Kidney Disease Info, Data, and potential treatments

[Diggie's Friend]

Pycnogenol


The second important study involved patients with metabolic syndrome who were showing early signs of kidney damage (protein in urine) from high blood pressure.21 All patients were treated with ramipril (Altace®), an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drug used in hypertension, while a subgroup was supplemented with Pycnogenol as well. After six months, the Pycnogenol group experienced a number of improvements over the Ramipril-only group:
Urinary protein fell 52.7% in supplemented subjects compared to 22.4% in the drug-only group.
• Blood flow in the kidneys (an essential measure of kidney damage) in the Pycnogenol group improved by 139% compared to less than 100% with Ramipril alone (measured by diastolic flow).
• C-reactive protein (an important measure of inflammation) dropped by 25.3% in Pycnogenol subjects, but decreased only slightly in the drug-only group.
• Body mass index (BMI) was lowered in Pycnogenol subjects (5.7%), while the drug-only group did not show any significant changes after treatment.

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L-Carnitine reverses some of the effects of kidney failure.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15071358
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This study has allot of info on the kidney disease in rats, with notations of blood and urine values.

http://www.polycysticliverdisease.com/pdf/kcit2000.pdf

Potassium citrate, and sodium Citrate are alkaline, but not as high in pH as Bi-carbonate alkaline water is. Keeping this in mind, raising urine pH that is too low, by moving it up by using these citrates, to near the exact mean urine pH of 6.5 , found for small mammals, was the goal of this research study. This to lend support to the kidneys, and greater metabolic health.

This article here below explains how using alkalizing water should not be used for kidney failure, for it over shoots the goal of bringing up the pH of the urine to the optimum mean, raising the pH too high.

https://medlicker.com/926-alkaline-water-dangers


"Puts extra burden on kidneys"
"Kidneys are body’s major excretory structures. Another important function of kidneys is to keep your body pH within normal range. For instance, when the body pH increases- becomes more alkaline- the kidneys come into action and start to excrete more bicarbonate ions into the urine. That’s how kidneys function to keep the body pH close to ideal.

When you drink alkaline water, you’re actually making your body systems more alkaline and increasing the concentration of bicarbonate ions. At first, kidneys take on this problem and can keep the body pH normal by eliminating bicarbonate ions from body. But, once you start to rely heavily on such water, even kidneys fail to excrete all of the bicarbonate ions and this leads to metabolic alkalosis. When the body gets into alkalosis, kidneys start to function more than normal.

That’s a bad new for all, especially for those who are already suffering from some sort of kidney disease because this will further worsen the kidney damage. If you’re suffering from kidney disease, use of alkaline water is a BIG NO for you!"

[Diggie's Friend]

http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v09n05.shtml

"Magnesium"

"Kidney stones and magnesium deficiency share the same list of causes, including a diet high in sugar, alcohol, oxalates, and coffee. Magnesium has an important role in the prevention of kidney stone formation.[14] Magnesium stimulates production of calcitonin, which draws calcium out of the blood and soft tissues back into the bones, preventing some forms of arthritis and kidney stones. Magnesium suppresses parathyroid hormone, preventing it from breaking down bone. Magnesium converts vitamin D into its active form so that it can assist in calcium absorption. Magnesium is required to activate an enzyme that is necessary to form new bone. Magnesium regulates active calcium transport. All these factors help place calcium where it needs to be, and not in kidney stones.

One of magnesium's many jobs is to keep calcium in solution to prevent it from solidifying into crystals; even at times of dehydration, if there is sufficient magnesium, calcium will stay in solution. Magnesium is a pivotal treatment for kidney stones. If you don't have enough magnesium to help dissolve calcium, you will end up with various forms of calcification. This translates into stones, muscle spasms, fibrositis, fibromyalgia, and atherosclerosis (as in calcification of the arteries). Dr. George Bunce has clinically demonstrated the relationship between kidney stones and magnesium deficiency. As early as 1964, Bunce reported the benefits of administering a 420 mg dose of magnesium oxide per day to patients who had a history of frequent stone formation.[14,15] If poorly absorbed magnesium oxide works, other forms of better-absorbed magnesium will work better.

