Bella and her kidney disease progression (BUN/creatinine)

[DayshaG]

Good afternoon! I ordered a book recommended by I believe @Dr. Christina , Homeopathic Care for Cats & Dogs by Don Hamilton, and have been reading it page by page. It has been a refresher for my own homeopathy education. I was reading the section on kidney disease and how the main blood values associated with the kidneys are blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Keep in mind I always fed Bella a raw food diet since she was a kitten (she is now 13 1/2), and so I see that Dr. Hamilton mentions for animals on raw meat based diets, the BUN may be 5-10 points higher and creatinine may also be slightly higher than published values. But starting last year when Bella's SDMA was slightly outside of normal range, I was encouraged to connect with a nutrition-specialty vet which I did, and started making homemade meals (cooked) for Bella, reducing her protein and adding carbs. Is this table what you would expect to see with a cat with kidney disease? BUN has been decreasing and creatinine increasing (though it was 2.3 in 2019, when I 1st noted to the dr I saw evidence of increased thirst and urination). Also, similar to my receiving opposing views on essential oils and cats which I recently posted about, I see again an opinion from Dr Hamilton different then my nutrition vet, where he says "it is commonly thought that when there is evidence of kidney disease, the protein level should be reduced. This is not correct for most animals". I spoke to my husband last night about what I was reading, and realizing here is the hard part as a pet parent I feel! Conflicting views. More food for thought for me, no pun intended. ? Please see the attached table and a recent photo from a few nights ago. The once warring siblings have been snuggling at night after I offer EFT and reiki! ? This is a new practice together, as I have not done EFT on my kitties, only on myself. Bella enjoys it!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Your kitties are adorable Daysha!

Is this table what you would expect to see with a cat with kidney disease?

Yes, it is.

Homeopathy and optimizing fun, and play are the keys IMHO!

 

[DayshaG]

Your kitties are adorable Daysha!

Yes, it is.

Homeopathy and optimizing fun, and play are the keys IMHO!

I just began reading another book I received in the mail as recommended on Dr. Christina's cat journal ebook, on Acupressure.

 

[DayshaG]

@Dr. Jeff @Dr. Christina @Dr. Jean Hofve Thought I'd provide an update on Bella's annual exam at conventional vet. FreeT4 is still pending a few days. Previous thread from 3 years ago can show a historical path.

• Dr suggested I start increasing sub q fluids from once every few weeks to make it a goal of once or twice a week. (I advised she still has regular episodes of vomiting)
• Increase caloric intake as she has lost 2 pounds since last September according to their records (12 to 10 pounds).
• I spoke of the overgrooming that is still an issue. He said it could be either an allergy or self soothing if she is in some discomfort. I will be speaking with Dr Judy Herman homeopath about this.
• He said based on her lab results she is firmly in stage 3 of the Iris scale for kidneys.
• Gave a good report on creatinine, calcium, and thyroid trending historically downward, phosphorus looked good too.
• He said eosinophils are elevated and may be related to her overgrooming. It can be a minor allergic response. There is an antihistamine that is successful in reducing itching in cats, called Chlorophenarimiane. He asked me to think about 1/4 of a 4 mg tabet daily to see if her itching resolves, he is not aware of contraindications with cats with kidney disease. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS FOR ME TO CONSIDER? I like to make educated decisions with all the facts, pros and cons. Sharing this with Dr. Judy too.
• He also suggested I lean more on Cerenia for addressing her nausea (which according to animal communicators is an issue she deals with...).