Unfortunately, one of the most common chronic health problems facing
companion animals today is chronic renal (kidney) failure. It is one of the
major causes of death in cats. It occurs in dogs, as well, but not as commonly.
Most of those who have been diagnosed with chronic renal failure (CRF) are given
a prognosis of only a few months to live. Euthanasia is not an uncommon
recommendation by conventional veterinarians. Fortunately, since I have turned
to a holistic approach to wellness, I have seen many dogs and cats outlive their
death sentence by years. I believe there are three major reasons for kidneys to
degenerate and eventually fail. They are 1) poor quality nutrition, 2) toxicity
and 3) chronic disease. I have discussed in many previous articles about the
failings of processed foods. Inadequate and improper protein sources and low
moisture content (of dry foods) are the two major kidney stressors I believe
occur in commercial foods. The kidneys also take a hard hit from many toxins to
which the body is exposed. Many conventional medications, notably non–steroidal
anti–inflammatories and certain antibiotics, are very damaging to the kidneys.
Ultimately, there is not much known about the long term effects of many food
additives and preservatives, fluoride in the drinking water and all the
pesticides and herbicides used in, on and around our companion animals (and
ourselves!). Item number three on the list above is a term used by homeopaths to
describe a chronic disturbance in the body's function that results in symptoms.
The symptoms may be emotional and/or physical. A common example of a chronic
disease in companion animals is vaccinosis
or vaccine induced
damage. A few other possibilities are emotionally based disturbances, inherited
tendencies and the effects of medical treatment of other seemingly unrelated
problems such as skin or digestive problems.
When I am confronted with a dog or cat who has been diagnosed with CRF I,
generally, begin by educating the animal's guardian about the dangers of
commercial foods and the benefits of fresh food feeding. Conventional
veterinarians are under the misunderstanding that low protein diets are the best
way to feed an animal with chronic renal failure. My experience is that such an
approach will lead to the death of the animal in a few months (thus bringing
their prognosis to fruition). I have found that just the opposite approach is
the most effective for most animals. I suggest feeding a high protein RAW meat
based diet. I have seen dramatic reductions in elevated kidney blood tests
within two weeks in some patients. Why does conventional medicine do the
opposite? All of the conventional nutrition research is done with processed
foods. I haven't seen any done with raw foods. This is what I believe is the
reason for the research data. Heat treated animal protein as found in commercial
foods is more difficult to digest. This results in more protein (nitrogen)
waste, which the kidneys must remove from the blood stream. Blood urea nitrogen
(BUN) is the blood test which measures this protein waste. Therefore, a high,
cooked protein diet is more stressful on the kidneys and results in higher
toxicity (BUN) in the blood if the kidneys are not functioning well. Raw
protein, in comparison, digests more completely with less waste. This results in
more protein for healing and rebuilding tissue without the renal stress.
Remember, by nature carnivores eat a very high protein diet. They should have
the ability to handle it. Another benefit of the raw foods is that they contain
much more water than dry foods. This helps the kidneys discharge waste material.
I would not be writing this information if I had not seen many animals improve
on such a regimen. Other holistic vets are having similar results.
There are additional ingredients in the fresh food protocol that I suggest (my raw foods recipe is available on
this site). One of the other important items to discuss is vegetables. By
nature, carnivores obtain most of their fresh vegetable material from the gut of
their prey. This material is finely chewed and easily digested. Since carnivores
don't have teeth for grinding vegetables, they have to let someone else do it
for them. We can mimic that process by putting the vegetables into a blender,
food processor, etc. and pureeing them. When an animal is having kidney
problems, I particularly recommend feeding celery, cucumbers and parsley in the
vegetable mix. These are especially good because of their organic sodium and
potassium contents. It is also important to give the following supplements. A digestive
enzyme mix helps maximize digestion, thereby, reducing renal stress. Ionic
magnesium with trace
minerals replaces minerals lost by the failing kidneys. Raw
kidney concentrate supports the kidney function and healing. I personally
believe that using raw kidney supplements is one of the most important steps in
the program. I find that only those animals whose failure is very advanced
cannot handle this diet. Those who cannot are probably beyond any real hope of
improvement. Fortunately, most are not at that stage.
Another important support method is the administration of fluids by injection
to prevent dehydration. While most veterinarians are moving away from home
administration of fluids, I still prefer this avenue if at all possible. I teach
the guardian how to give fluids under the animal's skin on a regular basis. How
often the fluids are given is adjusted to each animal as well as how long it
must be continued. Home administration is far less stressful on the animal, the
guardian and the wallet!
Beyond the nutrition issue, I work with each animal individually to reduce
their exposure to potentially damaging chemicals and drugs. This can be as
simple as using filtered water or switching to a non–toxic flea control program.
If the animal is on medications for another health problem or if there is
evidence that the kidney failure is not just nutritional or toxic in origin,
then I try to find the correct homeopathic remedy to get the healing process on
track. I cannot stress enough that I have seen animals go YEARS past the
conventional vet's expectations with EXCELLENT quality of life using this
approach. This article is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified
holistic practitioner. It is simply to enlighten the readers to other options.
- Russell Swift, DVM, Classical Homeopath