"Magnesium citrate is a good choice: easy to find, relatively inexpensive and well absorbed."

In laboratory research, studies were done to determine factors that prevented the formation of kidney stones in rats. In one study, a close ratio of (Ca:P) and (Ca:Mg) (1.60 : 1), was found to prevent kidney stones from forming in the rats.

In diets for tree squirrels, testing for magnesium bowel tolerance can easily be done, as. Dr. Carolyn Dean, M.D. and N.A. an expert in magnesium in the diet, describes this in her written works. Basically, this is raising magnesium supplementation up till the stool becomes lose, then backing down to where till it firms up.

I use this source of Magnesium Citrate.

https://www.amazon.com/Frontier-Magnesium-Citrate-Powder/dp/B000UYC3MY for this purpose.

Since not all supplements measure out to the same mg. amounts, these measures here only apply to using this source.

With a block diet, add (1/64 Tsp.) in addition every couple days till the stool becomes noodle like; then back down by the same measure to bring stool back to normal pellets, allowing the body a chance to adjust to the increase magnesium, which is normal. Should diarrhea result from the last increase then lower it down (1/64 Tsp.) immediately to where it reaches noodle form and wait a couple of days to see if it firms up again. If not then lower it again by the same measure.

With the support of a lower anti-nutrient (lower oxalate) (lower goitrogen), and lower fat diet for tree squirrels in captivity, that has a mean urine pH of (6.5), a (6.4-6.6) spread, the mean that has been found for small mammals, and a whole diet ratio of (2:1) for (Ca:P), and a close ratio of (Ca:Mg), long term urinary and metabolic health can be well supported.

[Diggie's Friend]

There is another important fact in regard to kidney stone formation in rats; kidney stones more commonly form in the females.

[Diggie's Friend]

Overview of symptoms, types, causes, and diagnosis of kidney stones in rats:

http://www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/urinary/c_ex_rt_urolithiasis

[Diggie's Friend]

Include calcium supplements with meals:


"since taking them in-between meals may actually increase the risk of stone formation".

Calcium carbonate supports binding up of soluble oxalate (oxalic acid) into the insoluble form of Calcium oxalate in the intestinal tract. Research has confirmed that in most humans very little CaOx is absorbed into the bloodstream, as most of it is lost out the bowel; yet in rats it is noted that though much CaOx is lost out the bowel, allot is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Calcium citrate supports the kidneys to excrete urinary citrate, which inhibits calcium from bonding with oxalic acid that forms insoluble Calcium oxalate (CaOx); for once free calcium bonds with citrate it then cannot bond with oxalic acid. This is why the citrate form preserves more calcium for the body to use, while inhibiting the formation of (CaOx) stones in the kidneys. For these reasons, a healthy diet that promotes a mean urine pH in the slightly acidic range of (6.4 - 6.9), which is supplemented with Calcium citrate, lends more support to both urinary tract and metabolic bone health in adult rodents.

A study comparing rats to humans in regards to oxalate absorption:


"concluded that a higher proportion of dietary oxalate is absorbed in the rat intestine compared with man, and that dietary oxalate accounts for a higher proportion of urinary oxalate in the rat than in man. Intestinal secretion and bacterial degradation of oxalate also appear to be proportionately greater in the rat than in man."

