Kidney Disease, Urinary, Constipation Feline Issues

[AlAppleman]

Our sweet & beautiful 18 year old cat (Herschel) has advancing kidney disease, and related urinary, constipation and severe dehydration issues. Recently, after 4-5 days of unsuccessfully straining to have a bowel movement, we brought him to our vet on Monday morning 8/24. Fortunately she was able to resolve the immediate crisis with an enema procedure and we've been treating him with a daily 1ml dose of lactulose (helps). The test readings in the red (high) on the CDP Panel were AMY 1761, CRE 3.1, BUN 41, while the HEM Panel revealed abnormally low results for MCHC 27.4, PLT 242.

For a long time now, we've been feeding him mostly a raw diet (Instinct and Primal brands) with some canned food mixed in (Wellness brand) and a cat treat (Orijen brand) which entices him to eat. In addition, over the last few months, we've been adding Wild Blueberry powder, Barley Grass Juice Powder, Spirulina, and Vitamin C (Vimergy brand). We also typically add 3 drops of Constipation Relief (HawaiiPharm), and a very small amount of Wild Salmon oil. In one of the meals during the day, we also add 3 drops of B-12. His weight is good (~12 lbs).

He gets extremely stressed when placed in a car to the vet, resulting in high blood pressure readings at the vet. The vet has prescribed Gabapentin prior to a next visit (any thoughts on that medication?). We avoid medications and traditional medical approaches in our own lives, and as such, extend that to our cats. We are looking for suggestions on homeopathic remedies or other alternative treatments (without taking him anywhere) that can help him with the above set of health issues. We are brand new to the HA! Forum and appreciate any and all help, Al and Cyndy

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hi Al. Thanks so much for making your first post!

As we just discussed, the key to helping both constipation and kidney dis-ease is fluid, fluid and more fluid.

Extra fluid in the food, and things like Answer's (they also have a great food) fermented goat's milk, fish broth, and turkey stock with fermented beet juice.

You might also want to decrease or stop any raw foods that contain bone. Use Eggshellent calcium (Pets Friend) or seaweed calcium (Animal Essentials) can be used as calcium sources in lieu of food with ground bone.

Regarding food, you may also want to stop the Orijen dry treats and use a powder like Fortiflora instead to entice him to eat.

The kidney supplements I mentioned on the phone were AminAvast and Rx Renal (from Rx Vitamins). Another that I didn't mention is called kidney support gold from Pet Wellbeing.

Yes, gabapentin 1 hour before a vet visit can decrease his stress of a vet visit and is "OK" if you need to bring him in for an exam.

It might also be helpful to find pet professional that can come to the house to administer any needed fluids and to help assess his hydration.

 

[AlAppleman]

Hi Al. Thanks so much for making your first post!

As we just discussed, the key to helping both constipation and kidney dis-ease is fluid, fluid and more fluid.

Extra fluid in the food, and things like Answer's (they also have a great food) fermented goat's milk, fish broth, and turkey stock with fermented beet juice.

You might also want to decrease or stop any raw foods that contain bone. Use Eggshellent calcium (Pets Friend) or seaweed calcium (Animal Essentials) can be used as calcium sources in lieu of food with ground bone.

Regarding food, you may also want to stop the Orijen dry treats and use a powder like Fortiflora instead to entice him to eat.

The kidney supplements I mentioned on the phone were AminAvast and Rx Renal (from Rx Vitamins). Another that I didn't mention is called kidney support gold from Pet Wellbeing.

Yes, gabapentin 1 hour before a vet visit can decrease his stress of a vet visit and is "OK" if you need to bring him in for an exam.

It might also be helpful to find pet professional that can come to the house to administer any needed fluids and to help assess his hydration.
[/QUOTE
Thank you so very much Dr Jeff for this recap, clarification, and additional information. We are very grateful for your help, Al and Cyndy