Our integrative approach to kidney disease - Enhancing Well-being with Acupuncture, Herbs, Laser, Nutrition, and Advanced Testing
Kidney (renal) disease is a common and serious condition that affects both dogs and cats.
While conventional veterinary care plays a role in managing kidney disease, integrating complementary therapies can generally offer additional benefits and improve outcomes in our experience.
Let us explore what an integrative approach to kidney disease might look like, including the use of acupuncture, herbal medicine, laser therapy, wholefood nutritional strategies, and advanced testing such as microbiome mapping.
By combining these approaches, we can enhance their furry companions' well-being and potentially slow down the progression of kidney disease.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture, an ancient practice originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine, has shown promise in supporting animals with kidney disease. By inserting thin needles into specific acupuncture points, this therapy helps stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation, improve immune system function, and promote the body's natural healing processes predominantly via endorphin release. Acupuncture sessions can provide pain relief, improve appetite, reduce nausea and support overall kidney function in pets with kidney disease, it is suprisingly well tolerated, even by cats. Sometimes we employ Moxabustion in addition or instead of needles (this involves burning a smoke-less herb over acupuncture points for additional warmth).
Herbal Medicine: Herbal medicine offers a natural and holistic approach to kidney disease management. Certain herbs possess diuretic properties, helping to increase urine production and promote kidney function. Others have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, protecting the kidneys from further damage. Herbs commonly used include chinese formulae such as Ba Wei Di Huang Wan (Rehmannia 8 formula) as well as western herbs and mushrooms such as Cordyceps mushrooms and Silymarin. We always individualize the herbal formulas to address specific symptoms, support kidney health and to support other issues that are often happening in parallel (especially where conventional medicines are dangerous) for example osteoarthritis, liver or heart disease.
Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy, also known as cold laser therapy, has gained popularity in veterinary medicine for its ability to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue healing. In the case of kidney disease, laser therapy can be used to improve blood circulation to the kidneys, enhance overall organ function, and potentially slow down disease progression. This non-invasive treatment modality is well-tolerated by pets and can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive treatment plan.
Wholefood Nutritional Strategies: Nutrition plays a vital role in managing kidney disease. Diets for kidney disease are contraversial and while it is true that some reduction is generally warranted, there are other approaches than the standard ultra-processed commercial diets generally recommended. Much of the evidence for these is based on their phosphorus, antioxidant and omega 3 levels in addition to reducing the quantity of poor quality protein compared to standard “non-prescription” ultra-processed diets. A wholefood-based diet tailored to the specific needs of pets with kidney disease can help reduce the workload on the kidneys, protect against oxidative stress, support a healthy microbiome and minimize the accumulation of waste products. Use of moderate quantities of high-biological quality protein controlled for phosphorus and high in vitamins and omega 3 and appropriate hydration strategies are most often employed. We can refer to Board-certified Veterinary Nutritionists where needed.
Advanced Functional Testing: Emerging research suggests a connection between kidney disease and imbalances in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis. Advanced testing, such as microbiome mapping, can provide insights into the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota. By identifying dysbiosis, targeted interventions, including probiotic supplementation and dietary modifications, can be implemented to support kidney health and overall well-being.
Consideration of mesenchymal stem cell therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy: While we are not currently employing this in clinic, we are working on developing clinical protocols so watch this space.
When it comes to kidney disease in dogs and cats, an integrative approach that combines conventional veterinary care with complementary therapies can make a significant difference in their quality of life and disease management. While, sadly, we cannot promise, we often exceed the prognosis for healthy lifespan for dogs and cats with kidney disease and are as such as passionate to promote the work we are doing in this field.
Acupuncture, herbal medicine, laser therapy, wholefood nutritional strategies, and advanced testing like microbiome mapping offer valuable tools for supporting kidney health and potentially slowing down disease progression.
Book an initial holistic consultation with one of our qualified and experienced integrative veterinarians to develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your pet's specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes for their well-being today, this may be a pet with kidney disease, a pet with another disease, or preferably, a well pet where we can develop an individualised health plan to prevent as much disease as is absolutely possible.