[Diggie's Friend]

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1182945/pdf/jphysiol00543-0407.pdf

In this first study done on reducing the incidence of kidney stones (nephrocalcinosis) in rats, the two test groups were fed different diets: a calcium deficient diet that provided: (0.7% Ca , 0.8% P, and 0.2 % Mg), along with a supplement of magnesum chloride added to the drinking water; and a calcium enriched diet that provided: (1.4 % , 0.8% P, 0.2% Mg). The results were as follows:


Of the two methods used to test whether they would prevent kidney stones from forming, “The inclusion of magnesium (chloride) in the drinking water completely prevented the formation of crystals; the use of the calcium-enriched diet significantly reduced the incidence of the lesion (crystals), but did not completely prevent it. Both methods, however, resulted in normal growth curves for the treated animals.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022534717394661

In this study, each of the test groups of rats were fed a diet with a compound that produces a highly acidic calcium oxalate kidney stone provoking diet, not to be confused with a low oxalate slightly acidic diet, that supports a healthy range for urine pH in rats. Of the five test diet groups, a different form of magnesium, with an otherwise identical standard diet was included. The results were as follows: Three forms of magnesium, including Magnesium Citrate, were found to prevent the formation of CaOx urinary calculi in the rats. The other two forms, Magnesium sulfate and Magnesium oxide, failed to prevent the formation of urinary calculi, the precursor to Calcium Oxalate kidney stone formation.


Abstract

Magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium trisilicate, and magnesium citrate were added to a calcium-oxalate lithogenic diet in order to determine their effects in preventing lithogenesis. Male Wistar-strain rats which had been fed the glycolic-acid diet developed marked urinary calculi within four weeks. Rats in the magnesium-hydroxide, magnesium-citrate, and magnesium-trisilicate groups, however, had almost no stones in the urinary system. Rats in the magnesium-oxide and magnesium-sulfate groups showed significantly less effect than those in the former three groups.

In this study in magnesium to prevent kidney stones in rats, Magnesium Citrate prevented stone formation.

Magnesium oxide, the most common default form of magnesium included n rodent block diets, and Magnesium carbonate, that are noted to have had a significantly less effect, did not prevent kidney stone formation in rats.

[Diggie's Friend]

More on how Magnesium works in the body. Though this article is aimed at education in supporting human health, rats mice and other rodents, unlike most healthy humans that don't as readily absorb all forms into their bloodstream humans, normally absorb all forms of Calcium, even the insoluble forms like Calcium oxalate. For this reason researchers note these animals are stone formers, for if the pH of the diet is too high or low, they are prone to developing different forms of urinary calculi.


Magnesium

Magnesium has an important role in the prevention of kidney stone formation.[14] Magnesium stimulates production of calcitonin, which draws calcium out of the blood and soft tissues back into the bones, preventing some forms of arthritis and kidney stones. Magnesium suppresses parathyroid hormone, preventing it from breaking down bone. Magnesium converts vitamin D into its active form so that it can assist in calcium absorption. Magnesium is required to activate an enzyme that is necessary to form new bone. Magnesium regulates active calcium transport. All these factors help place calcium where it needs to be, and not in kidney stones.

One of magnesium's many jobs is to keep calcium in solution to prevent it from solidifying into crystals; even at times of dehydration, if there is sufficient magnesium, calcium will stay in solution.

Magnesium citrate is a good choice: easy to find, relatively inexpensive and well absorbed.

http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v09n05.shtml

[Diggie's Friend]

CKD in rats: http://www.2ndchance.info/ratkidney.htm

This information that this DVM shares on CKD is essential reading for all those that are caring for squirrels prior to entering into their advanced years. For other than the lifespan of rats being considerably shorter than that of tree squirrels, what you will learn about this disease can make a difference in the quality of life and longevity of the squirrels in your care!

[Diggie's Friend]

A quick note here. Not long back Magnesium Glycinate was tried out in my squirrel diet, yet it was found it promote too loose stool. I wanted to let those know that I may have encouraged to try this form of magnesium that it didn't work out as well as the one used for 6 years in my organic whole foods diet, that of Magnesium Citrate. During this same period no urinary tract crystals were found in freshly examined urine sample under 400X magnification using a compound microscope with Magnesium Citrate included with Calcium citrate in close dietary ratio.

