Kidney disease is a common problem in older cats and also many older dogs. Sadly, many if not most elderly pets will have some degree of kidney insufficiency; chronic kidney disease remains one of the leading causes of death in cats.
Conventional veterinary treatment of kidney disease includes a prescription diet that is low in phosphorus with a low amount of high quality protein, together with fluid support when necessary and medications to control anemia and vomiting. These medications help control the symptoms of kidney disease but do not reverse the kidney damage. Chinese veterinary medicine can be used to directly affect the kidneys, and experience shows that cats and dogs treated with Chinese medicine (in addition to conventional medicine where appropriate, especially fluid replacement) typically have longer and higher quality lives than those treated with conventional medicine alone.
Overall, Chinese veterinary medicine provides a safe and generally fairly effective way to treat kidney disease in both cats and dogs. Conventional veterinary medicine has few options and cannot really improve kidney function, simply treat the symptoms. In contrast, Chinese medicine can improve the functioning of the kidneys and extend the lives of cats and dogs with this disease.
Herbal medicine is the mainstay of Chinese veterinary medical treatment of canine and feline kidney disease. Certain herbs used in Chinese medicine have been scientifically shown to improve blood flow to the kidneys and improve their function. Typically, cats and dogs treated with Chinese herbal formulas have improved appetites, decreased thirst and decreased urination, and blood tests show that their kidney values return to normal to high-normal levels. Many animals treated with Chinese herbal medicine can live with a good quality of life for years if it is used consistently.
Acupuncture does have genuine benefits for patients with kidney disease. Research has shown that acupuncture can reduce high blood pressure, which is often a problem in patients with kidney disease. Acupuncture can also improve blood flow to the kidneys and reduce inflammation, maximizing the functioning of the kidneys and prolonging the patient's lifespan. Although not all pets, especially cats, will tolerate needle acupuncture, quick and painless laser acupuncture is an alternative.