Omega 3s for early CKD?

[Howiesmom]

@Suzanne & Darcy
@Wendy&Neko

Howie had his senior wellness exam a couple weeks ago (finally got labs in his spreadsheet) and his SDMA jumped to 30 (was 21 in Nov). His BUN, CREA, and PHOS are still in normal ranges. But I know what this means as my previous kittie Simon was put down for CKD and I probably kept him alive longer than I should have. A horribly emotional experience.

I’ve been trying to read about things to slow the progression of CKD and came across some info that Omega 3s can help. There is research in humans that it helps and a little for felines. Has anyone heard this or have any thoughts/experience? I am putting him in it for his skin and coat (getting Nordic Naturals per recommendation from Wendy in the acro forum). Is there anything else I can try? He’s already on Weruva pates that are low carb (7% or under) and low phosphorous under 250mg/100 cal (besides one that is 256). The only thing that is difficult is that some if the foods are higher protein (above 35%) and I know protein is hard on the kidneys. If I take those foods away, then he’s stuck with only a couple flavors that he’ll get sick of. With no teeth, I can only use pates.

If anyone has feedback on his labs, I would appreciate it too! My vet glossed over them besides the SDMA. He did say I could come back to get that tested again as it could fluctuate.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Any chance he was dehydrated? I don't know what factors can influence SDMA but I have a cat who's SDMA was 14 when I got her and 4 a year later. 5 years later still under 10. SDMA can be an early indicator, I saw reference to a mean of 17 months before other signs show up. Howie still seems to be doing a decent job concentrating his urine. Are you adding water to his food?

If Howie is getting CKD, and none of the other data shows that, then you don't need to worry about protein quantity at this point. For now, good quality protein is important. For more on nutrition for CKD, check out: http://www.felinecrf.org/nutritional_requirements.htm There is a section on essential fatty acids. I gave omega-3s to Neko, partly because of it's anti inflammatory properties too.

 

[Howiesmom]

Any chance he was dehydrated? I don't know what factors can influence SDMA but I have a cat who's SDMA was 14 when I got her and 4 a year later. 5 years later still under 10. SDMA can be an early indicator, I saw reference to a mean of 17 months before other signs show up. Howie still seems to be doing a decent job concentrating his urine. Are you adding water to his food?

If Howie is getting CKD, and none of the other data shows that, then you don't need to worry about protein quantity at this point. For now, good quality protein is important. For more on nutrition for CKD, check out: http://www.felinecrf.org/nutritional_requirements.htm There is a section on essential fatty acids. I gave omega-3s to Neko, partly because of it's anti inflammatory properties too.

I add water to all his meals and mini meals as he refuses to actually drink water. But I have to be careful to not make “soup” or else he won’t eat it! I will check out the referenced link. And thanks for the recommendation for Nordic Naturals! Fingers crossed it helps him in many ways! Yesterday was warm enough to give him a bath (which he hates and I was soaked), but I hope it gives his skin and coat a boost. He also has some joint clicking but no signs of pain or neuropathy, so hopefully the omega 3 liquid is a good general panacea!

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Hi. I do know that, in my own cats, their SDMA goes up and down. I’ve never been too sure what to make of that test, as a result of these fluctuations. I do know that a lot of the members of the Tanyackd support group use Omegas in their cats (including Astro’s oil) and Nordic Naturals (which I have used) and something called, I believe, Bonnie and Clyde wild fish oil (in Canada, although I see it is available in the US as well. It’s worth reading the link Wendy sent to the felinecrf page. Darcy was not fond of the Nordic Naturals mixed in his food. I ended up just squirting some in him via syringe. I wish someone would just make small gelcaps for cats with the Omega oils in there.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Labs look pretty decent and USG still good. He is holding his own. I think you are doing what you can at this point. He needs the protein for maintenance of lean muscle mass. Phosphorus is more important, and you have already addressed that.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

And I just saw your post from last week about Howie and the fur shot and the additional shot... wow. That is so scary. I am so glad that Howie is okay!

 

[Howiesmom]

Hi. I do know that, in my own cats, their SDMA goes up and down. I’ve never been too sure what to make of that test, as a result of these fluctuations. I do know that a lot of the members of the Tanyackd support group use Omegas in their cats (including Astro’s oil) and Nordic Naturals (which I have used) and something called, I believe, Bonnie and Clyde wild fish oil (in Canada, although I see it is available in the US as well. It’s worth reading the link Wendy sent to the felinecrf page. Darcy was not fond of the Nordic Naturals mixed in his food. I ended up just squirting some in him via syringe. I wish someone would just make small gelcaps for cats with the Omega oils in there.

Fingers crossed he doesn’t mind the oil. It says it’s unflavored, so we’ll see. It won’t take long to figure out if he minds it or not. Some of his Weruva food is mixed with tuna or salmon, so maybe he won’t notice! He eats so fast I’m not sure he knows what he’s getting! But good to have some other recommendations as well! I’m thinking I will get the SDMA checked again. Wendy asked if he was dehydrated. I normally get his labs done in the AM but this last appt was at 3:30pm. So he had breakfast but no mini meals throughout the day. Would a lack of water throw that value off? It’s been climbing since last year, but this was a big jump from 21 to 30! Thanks for taking a look at his labs and giving some great feedback! You are so helpful!