In addition, CCM, aka Calcium Citrate Malate, a similar form,. yet far more soluble one than Calcium Citrate, has also been found to not contribute to the formation of urinary calculi (calcium stones in the urinary tract). This highly bioavailable form of calcium paired with Magnesium citrate (2.5 :1) to (3.0 :1) ratio in a moderate oxalate diet that produces no lower than (6.0) that which is highly acidic, or (7.0), that which is alkaline, lends much support towards inhibiting urinary calcium stones, unlike Calcium carbonate, and Calcium phosphate respectively have been known to promote from diets that produce either of these two opposite urine pH extremes.

[Toddy]

This is a great thread DF! Anyone with a senior squee should read through this :great

[Snicker Bar]

We have one of those Living Water attachments for our sink water . It can be adjusted to any pH . My husband gets stones and I swear that thing has something to do with it. Kids always pushing buttons , and he drinks whatever. I only use the regular water for the animals . Because it’s all natural well water . I figure this is the healthiest option of the two ,
But that other thing idk. If it’s set around 7, I can drink it. Too much in either direction my stomach flips. And not trusting it for the furries.
Awesome articles , as always DF!

[Diggie's Friend]

Kidney damage has been associated with a high sodium diet that is associated with (hypertension) high blood pressure in rats.

This study found that in rats given a high sugar diet that promotes diabetes, yet when restricted in sodium,


The low-salt diet improved insulin sensitivity and prevented kidney damage.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235367100_Dietary_sodium_restriction_prevents_kidn ey_damage_in_high_fructose-fed_rats

It is even particularly important to support both a low sugar and low salt diet in older rats that have lowered kidney function.

Excess sodium in the diet promotes kidney stone formation in rodents.

Table salt is just plain toxic to the body, which no one that is concerned about their health should deliberately add to their meal, let alone that of a rodent.

It can also cause an imbalance of potassium and sodium in the body which promotes hypertension, which is hard on the heart and the kidneys.

https://www.ajkd.org/article/S0272-6386(85)80059-7/pdf

[Diggie's Friend]

More on high salt diet in older rats:

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20160209/Older-people-could-be-at-greater-risk-for-negative-consequences-of-consuming-high-salt-diet.aspx


After two weeks, all of the rats were switched to a high-salt diet for six days. In response, all of the rats showed a decrease in the level of plasma aldosterone, but the decrease was significantly less in old rats. The young rats drank and urinated more. While the old rats also drank more water, it took them longer to increase their water intake and they still drank less than the younger rats. The small increase in water did not help the old rats to produce more urine or more diluted urine, suggesting that they were not effectively clearing the excess sodium they consumed.

[Diggie's Friend]

More on PKD and how to prevent it. If you haven't already, read about what to look for as the sign of kidney disease in rats.


http://www.kidneyfailureweb.com/treatment/298.html More on PKD

Polycystic kidney disease manifests in the enlargement of the kidneys from the formation of cysts, err the name, "Polycystic: 'many cysts'.

http://www.pkdclinic.org/pkd-symptoms/1842.html

An ammonia odor is from infection that can occur in relation to this disease.

Bacteria split urea, separating water from ammonia, which is why you can smell the ammonia

https://www.2ndchance.info/test.php?page=ratkidney

Potassium Citrate was found to increase kidney function and lengthen the life of the rats with PKD.

Citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, cherries, bananas, peaches, apricots are high in both potassium and citric acid.

Yogurt is also a good source of Potassium citrate.

Potassium citrate is an alkalizing mineral used to counter highly acidic diet that produces urine pH below 6.0 .

This disease still requires calcium supplementation, for calcium is lost due to this condition.

