| Chronic Renal Failure or CRF is one of the most | | | | sodium and lower phosphorus allows the kidneys to |
| common age related illnesses in cats today. Chronic | | | | maintain this balance more easily. |
| and progressive kidney failure is typically related to | | | | Intravenous fluid therapy helps keep the cat |
| age, other illnesses and environment. Diet can play a | | | | hydrated. Subcutaneous fluids can be administered at |
| part. CRF is always terminal, but with management of | | | | home by the owner and are often well tolerated by |
| the disease, cats can live a quality life for many years | | | | the cat. Being well hydrated allows the cat a general |
| after diagnosis. | | | | sense of well being. The fluids also flush the kidneys, |
| The most obvious sign of CRF in a cat is excessive | | | | ridding the body of built up toxins. |
| thirst, although there may be other symptoms, such | | | | There are alternative healthcare treatments that may |
| as nausea, weight loss, constipation and a generally | | | | be helpful to a cat with CRF. There are many |
| poor hair coat. Laboratory testing is required to make | | | | qualified holistic veterinarians who will be happy to |
| a definitive diagnosis. Lab results will also give the | | | | consult with owners of CRF cats. Their specialized |
| veterinarian a sense of how advanced the CRF is. | | | | knowledge can guide owners towards the therapies |
| Diet and intravenous fluids are the most common | | | | that are best suited to their cat's health needs and |
| therapies for cats with CRF. Dietary management | | | | temperament. While many herbal remedies may be |
| means feeding a diet lower in protein, salt and | | | | available over the counter and it is tempting to take |
| phosphorous. Reducing these things will help the | | | | the word of a trusted friend, it is not advisable to do |
| kidneys function better. A lower protein diet takes | | | | so. Herbal remedies are a powerful medication and |
| some of the burden off the kidneys for filtering | | | | cats can react very strongly. Dosages and |
| waste, as protein molecules tend to be larger and | | | | treatments should never be guessed at, but should |
| create a heavier burden on the kidney. The kidneys | | | | be prescribed by a qualified veterinarian. |
| are involved in electrolyte balance so the lower | | | | |