Lower phosphorus food - how long before blood tests reflect the change?

[Judy and Freckles]

I've recently completely transitioned Freckles to a lower phosphorus food given that her blood tests in October indicated higher levels.

How long does it take on the new food before a blood test may reflect the change in phosphorus levels?

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I suspect it takes a couple of months to see a change.

I applaud your wanting to keep Freckles phos values as low as possible. It looks like the most recent value was 2.49 mol/l. I'm linking the information from Tanya's CRF site. She doesn't suggest taking action until values are considerably higher. Right now, Freckles creatinine is normal and at least based on the creatinine, Frecklesl wouldn't even be IRIS staged for kidney disease. The next time you have a blood panel done, please make sure your vet gets an SDMA. This is a test that is predictive of kidney issues.

 

[Judy and Freckles]

I'm linking the information from Tanya's CRF site.

Thanks Sienne. @Wendy&Neko gave me this link recently as well. What a wealth of information on that site! I went over it once, but it is definitely a site that is bookmarked. Getting blood from Freckles is not easily done at the vets (they can't even get a ear prick test for gawd's sake!) and she has to be mildly sedated. I think I may ask to be present next time and see if that helps.

The next time you have a blood panel done, please make sure your vet gets an SDMA. This is a test that is predictive of kidney issues.

I certainly will. Thanks for the info. This is like learning another language!

 

[Wendy&Neko]

@Sienne and Gabby (GA) In Canada, my Idexx and True North Labs ranges has 2.0 and 2.1 as the upper limit for phosphorus in mmol/L, so Freckles numbers are high. Tanya’s site says take action over 1.9.

When I added binders to Neko’s food, in effect making it lower P, I saw results in bloodwork three weeks later.

Neko’s regular vet needed to burrito wrap her. Once time I saw them go in the room with a muzzle to get blood. At her acupuncture vet (and now my current vet), they believe in the caregiver being there. Neko was way calmer, not a problem at all taking blood with me holding her back end and talking to her.

 

[Judy and Freckles]

@Sienne and Gabby (GA) In Canada, my Idexx and True North Labs ranges has 2.0 and 2.1 as the upper limit for phosphorus in mmol/L, so Freckles numbers are high. Tanya’s site says take action over 1.9.

When I added binders to Neko’s food, in effect making it lower P, I saw results in bloodwork three weeks later.

Neko’s regular vet needed to burrito wrap her. Once time I saw them go in the room with a muzzle to get blood. At her acupuncture vet (and now my current vet), they believe in the caregiver being there. Neko was way calmer, not a problem at all taking blood with me holding her back end and talking to her.

Thanks Wendy.

The 2.49 number was at diagnosis. Freckles was eating Meow mix-kibble (.8% phosphorus) and some Friskies. At that time, I switched her over to Fancy Feast pate, not realizing it had high phosphorus levels too. Now she's getting President's Choice wet which is about 5% carbs and 203 phosphorus. I believe the goal was to find food under 200 for phosphorus. I think I'm going in the right direction now??

Are binders something that is prescribed by a vet?

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Ideally under 200 is best for low P food, but 203 is pretty close. There will be batch to batch differences.

Yes, wait for the vet to suggest binders. But you don’t have to get it from them when you eventually need it.