Calcium citrate is a good form to use to support the urinary tract health of older squirrels cared for in captivity, as it is kidney friendly, not highly acidic, and not highly alkaline. Citrates in food contribute alkalinity to the diet, just not as high as Calcium carbonate does. It is a bonded form of Calcium carbonate with the organic acid Citrate that doesn't promote, but inhibits the loss of calcium in the body from oxalic acid in the diet. Unlike C. Carbonate, C. citrate is a soluble form of calcium that inhibits oxalic acid from bonding with it, which is why this form remains available for the body to use. Calcium citrate is also involved in the Krebs cycle, and plays an active part in bone formation.

with UTI's related to calcium phosphate bladder stones from a diet too high in pH, to dissolve these stones the urine needs to be acidified.

It is easy to get the to confused, for infections no matter how they were promoted result in alkaline urine. For this reason is crucial to determine the cause of the infection in order to do more than supply ABs in order to reverse the pH imbalance that often lies at the core of UTI. For one UTI can begin from a diet too acidic can result in Polycystic kidney disease, and promote an infection due to the dysfunction of the kidneys; but another that is from bladder stones, also promotes high pH due to an infection caused by the abrasion of calcium phosphate bladder stones, or Struvite stones that both respond to acidification of the diet.

Keeping the diet between these two proverbial ditches pH wise is the best cure, as this supports the prevention of these conditions.

[Diggie's Friend]

In older squirrels, but also in younger ones, it is important to keep the diet balanced in sodium and potassium, as well as Calcium and phosphorus to Keep kidney disease from developing that is an outcome of metabolic syndrome.

To counter diabetes from diets too high in phosphorus and sodium sufficient fruits and vegetables that contain Potassium citrate are advised, as is Calcium Citrate that works better than the Calcium carbonate when it comes to supporting kidney and metabolic bone health in older animals as it inhibits kidney stones formation, not supports it. It doesn't take a load of these sources to do this either, but does require diets lower in phosphorus, and higher in calcium.

In rats: http://www.polycysticliverdisease.com/pdf/kcit2000.pdf

https://www.kidney-international.org/article/S0085-2538(15)49830-8/pdf


Potassium citrate is an alkalizing mineral used to counter highly acidic diet that produces urine pH below 6.0 .
Rat research has confirmed that Potassium Citrate improves kidney function, as does Calcium Citrate.

[Diggie's Friend]

http://ratguide.com/health/urinary_renal/chronic_progressive_nephropathy.php


Clinical Signs of Progressive Kidney Nephropathy

Clinical signs often do not present until the rat has lost 75% of its kidney function.

For those clinical signs that do present, may see the following:

•Gradual weight loss (due to renal decompensation and uremia) even in the

• Lethargy (may be seen more in late to end stage)

•Increased drinking (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria)

• Changes in appetite

•Proteinuria (elevated protein in urine)

•Albuminuria (elevated albumin in urine) presence of an unchanged appetite.

••Proteinuria (elevated protein in urine)

•Palpably enlarged kidneys due to swelling initially. As condition progresses (becomes chronic)

palpated kidneys will shrink, and become hard as they fibrose (become scarred).

•Hind limb weakness (may be seen when kidneys become unable to control blood phosphorus and calcium levels).



Late to end-stage signs:

•Digestive disturbances (poor absorption of nutrients)

◦Loss of appetite

◦Intermittent loose stool/constipation

•Anemia (paleness may be observed in ears, around nose and mouth, toes, and teeth may appear whiter)

•Hypoproteinemia (low protein level in bloodstream)

•Azotemia (the accumulation of nitrogenous substances in the blood)

•Hypercholesterolemia (elevated level of cholesterol in bloodstream)

•Hydrothorax/Pleural effusion (serous fluid accumulating in one or both pleural cavities, the space between

the ribs and the lungs)

•Ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity)

•Seizures (as kidneys fail)


http://ratguide.com/health/basics/signs_of_pain_in_rats.php


Signs of pain in rodents:



Treatment of Progressive Kidney Nephropathy (Disease)

•Maintain adequate hydration.

•Monitor skin turgor daily. Gently pinch up skin behind neck and release. A well-hydrated rat's skin will

return to place quickly, but if the rat is dehydrated the return will be much slower.



