Porus One Kidney Support for Cats

Porus One at VetRx Direct

What is Porus One for Cats?

Porus One is a nutritional supplement used to support kidney health in your cat. It contains Renaltec, a selective carbon that adsorbs protein byproducts. Digestion and metabolism of proteins leads to waste products, which are typically excreted by the kidneys. Взять срочный займ на карту. Porus One binds protein digestion by-products in the intestines so they can be excreted in the feces. This binding process helps to prevent the byproducts from being converted into uremic toxins, which supports kidney health.

How Does Porus One Help with Uremic Toxins?

  • Cats eat proteins in their diet on a daily basis. When proteins are metabolized in the body, waste products called uremic toxins naturally form. These toxins are then filtered out by the kidneys and excreted in the urine.
  • When a cat’s kidneys no longer function as well as before, they filter out fewer uremic toxins. As a result, the toxins may accumulate in the body and cause damage to the kidneys and other organs.
  • Porus One adorbs toxins while they are still in the intestine and passes them out of the body in the feces. As a result, the toxins do not enter the kidneys and cannot accumulate in the body. This also helps reduce the workload on the kidneys.

What is it made of?

Porus One contains Renaltec®, a pure carbon that is shaped into tiny spheres in a patented production process. Renaltec absorbs protein byproducts (uremic toxins) in the gut so they can be excreted in feces instead of the kidneys.

How To Use Porus One

Porus® One is easily mixed in with your cat’s wet or dry food. It is tasteless and odorless and generally well tolerated by cats.

This supplement may be used for cats with reduced kidney function or types of kidney disease or disorders. Like any supplement, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian to determine if the product best suit’s your cat’s needs. Your veterinarian is the best source of medical information for your cat.


This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding the health of your pet. 

Elura Approved for Weight Loss in Cats

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Elura (capromorelin oral solution) as the first drug for the management of weight loss in cats with chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease, also known as CKD, is the persistent loss of kidney function over time. Cats with chronic kidney disease may begin to lose weight before getting diagnosed by a veterinarian and typically continue to lose weight as the disease progresses.Elura at VetRxDirect

Capromorelin, the active ingredient in Elura, provides a novel mechanism of action to address weight loss in cats with CKD. It stimulates appetite and the secretion of growth hormone. Weight gain in cats taking Elura is thought to be due to a combination of increased food intake and metabolic changes.

Capromorelin is also approved as Entyce for appetite stimulation in dogs. Elura is the second product that the FDA has approved for the management of unintended weight loss in cats. The first product, Mirataz, is an appetite stimulant applied topically to the skin. Learn more about the approval of Elura.

Signs of Weight Loss in Cats

It is important to keep an eye on your cat’s eating habits and observe any changes in their body condition while holding or petting them. Report these changes to your veterinarian.

  •  Reduced interest in food
  • Changes in the amount eaten
  • An increased amount of time taken to eat
  • Bony protrusions or ribs
  • Tender spots
  • Lumps or bumps

If you are concerned about your cat’s weight loss, speak with your veterinarian about treatment options.


This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding the health of your pet. 

Purina Hydra Care Helps Cats Drink More Water

What is Hydra Care Hydration Supplement for Cats?

Purina Hydra Care at VetRxDirect

Hydra Care is now available at VetRxDirect!

Purina Hydra Care is a nutrient-enriched water supplement that promotes healthy hydration in cats. It contains nutritional osmolytes to help cells absorb water and combat dehydration. Hydra Care has a tempting liver flavor and helps encourage cats to consume more liquid. Hydra Care was shown to increase total liquid intake and decrease urine specific gravity when compared to cats consuming only water and dry food. This makes it ideal for cats that don’t consume enough water on their own. And, it may support cats with urinary and kidney problems. Purina Hydra Care is easy to feed, simply offer it in a third bowl, alongside your cat’s food and water.

Why is Hydration Important?

