https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...2&d=1497412406
Save for the mean urine pH in the Gray squirrel study,I have not yet seen a study done on this, yet there may be one under a title that isn't easily located. The blood values of some squirrel species are included in this study file; scroll down to see the charts. The range for readings is noted to be from (6.0 to 8.0), yet the mean urine pH (6.4), which indicates that most of the readings were closer to 6.4 the mean, than 7.0, the average of the range. This also indicates that alkaline range readings were less frequent spikes in the urine pH. The known mean value for small domestic mammals is noted to be (6.5). mid slightly acidic 6 range.
When the mean urine pH is either too low into the highly acidic range of (5.0 to 5.9), that the diet is too acidic due usually to a diet too high in nuts and grain portion of the diet. When the mean urine pH range falls in the alkaline range, either the diet is too high in pH, or an infection is present causing bacteria levels to rise, thus increasing the mean urine pH of the diet. Issues with pH in the alkaline and the highly acidic range lead to the loss of calcium and the promotion of kidney, and bladder stones. Keeping it between these proverbial ditches is what supports both metabolic and urinary tract health, that are both key factors in supporting longevity in tree squirrels.
These links and studies may be helpful in regards to kidney function.
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...78#post1271678
Calcium citrate has been found to lend support in rats with lowered kidney function.
https://www.kidney-international.org...15)49830-8/pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publica...c_renal_injury
Pycnogenol extract was found to improve the kidney function in rats with renal injury..
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full...X.2017.1282871
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