•Provide a low protein, low phosphorus diet, designed specifically for rats. Avoid ad libitum feeding. Reduce obesity gradually.

•Include daily probiotic (may use probiotics for human use, e.g. lactobacillus, bifidobacter).

Rats maintaining adequate normal gut flora tend not to develop renal failure.

It has been recommended to use probiotics early in life.



DVM shares on CKD is essential reading for all those that are caring for squirrels prior to entering into their advanced years.

What you learn on this health issue can make a difference in the quality of life and longevity of the squirrels in your care!

CKD in rats: http://www.2ndchance.info/ratkidney.htm


Potassium Citrate has been found to increase kidney function and lengthen the life of the rats with PKD.

Yogurt is also a good source of Potassium citrate.

Citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, cherries, bananas, peaches, apricots are high in both potassium and citric acid.

[Diggie's Friend]

When it is needful to provide a source to counter itching in older squirrels with lowered kidney function;
some drugs that are normally used for younger squirrels, should not be used in older squirrels.


Rats suffering from kidney and liver issues are usually excluded from treatment with Baytril.

Ref: https://squeaksandnibbles.com/baytril-for-rats/


Acute kidney injury (AKI) can be caused by a commonly used over-the-counter and prescription medication, diphenhydramine (Benadryl, McNeil). We do not usually think of this drug as a major source of renal impairment, but it can cause problems in some predisposed patients, including elderly populations. Previously called acute renal failure, AKI is usually described as a rapid yet reversible decline in renal function. It is associated with elevated serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. In addition, agents with anticholinergic properties, such as diphenhydramine, may lead to urinary retention, which can result in postrenal injury.


Many veterinarians suggest Benadryl or Apoquel for allergies in dogs. Like any medication, they do provide relief from symptoms, but they can come with negative side effects. Antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, can cause drowsiness or increased heart rate in some dogs, while immunosuppressants, like oclacitinib, basically reduce the immune system's ability to react to bacteria, fungi and viruses. Steroid medications, like prednisone, reduce swelling, but they do so by suppressing the body's natural immune response. Short-term use will stop the itching and scratching but may make your dog more susceptible to illnesses or infections not related to allergies. Studies report an unusually high number of dogs with side effects such as weight gain, ear infections and uneasiness. Medications that provide temporary relief by masking the symptoms are not addressing the root cause of the allergies.

Quercetin: A safer natural alternative to anti-histamine pharma drugs in rodents.

Excerpts from Veterinary webpage:


Quercetin belongs to a class of water-soluble plant pigments called flavonoids. Flavonoids are found in many richly-pigmented fruits and vegetables, like cranberries, blueberries, kale,.. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that acts as an antihistamine.... it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.


Quercetin has been referred to as a natural “Benadryl.” During an allergic reaction, the body releases histamine. Histamine is an organic compound responsible for the inflammatory and itch response of the immune system. Quercetin turns off the histamine response that causes the inflammation.

Another veterinary webpage notes: that to determine the dose for Quercetin by milligram measure; you take the amount of the weight of the squirrel and multiply that by (1000), then divide by (125) to determine the milligram dose.

https://www.amazon.com/Global-Healing-Plant-Based-Supplement-Respiratory/dp/B08K9CMYKF

For example: For a squirrel that weighs (1 .75 lb.) = (1 3/4) lbs. ; the dose would be (14 mg.) quercetin from the above source, equal to a reduction by half done four times.

The difference of a few milligrams plus or minus (+/-) for this safe nutraceutical source is not an issue as it is with pharma meds.

The amount of the dose is best split between the AM and PM meals, adding it to a wet food to moisten it by blending it in well; for you never want to give a squirrel dry powder of any kind as that presents a choking hazard.

[Diggie's Friend]

In a study that tested both Potassium citrate and Sodium citrate in rats, it was found that it wasn't the potassium or the sodium slowed the progression of renal disease, but the citrate they contain. In another study, Calcium citrate was found to improve kidney function in rats with renal disease.

