RENAL FAILURE (SHRUNKEN KIDNEY)
Decrease in renal function
The kidney’s most important function is to remove excess and undesired substances from the body. There are several
causes leading to insufficient functioning of the kidneys: some leading to a rapid decline of the renal function
(acute renal failure), some causing a slow decline (chronic renal failure).
Acute renal failure (ARF)
Acute renal failure can be caused by a decreased supply of blood to the kidneys or a blockage of the secretion of urine
that has to leave the kidney (for example, a blockage caused by a kidney stone). The symptoms depend on the speed and
severity of the development of renal failure. Possible symptoms are high fever, shock and severe pain. A vet can
diagnose acute renal failure by checking the levels of creatinine and ureum in the blood.
Possible causes of insufficient blood supply are:
- Blood loss
- Heart failure
- Low blood pressure caused by, for example, shock
- Hepatic failure
- Enlarged prostate
- A tumor pressing on the urinary tract
- Toxic substances
- Diseases of the nephrons
- Presence of crystals or stones
A low blood supply to the kidneys can be diagnosed by a vet. By examining the kidney area with a stethoscope, he can hear
a murmur. When there is a stagnation in the excretion of urine, a physical exam can be performed to determine if
the kidneys and bladder are painful.
Chinese herbs are not used when acute renal failure is diagnosed. This is a life threatening condition that needs the
immediate attention of a vet.
Chronic renal failure (CRF)
Chronic renal failure is a slow decline in renal function. The tiny structures of the kidney, the nephrons, begin to
die off. Over time the total filtering capacity of the kidney decreases, resulting in a gradual accumulation of
waste products in the blood. Symptoms appear gradually. The dying off of the nephrons is an irreversible process.
Because there is an overcapacity of nephrons, the effect of the nephrons dying off is hardly detectable in the
beginning. As the renal failure gets more severe, excessive urination can be a first symptom. The kidneys have a
problem controlling the amount of urine.
Increased thirst is a common symptom, as well as:
- loss of appetite
- vomiting
- bad breath (halitosis, ammonia smell)
- diarrhoea
- dry throat
- pain in the flanks of the body
- itchyness
- weight loss
- lethargic
- change in behaviour
Treatment
Chronic renal failure can be diagnosed by taking a blood sample. A vet can provide a renal diet. Renal diets
contain high quality protein which can influence renal failure positively. Kidney transplants and dialysis are not
an option for pets. Chronic renal failure is a silent killer, but if discovered in time, treatment is useful. For
elderly pets it is advisable to have blood tests done yearly. (dogs over 8 years, cats over 10 years and rodents
at an age of 60% of their life expectancy)
When renal failure is diagnosed in an early stage, the treatment with the Chinese herbal formula Rehmannia can slow
down or even stop the disease from progressing. Rehmannia works directly on the kidneys and is therefore very
effective against kidney failure. Rehmannia gives extra power to the nephrons that are still functioning, thus
increasing their capacity. The process of improvement takes about 2 to 6 weeks. The powder can be given mixed
with food. If necessary, it can be given long term. It has no side effects when given long term. Rehmannia has
no abnormal flavour.
 |
Rehmannia™, 300 mg tablets |
90 tabl. |
£ 14,50 |
|
Rehmannia™, 1200 mg tablets |
90 tabl. |
£ 23,00 |
|
Rehmannia™, 1200 mg tablets |
180 tabl. |
£ 42,25 |
TM= Trade mark
→ Dosage Rehmannia
When you see improvement, give half the dosage or less. Don’t use on pregnant animals.
Result: 2 - 4 weeks.
→ Product description Rehmannia (incl. composition)
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