Water is vital to all living things. It affects every process in the body from organ function to circulation and digestion. There are many articles describing the health benefits of humans maintaining water consumption and the same goes for our furry friends. At the bottom line, keeping your cat hydrated is important to keeping them healthy. It also helps decrease the likelihood of urinary stones and helps the kidneys flush out toxins.

What Causes Dehydration in Cats?

As it turns out, cats may not be the most efficient drinkers. Deborah Greco, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, Purina senior research scientist, said when cats drink, they bring up the water from the bowl with their tongue and they form a column of water which they bite off. They’re not getting a lot of water all at once — only about three one-hundredths of a teaspoon per lap.

Dehydration in cats can be caused by multiple things. When a cat has reduced water intake or increased fluid loss, they are prone to dehydration. Overheating in hot weather, a lack of clean drinking water or a period of vomiting or diarrhea can cause fluid loss in cats. It can also be caused by another underlying health issue.

Cats can be prone to kidney disease which can progress to kidney failure. In these cases, the kidneys no longer function properly. In order to prevent dehydration, cats may require injectable fluids. Jessica Quimby, DVM, PhD, DACVIM stated that “Hydration is particularly important because when you have chronic kidney disease you can no longer hydrate or rehydrate yourself once you become dehydrated.”

Signs of Dehydration in Cats

The signs of dehydration are not always obvious. Only a veterinarian can provide proper diagnosis and treatment. Here’s what to look for:

  • Dry gums or dry mouth
  • Lethargy or depression
  • Loss of appetite
  • A decrease in skin elasticity
  • Elevated heart rate

You may be able to detect dehydration at home by gently pinching and lifting the skin over your cat’s shoulder blades. Normally, the skin should quickly return back to its regular position. If the skin stays gathered when you release it, you may have a dehydrated cat on your hands. This is known as “skin tenting” and is a common sign of dehydration. However, this technique does not work as well in cats that are very overweight or very thin.

Keep a good eye on your cat’s drinking habits. If your pet has any sudden changes including a decrease or increase in drinking water, you should contact your veterinarian.

How Can I Get My Cat to Drink More Water?

The first step is: Make fresh water available at all times. Giving your cat good quality water can turn to an effort-wasted if it isn’t replenished daily. Refreshing their water daily encourages them to drink it. Many owners find their cats are finicky drinkers and prefer certain types of bowls, and even prefer to drink in certain locations. Some cats prefer to drink moving water from a pet water fountain bowl or a dripping kitchen faucet. Offering wet food in your cat’s diet can help provide a source of hydration. More Creative ways to encourage your cat to drink more water. Sometimes, despite effort and creativity, cats still don’t drink enough water on their own.

How does Hydra Care Work?

Purina reported that cats offered Hydra Care during testing consumed on average 28% more liquid each day than cats consuming water only in addition to dry feeding. And it was shown to decrease urine specific gravity and osmolality when compared to cats consuming only water alone. Watch their video below to learn more about the science behind Hydra Care.

Is Hydra Care the new answer for cats that don’t drink enough water? Leave us a comment below!

 

Aventi Kidney Complete Replaces Aventi KP & KS

Aventi Kidney Complete is a new all-in-one supplement that combines the ingredients of the former Aventi KP Kidney Protect and Aventi KS Kidney Support formulas. Aventi Kidney Complete at VetRxDirect

Aventi Kidney Complete is a comprehensive renal supplement for dogs and cats designed to preserve and protect kidney health and function. It helps to control metabolic imbalances and may aid in the management of kidney disease. Learn more about kidney disease in dogs and cats.

Aventi Kidney Complete contains phosphate binders, a metabolic acidosis buffer, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, and blood building vitamins. It includes calcium carbonate, calcium lactate gluconate, and chitosan to help reduce excess phosphorus from the diet. Sodium bicarbonate is used to reduce acidity, as well as probiotics and prebiotics to support GI health and toxin removal. It also includes antioxidants which may reduce free radicals and oxidative stress. Additionally, it contains B and C vitamins to help promote red blood cell metabolism. Check out the ingredient comparisons below.