[Diggie's Friend]

Quote from, "Merck Veterinary Manual" on Age Related Chronic Kidney Disease in Rats


Chronic progressive nephrosis is a common age-related disease in rats. The kidneys are enlarged, pale, and have a pitted, mottled surface that often contains pinpoint cysts. Lesions consist of a progressive glomerulosclerosis and widespread tubulointerstitial disease, primarily involving the proximal convoluted tubule. Proteinuria often is >10 mg/day. The disease occurs earlier and is of greater severity in males than in females. Dietary factors appear to have an important role in the progression of kidney disease. Restricting calories, feeding low-protein diets (4%–7%), and limiting the source of dietary protein reduce the incidence and severity of the disease. Treatment is supportive.

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/mice-and-rats-as-pets

[Diggie's Friend]

Update: Switched from Magnesium citrate to Magnesium Threonate paired with Calcium citrate.

"Pure Bulk" has no additives, higher calcium than in, "NOW" brand per volume measure and finer milled.

https://purebulk.com/products/calcium-citrate-usa?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8bDuh5zyhAMVZhOtBh3RPgSGEAAYASAA EgL0SvD_BwE

[Diggie's Friend]

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/rats/disorders-and-diseases-of-rats#Skin-Disorders-of-Rats_v3230138

Kidney and Urinary Disorders of Rats


Chronic progressive nephrosis (glomerulonephrosis) is a common disease of older rats. It involves inflammation of the blood vessels in the kidney. The disease and its severity are influenced by the rat’s sex and hereditary background and by dietary factors such as protein content and total calorie consumption. The disease occurs earlier and is more severe in male rats than in female rats. Affected rats are lethargic and lose weight, and they may have increased thirst and urination

Even with, "Late Stage" Kidney failure in rats, kidney function was improved with oral Calcium citrate. Although other calcium supplement forms were also tested, including Calcium carbonate; they were not found to improve kidney function.

https://vetspace.2ndchance.info/chronic-kidney-disease-in-your-pet-rat/

Diabetes caused by both excessive protein (phosphorus), fat (lipids), and sugar (triglycerides), resulting in insulin resistance, which promote kidney disease, which results in high blood pressure. In research study of these same disorders in rats, oral supplementation of Quercetin. Quercetin can also improve high blood pressure with this same condition. High blood pressure is associated with heart attack, stroke.


In conclusion, our results indicate that quercetin reverses the increase in blood pressure, providing an improved clinical condition in an animal model. This was evidenced by the improvements in the lipid profile and increase in insulin sensitivity through the activation of the initial steps of the insulin signaling cascade in adipose tissue, followed by a protective mechanism against the action and secretion of pancreatic islets., in rats.

Kidney infection can be due to the regular consumption of foods higher in oxalic acid, and or being too acidic from an unhealthy imbalance in the (Ca:P) ratio of the total diet, not just the block diet alone. With commercial rodent block diets being closer than (2:1) (Ca:P) the recipe for disaster is set up when a whole foods component is added to the diet that is lower than equal to that of the block diet itself. Figuratively speaking, this like skating on thin ice and finding that the ice has gotten so thin that it eventually gives way.

[Diggie's Friend]

(Chronic Progressive Nephropathy) CKD, as the name implies, is not an acute disease that doesn't just suddenly occur overnight in old age, but progressively develops over the lifespan of the animal.

The most effective way is to slow up the progressive damage of the kidneys that naturally occurs over the lifetime of an animal. This supported by progressively adjusting down the portion of the block diet that contains the highest protein in the diet, that contains the highest phosphorus in the diet and at the same time, adding back the Calcium Citrate, that form that improves kidney function, vs. C. carbonate that was not found to this in rats, to at least equal that which calcium is lowered in the diet by the reduction of the protein in the block diet. With this, the kidneys don't have to work as hard to filter out phosphorus so that toxins over the lifespan of the squirrel. By this means, wear and tear on the kidneys is reduced in the same time frame over the life of the animal; not by first adjusting the Ca:P ratio of the diet past middle age. This prophylactic approach lends significant potential to extend kidneys function, and so likewise to potentially extend the life.

