How Live Bacteria Can Help Boost Renal Support

Sponsored by Vetoquinol

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common condition in aging pets, especially cats. In fact, 30% to 40% of cats >10 years of age have evidence of CKD.¹ Dietary management is the mainstay of treatment but is often combined with other therapies in an effort to improve quality of life.

Ruben: A Feline Case Study

Ruben, a 13-year-old, neutered male, domestic shorthair cat, was presented for a senior wellness examination. He is an indoor-only cat and up to date on all preventive care. During the examination, his owner reported that he was doing well overall, except for a slight decrease in appetite and possible weight loss.

Ruben’s weight was 9.7 lb (4.4 kg), down from 11.2 lb (5.1 kg) at his last annual examination. BCS was 2/5, and his coat appeared a bit unkempt. With the exception of stage 2/4 periodontal disease, the remainder of the physical examination was within normal limits.

Routine blood work and urinalysis were performed and revealed the following abnormalities: BUN, 48 mg/dL (range, 16-37 mg/dL); creatinine, 2.7 mg/dL (range, 0.9-2.5 mg/dL); SDMA, 19 ug/dL (range, 0-14 ug/dL); and urine specific gravity, 1.020. Systolic blood pressure was 138 mm Hg.

Based on these results, Ruben was diagnosed with stage 2 CKD based on International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) guidelines.² He was started on a therapeutic renal diet, as well as an omega-3 fatty acid supplement.³ Azodyl was also recommended to help support normal renal function. No fluid therapy or other medications were initiated, but Ruben’s owner was advised that additional treatments may be necessary.⁴

Ruben returned to the veterinarian 6 months later. At that time, his owner reported that he was doing well and his appetite had increased. Ruben’s weight had increased to 10.6 lb (4.8 kg), and BCS had increased to 3/5. On laboratory results, BUN had decreased to 38 mg/dL, and creatinine had decreased to 2.6 mg/dL. Ruben’s owner was pleased with his progress and reported no difficulties administering the diet and supplements, so the veterinarian recommended continuing the current course of therapy as directed.

Azodyl: A Veterinary Supplement

Azodyl is a veterinary supplement that contains 3 specifically selected strains of bacteria that thrive in a uremic environment: Streptococcus thermophilus KB19, Lactobacillus acidophilus KB27, and Bifidobacterium longum KB31. These nitrogen-consuming bacteria break down uremic toxins in the GI tract, helping to prevent systemic reabsorption and reducing blood levels of uremic toxins.⁵

Azodyl’s live, specifically selected probiotic bacteria are provided in capsules, which are refrigerated until administration. There are no true competitors in this category; Azodyl is the only live probiotic intended for renal support and the #1 veterinarian-recommended renal support supplement.

Anecdotally, veterinarians and pet owners often observe that Azodyl increases their patients’ appetites, which can help prevent the cachexia seen in pets with metabolic disease such as CKD. Cachexia can negatively impact strength, immune function, and quality of life.⁶

A Multifaceted Approach to Renal Care

The successful management of CKD requires a multifaceted approach focused primarily on dietary modification. Azodyl is a supplement that, through helping to reduce uremic toxins, can provide renal support for both canine and feline patients.

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