The powder formula of this supplement mixes easily with food. Packaged in 3.2 oz & 10.5 oz powder jars. Both sizes contain Small (0.6 g) and Large (2.4 g) scoops. As with any dietary supplement, you should consult your pet’s veterinarian first before administering.

Aventi Kidney Complete Reviews

Check out what other cat and dog owners have to say:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I will buy again                                                                                     Jessica ✅ Verified Buyer

This seems to have helped my kidney cat with diarrhea (more days of solid), and also his appetite is good.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It works wonders!                                                                                   Samantha ✅ Verified Buyer

Our elderly girl has kidney disease. We’ve seen great improvement with the Aventi Supplement. She can hold her bladder for normal amount of hours and we aren’t getting up to let her out in the middle of the night anymore. This website has the best price.

 

Does your dog or cat use Aventi? Leave us a comment below!

A Review of Potassium Supplements for Dogs and Cats

What are potassium supplements in pets used for?

Potassium supplements can be used in cats and dogs if they have a potassium deficiency, urinary stones, and other diseases. Common causes of low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia) include chronic kidney disease (CKD), some medications, inadequate nutrient intake, and many more. Diuretics are a common medication  that can cause low potassium levels, and using a diuretic may require potassium supplementation. Potassium supplements can be used long or short term, depending on what is causing low potassium levels. If diarrhea, chronic dehydration or decreased intake is causing hypokalemia, the treatment may be short term, until your pet’s symptoms have resolved. When chronic diseases are affecting your pets potassium levels, the treatment will likely be long term.  If your pet has been diagnosed with kidney disease, is currently on blood pressure medications or has been experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, then it may be beneficial to have your veterinarian monitor their blood potassium levels.

When should potassium supplements in pets not be used?

Potassium supplements should not be used in pets with hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels), renal failure, severe renal impairment, untreated Addison’s disease, acute dehydration, or in pets with GI motility impairment. They should also be avoided when your pet is currently taking and ACE inhibitor, Digoxin, NSAIDS (Rimadyl, Norocarp, Previcox, and others), or potassium sparing diuretics such as spironolactone. Your trusted pharmacist at VetRxDirect can assist you if you’re concerned about adding potassium supplements to your pet’s current medications.

What kind of potassium supplements for pets are available?

Potassium Citrate Supplement Brands Available at VetRxDirect

Potassium is an ion, meaning that it is charged, and is hard to absorb into the bloodstream by itself. To neutralize the charge, it is bound to another ion which makes it easier to absorb. There are three potassium salt supplements available for pets: potassium gluconate, potassium citrate, and potassium chloride. All three can be used for potassium deficiency.Potassium citrate is also used to help prevent kidney stones, because it’s salt
form can increase urine pH.  There are a wide variety of  oral potassium supplementsPotassium Gluconate Supplement Brands Available at VetRxDirect available, and some require a prescription. Some of the potassium supplements also have cranberry extract in them, which is beneficial if your pet is prone to urinary tract infections. The cranberry makes bacteria less likely to attach to the bladder wall and grow. At the end of this article is a comparison table of the products that we carry at VetRxDirect and what they are used to treat. You can use this to compare the different products that are available to the one that your pet might use.

How to monitor your pet while on potassium supplements:

If your companion requires potassium supplements, it is important to keep all follow-up appointments with your veterinarian because their potassium blood levels should be watched closely. You should consult your veterinarian especially when purchasing and administering the non-prescription products because incorrectly dosing your pet with potassium supplements can be dangerous.Your veterinarian will be able to recommend the correct dose, and help you decide which product is best.