A (2:1) Ca:P ratio up to a bit above (3:1) was found to support good calcium bone density in adult rats. Starting with the lower end of the health ratio juveniles, and progressively raising this ratio as the squirrel ages by lowering the phosphorus in the diet to (2.8:1) up to (3:1) a higher ratio also found in adult rats that support good bone density.

This veterinarian researcher says older rats can do well on half the amount of protein daily (14%).

https://www.2ndchance.info/ratkidney.htm

The technical progression of (CKD) is described in much technical detail on this page

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102899&id=4952674''


The goal is to keep the phosphorus level from getting out of control in the first place. If this is not possible, the goal is to get the phosphorus level back under control and keep it there.
Respiratory infections are noted amongst other symptoms that may be seen with kidney failure. Yet focusing alone on overcoming this and other issues associated with kidney failure isn't as effective as taking a prophylactical approach towards extending the function of the kidneys.

As noted on Ratguide.com, and on the Merck Veterinary Manual online page. Another thing what has been found key in extending the long-term function of the kidneys is including soil based probiotic and prebiotic for squirrels on a whole foods diet. Pet Flora by Vitality Science prebiotic like the probiotic, also counters bad bacteria, whereas sugar based probiotics common to acidophilus formulas, promotes the growth of both bad and good forms of gut flora. Don't let the label put you off, as it isn't just for dogs and cats, but for smaller mammals including wild species of rodents, as the company has confirmed, not containing additives and flavors as most sources do, but a highly diverse complement of various forms of good intestinal bacteria, noted by experts to be the most effective, which likewise has been found to support immune and kidney health.

https://vitalityscience.com/product/cat-probiotics/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9c3w-eHphgMVpDStBh3mkgcqEAQYASABEgLKt_D_BwE
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[Diggie's Friend]

This is an exact quote from the 1995 Rat Requirement journal under, "Magnesium" It is noted that though calcium in high ratio in rats was not found to promote magnesium deficiency in prior studies to 1995, since a closer ratio was found to improve calcium bone density in rats. Of note here, the issue of kidney stones in rats was prevented with a closer (Ca:Mg) ratio.

Nephrocalcinosis (calcium deposition in the kidneys in a crystalline form, 'calculi', aka: kidney stones. The most common form of kidney stones, 'Calcium oxalate', is an insoluble form which the body is not able to utilize in support of the bones, tissues, and cells.)


Magnesium

Nephrocalcinosis is a sign of magnesium deficiency in laboratory rats. Several investigators have found that the addition of supplemental magnesium (above required or recommended amounts) reduced the accumulation of calcium in kidneys of rats (Sprague-Dawley and Wistar strains) fed higher concentrations of calcium and/or phosphorus (Goulding and Malthus, 1969; Shah et al., 1980; Ericsson et al., 1986; Shah et al., 1986). Although ingestion of generous amounts of phosphorus and/or calcium have been found to depress magnesium absorption (Greger et al., 1987b; Hoek et al., 1988) and sometimes serum magnesium concentrations (Ericsson et al., 1986) of rats (RIVm:TOX and Sprague-Dawley strains), kidney magnesium concentrations were not reduced.


"Citrate provides protection against oxalate and calcium oxalate crystal induced oxidative damage to renal epithelium."

"Citrate protects cells from oxalate and CaOx crystal induced injury by preventing lipid peroxidation through a decrease in ROS production. The results provide additional data for the beneficial role of citrate therapy for CaOx nephrolithiasis."

According to a resent study, Calcium citrate inhibits urinary calculi by inhibiting free calcium from bonding with the most calcium reducing anti-nutrients (oxalate, phytates, and tannins), which are most common to the diet of tree squirrels.