Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Azodyl sprinkled on food does not improve kidney disease in cats
By Rishniw, Mark & Wynn, Susan G.·Published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·2011·Veterinary Information Network, 777 West Covell Blvd, Davis, CA 95616, USA, United States·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Azodyl, a synbiotic, fails to alter azotemia in cats with chronic kidney disease when sprinkled onto food
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 10 cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were given either a probiotic-prebiotic supplement (called a synbiotic) or a different type of fiber for two months to see if it would help lower their blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, which indicate kidney function. The supplements were mixed into their food, but the results showed no improvement in kidney function for either group. This means that sprinkling this particular synbiotic on food does not help cats with CKD, and owners should avoid giving it this way.
People also search for: cat chronic kidney disease treatment · probiotics for cats with kidney disease · how to manage cat kidney disease
Abstract
The effect of probiotic therapy in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats is poorly defined, but gaining in popularity. However, cat owners often prefer to administer probiotics by combining them with food, rather than administering capsules intact, as is prescribed by the manufacturer. The efficacy of such non-recommended administration is unknown. In this double-blinded, controlled clinical trial, 10 cats with naturally-occurring CKD were randomized to receive either a probiotic–prebiotic combination (synbiotic) or psyllium husk (prebiotic only) for 2 months. Medications were sprinkled and mixed into food or given as a slurry. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were measured twice prior to administration of medication, and then monthly for 2 months during the medication administration. Owners and clinicians were masked as to treatment. The maximal percentage change in BUN and creatinine was calculated for each cat. No differences in percentage change were detected between groups ( P=0.8 for both BUN and creatinine). The synbiotic supplement used in this study, when applied to food or administered as a slurry fails to reduce azotemia in cats with CKD. Therefore, owners should not administer this synbiotic in this manner.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2010.12.015