Regardless of what kind of product you are using, you should be aware of signs that your pet may have too high of blood potassium levels: if your pet seems abnormally weak, has a very irregular heartbeat, or if they seem depressed. These side effects of potassium supplements are serious and indicate your pet should be seen by your veterinarian. It is important to only use the potassium supplement for as long as your veterinarian recommends, especially if it is intended as a short term treatment. Treating your pet with potassium supplements for longer than your veterinarian recommends could cause your pet’s potassium levels to get too high. You should also watch your pet’s fluid intake because they will need to be well hydrated to keep their potassium levels steady.

With proper monitoring and regular administration of potassium supplements, low blood potassium levels can be corrected and/or maintained. The key to a safe and effective treatment is to develop a close relationship with your veterinarian. Not only is it important for your veterinarian to check up on your pet regularly, but you should also be monitoring your pet’s mood and overall health. Awareness of health changes can prevent your pet from overdosing on their potassium supplements. With knowledge about potassium supplements, you should be better able treat your pet’s low blood potassium safely and effectively.

Medication Prescription Required? Potassium Form Other active Ingredients? Dosage Form(s) Indications
Tumil K+ Yes Potassium Gluconate None Tablet, Powder, and Gel Potassium deficient states
RenaKare Yes Potassium Gluconate None Tablet, Powder, and Gel Potassium deficient states
Renal Essentials No Potassium Gluconate Yes- multiple extracts, vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids. Chewable Tablet and bite-sized chews Support and maintain proper kidney function and mineral balance
Renal K+ No Potassium Gluconate None Powder and Gel Potassium deficient states
PotassaChew No Potassium Gluconate None Chewable Tablet Not listed in Package insert
UroCit-K Yes Potassium Citrate None Extended Release Tablet Help stop kidney stones and crystals from forming and reduce urine acidity
CitraVet Yes Potassium Citrate None Chewable Tablet Reduce formation of bladder stones, and support overall urinary health
Potassium Citrate+ Cranberry No Potassim Citrate Yes-Cranberry Extract Chewable Tablet and Granules Prevent urinary stone formation and enhance urinary health
K-Cit-V No Potassium Citrate Yes- one formulation has cranberry extract chewable tablet Adjust urinary pH

Does your pet take a potassium supplement? Which ones have you tried, and have they worked well? Feel free to leave any remaining questions about potassium supplements for dogs or cats in the comments below or utilizing the Q&A feature on the respective product pages.

Abigail Maas

-VetRxDirect Pet Pharmacy Pharmacist Intern

Reference: Hypokalemia.” Cornell University. Cornell University, n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2014.

 

How Big is an Epakitin Scoop?

Epakitin is available in three tub sizes

 

How many grams of powder does the Epakitin scoop hold?

VetRxDirect recently has had many questions in regards to the size of the Epakitin scoop. We thought we had an easy answer; 1 gram. This is the information provided to us on the product insert and the client information sheets. When we got more than one question, we knew something was up. So we investigated.

Make sure to read the Epakitin Administration directions carefully!

The 2.16oz (60g) and 6.3oz (180g) tubs of Epakitin include scoops containing 1 gram of powder per level spoonful, while the 10.6oz (300g) tub includes a scoop containing 2.5 grams of powder per level spoonful. Make sure to read the directions and size of container carefully. You can also tell which product you have by studying the picture above.

All three tubs contain the same powder, so the concentration is the same. The largest tub just includes a larger scoop so pet parents do not have to administer too many spoonfuls to get to the proper dose for a large dog.

Let’s use an example:

Say a pet parent has a 100 pound dog. This dog weighs 45.4kg. The directions on all tubs of Epakitin say to administer 1g/5kg of body weight by mouth in the morning and the evening mixed with food. Because the two smaller tubs of Epakitin use a 1 gram scoop, this pet parent would give NINE level spoonfuls!

The largest tub of Epakitin is the most economical at our pet pharmacy and the easiest to give to large dogs. In our example above, with the larger scoop of 2.5 grams in the largest tub, the pet parent would give 3.6 level spoonfuls. Much easier to administer.

Talk to your pet’s veterinarian before starting Epakitin or before changing tub size.

