mbf 2023 website header banner

The Gut–Kidney Axis and Its Role in Feline CKD

Speaker:

Jessica Quimby, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), PhD 

Event date: 15–16 November 2023 Virtual Event 

Cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience increased levels of uremic toxins, such as creatinine, urea, indoxyl sulfate, and potentially more than 140 others. These cats also have dysbiosis that results in an overpopulation of indole-producing bacteria that ferment protein in the colon. 

The challenge of dietary protein in cats with CKD is balancing the need to palliate and reduce uremic toxin and branched-chain fatty acid production with ensuring adequate protein intake to maintain muscle mass and offset sarcopenia and cachexia. 

Dr. Quimby explains how the gut microbiome and uremic toxins are therapeutic targets in managing CKD in cats. 

Related Content

What's Really Important in Dietary Management of Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease

When it comes to cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), veterinary professionals need to feed the cat, not just the kidneys. Explore the functions of diet for cats with CKD, key nutrients of concern and supporting evidence. Dr. Dottie Laflamme outlines important considerations when selecting a diet for geriatric cats with CKD.

30-60 minutes

Medical benefits associated with a higher water in-take in cats

Cats are efficient at maintaining hydration. However, those cats with certain health conditions may benefit from greater total water intake. Dr. Sparkes provides a brief overview of feline hydration and the conditions in which water intake may be critical for health.

Less than 30 minutes

Hydration support and encouraging voluntary fluid intake in cats

Encouraging cats to consume more water is an important recommendation in a number of situations, including conditions associated with polyuria or increased fluid loss, lower urinary tract disease, chronic constipation and advanced age. Using different cases from her practice, Dr. Caney provides suggestions for supporting patient hydration and encouraging voluntary fluid intake.

30-60 minutes

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Cats

Nutritional management is a cornerstone of health care for cats with chronic kidney disease.

1 min to 5 min

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN CATS: Nutritional Management

Nutritional interventions tailored to the individual cat with CKD can play a key role in slowing disease progression, reducing signs of uremia, addressing homeostatic changes resulting from CKD, and improving quality of life as well as life span.

20+ minutes