Chinese Remedies for Feline Kidney Failure
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that treats the body by redistributing the energy in the body. The theory is that when energy is blocked or not flowing properly, the body manifests this imbalance by manifesting itself through physical symptoms. Tiny needles are inserted into special pressure points and left for anywhere from five to 20 minutes. According to an article published by Washington State University, although acupuncture for animals is not widely used, it has been used to treat pain management and diseases of the liver, kidney and skin. This treatment is typically a compliment to traditional treatment instead of a substitute. The article stated that the effect on animals is usually positive or none at all. When acupuncture is administered regularly it can increase a cats appetite, decrease nausea, reduce pain and stress.
Herbs
Used widely in Chinese medicine, there are several herbs that may reduce a cat's pain from renal failure. For example, slippery elm bark is often used for cats with digestive problems resulting from kidney disease, including vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. One of the key concerns with feline kidney disease is the decrease in appetite, which slippery elm bark may help by reducing gastrointestinal distress. Another herb used is Chinese rhubarb extract, after an article was printed in the showing that the herb slowed the progression of acute kidney failure.This study lead to a study at Kansas State University in 2008 on the effect of Rubenal, a medication derived from Chinese rhubarb extract.
Nutraceuticals
Combining the Western and Eastern world, nutraceuticals are food products that are used to heal or promote health and sold in medicinal forms. Antioxidants and fish oils are used for cats with kidney disease as antioxidants soothe muscle and increase the kidney functioning. Fish oil heals internal lesions and works as an anti‐inflammatory in the cat's body.
Sources:
Washington State University: Veterinary Acupuncture
Chinese Medical Journal: Clinical Effects of Rheum and Captopril on Preventing progression of Chronic Renal Failure
Tanya's UK Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Centre
Colorado State University: Complementary Medicine for the Kidney
Kansas State University: "Comparison of Rubenal and Benazepril in the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats."
Published by Alexis Devan
Alexis is a vegetarian and a world traveler. She has been to 20 countries on 5 continents so far, all before the age of 28. Alexis obtained a BS degree in paralegal studies and is currently a graduate studen... View profile
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