetite.



Pulsatilla is a constitutional remedy for the mild, gentle cat that shows no
signs of thirst.



Berberis is often used in renal problems which are accompanied by hepatic
symptoms.



Obviously, in a crisis, you would seek assistance from your veterinarian as
soon as possible.



However, symptoms of uremia and toxicity may be assisted by a few doses of
Carbo Veg and Nux Vomica, until veterinary help is available.



Another first aid remedy for uremia, especially where there is restlessness,
great distress, thirst or even kidney fits or convulsions is Arsenicum
Album.



These remedies are all contained in the Natural Animal Help (first aid) Kit.
In a crisis situation they may save a life until veterinary help is
obtained.



Bach Flower Essences



Flower essences can relieve distress, release stress, heal emotions and
raise the spirits.



Select the essences which are appropriate for your individual feline friend.
I find that Scleranthus is a good general 'renal' tonic.



Many cats respond well to Water Violet which releases inner tension.
Hornbeam gives strength and Olive is useful where there is exhaustion.



Wild Rose can boost immunity and stimulate healing.



Gorse will often increase enthusiasm for life and food and ease depression.



Aspen helps where there are vague fears and Crab Apple will encourage
physical and emotional detoxification.



An individual flower essence combination can be prepared for your cat by any
naturopath or health store.



These remedies are totally safe and benevolent with no side-effects.



Crisis Care



In renal disease, a crisis occurs when the kidney is no longer able to
effectively filter the by-products of metabolism and poisons build up in the
bloodstream.



At this point, your cat will be feeling very sick and will refuse food.
There may also be vomiting as your feline's body tries to eliminate the
poisons.



An inability to regulate fluids may cause dehydration and constipation.



The first aid remedies may be useful in a crisis situation, but at this
stage, your cat needs to get to your veterinary hospital promptly.



Your vet will use I.V. fluids to hydrate your cat and restore some form of
normality.



Once your cat returns home, with the danger period over, you can implement
the new diet and additional therapy with the assistance of a holistic
veterinarian or naturopathic animal practitioner.



In addition to flower essences, herbal and homoeopathic care, subcutaneous
hydration can be easily learned and safely given at home, to improve your
feline's condition.



Your veterinarian can show you how to do this procedure and can also supply
the equipment needed.



Subcutaneous Hydration



Subcutaneous hydration will alleviate the dehydration that occurs in the
later stages of renal disease.



Basically, it involves the administration of fluids through the skin.



I learned of subcutaneous hydration several years ago through Anitra Frazier's
wonderful book, The New Natural Cat.



Since then, I have found it invaluable advice to pass on to guardians of
cats with renal problems.



It is a simple home therapy procedure that can, says Anitra, "add weeks,
months and often years to a cat's life.



Nothing will so dramatically improve the health, comfort and well-being of a
dehydrated cat as subcutaneous hydration."



A subcutaneous fluids set up is similar to i.v. fluid administration except
that the (warmed) saline solution is gently dribbled underneath the skin by
means of a small needle.



Once your veterinarian has shown you how to do it, the process can be safely
done at home.



It takes about 5 minutes to complete and is as simple as giving an insulin
injection. For the hydration you will require a fluid bag with a tube and
small needle (size 18 or 20).



Once your feline friend is comfortably positioned on a warm, fluffy towel,
the needle is gently inserted under his skin and the warm fluid gently
dribbles in for a few minutes.



Cats happily accept this therapy and feel very much better afterwards!



Initially, hydration may need to be carried out on a daily basis but after
your cat's health improves, it can usually be reduced to several times a
week only.



Anitra, who runs the Feline Health Spa, a haven for sick cats in New York
City, cites a beautiful story of one of her patients, a 15 year old cat
called Suzie.



Suzie arrived at her clinic in the terminal stage of kidney disease and was
anorexic, constipated, stiff in the joints, dehydrated and very weak.



After putting Suzie on the kidney diet and administering s.c. fluids daily,
Suzie perked up and took over as hostess of her place.



At the time she wrote the book, Suzie was 19 years old, still on the kidney
diet, receiving home fluids weekly and "feeling fine".



Summary



Chronic interstitial nephritis is not always a death sentence.



With an appropriate diet, supplementation, natural medicines and regular
hydration therapy, felines may choose to continue to live a relatively
normal life for many years.



Of course, awareness and preventative health care is always the best
treatment.

Regards,

Dwayne Hubbard, VND, NMD
www.dwaynehubbard.com