Does your cat have early signs of kidney disease?

Background and Purpose

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) causes the gradual buildup of toxins in the blood (azotemia). This condition is highly toxic to many body systems leading to the clinical signs commonly associated with CKD including weight loss, occasional vomiting and diarrhea, excessive drinking and urination, poor appetite, depression, and loss of muscle mass.

While the changes in the kidneys that occur with CKD are irreversible, kidney function may be supported with a combination of special diet, medications, fluid therapy, and supplements. A potential strategy to enhance elimination of toxins is to alter their route of excretion from the urinary tract to the bowel. This concept, referred to as “enteric dialysis”, and may enhance elimination of these toxins by metabolizing them in the large intestine and eliminating them in the feces.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of a supplement on the quality of life, clinical signs and blood parameters in cats with chronic kidney disease.

What Happens In This Study?

If your cat meets the criteria to take part in our study, we will do the following at each visit:

• A physical exam
• Collect and test blood and urine
• Evaluate body condition
• Evaluate muscle mass
• Supply your cat with the supplement used in the study

Pet Owner Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

• Bringing your cat to the hospital for all scheduled appointments
• Reporting any changes in your cat’s behavior or health during the study to the investigators
• Administering the supplement to your cat daily
• Filling out a health-related quality of life survey at each visit
• Covering the cost of treatments unrelated to participation in the study
• Covering any medical costs after the trial is complete

Participation Requirements

We are looking for cats diagnosed with chronic kidney disease that:

• Are at least 8 years old
• Weight at least 5 pounds
• Do not have any significant medical diagnosis other than CKD
• Are not pregnant, lactating or intended for breeding

To find out if your cat qualifies for the study, your cat will need a physical exam and collect urine and blood to run several tests (no cost to you).

Benefits and Risks of Participating

By taking part in our study, your cat’s condition could improve or the supplement may not help.  If your cat qualifies for the study, your cat will need a physical exam and blood and urine collected for evaluation (no cost to you). 

Compensation

The study covers the cost of the supplement, examinations and urine/bloodwork done as part of the study. If there are any side effects related to your cat’s participation in the study, the sponsor will cover the medical costs. You will also receive financial compensation for your full participation in the study.