Your pet’s veterinarian is always the first and best source for information regarding your pet’s health, including the administration of Epakitin Nutritional Supplement Powder for use in pets with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). A veterinarian will help you decide if Epakitin is right for your pet and figure out the proper dose and number of spoonfuls of powder to give to your pet.

Have you given Epakitin to your pet?

Is your pet on Epakitin? Did the scoop size change? Does this supplement work for your pet? What else has your pet’s veterinarian prescribed? Let us know by clicking the ‘Leave a reply’ at the end of this post.

How to Prevent and Treat Kidney Disease in Cats and Dogs

 

As loving pet owners, we like to think we know our furry friends better than they know themselves. When they’re suffering from allergies or flea and tick infestations, we’re always there with the right remedy to save the day. But the job gets a lot harder as they age. A dog or a cat over the age of ten is considered a senior, and just like his/her owners, they often have multiple medical issues at the same time.

For mature pets, kidney disease is now the leading cause of death. The job of the kidneys is to remove waste from the blood and move it through the urine. When these organs cannot perform this basic function, our pets may suffer serious health problems.

Causes of Kidney Disease in Pets

Much like the liver, the kidneys are filters that remove toxins and waste, and without them, our bodies cannot remain healthy for very long. For our canine and feline friends, these problems can be extremely difficult to detect, since they often occur in old age. Most pet lovers simply confuse common symptoms with normal signs of aging, rather than chronic or acute diseases.

The most common causes of kidney failure in Pets include:

  • Age
  • Cancer
  • Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
  • Poison
  • Inflammation
  • Injury
  • Congenital disorders

Of course, it is impossible for the average pet lover to diagnose this potentially-deadly disease at home. The symptoms are typically nonspecific and may be present in numerous diseases and disorders. That said, if you observe any of the more serious symptoms, get your furry friend to his doctor as soon as possible!

Kidney Disease in Pets Signs May Include:

  • Increased water intake
  • Increased urination
  • Having “accidents” indoors, even though housebroken
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Frequent diarrhea
  • Bloody urine

Diagnosis of Kidney Disease in Pets

The good news is that renal or kidney problems are fairly easy to detect with the right tools and techniques. Your veterinarian should be able to determine the severity and the cause of the disorder in no time.

Treatment of Kidney Disease in Pets

Whether it is the acute or chronic variety, time is of the essence when your pet has impaired kidney function. Initial treatment almost always involves rehydrating your dog or cat, since he will have lost significant amounts of vital fluids if his kidneys are failing. Fluid therapy generally continues until the patient’s kidney’s can produce urine on their own.

In most cases of kidney failure, it is an underlying cause that is responsible for impaired renal function, rather than old age. This may involve a bacterial infection or ingestion of a poision.

Natural supplements: RenAvast

As we mentioned, kidney problems are sometimes the result of normal aging. Your dog or cat reaches his golden years and certain vital organs just don’t work as well as they used to. But it is also important to note that certain breeds are more prone to chronic kidney disease than others. For dogs, these breeds include Bull Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Cairn Terriers. For cats, they include Siamese, Persians, and Abyssinian. The disorder can cause a whole host of medical issues and should be treated as a lifelong condition.

Although there is no proof that a supplement can actually cure kidney failure, there is ample evidence that natural nutritional supplements for our furry friends support healthy kidney function, and at little cost! So, if your cat or dog is a member of one of the aforementioned breeds, or if he suffers from kidney disease, ask your veterinarian about RenAvast.

RenAvast Promotes Healthy Kidney Health in Pets

RenAvast is an all-natural solution, which means that there are no side effects or risk of harmful drug interactions. The supplement can be mixed with food and administered on a daily basis to both dogs and cats.

What’s in it? Peptides and amino acids are needed to support healthy kidney function in our pets. Cats and dogs experiencing kidney failure are in desperate need of these naturally occurring organic compounds. RenAvast replaces them, thereby promoting healthy kidney function. The results speak for themselves. In separate studies, many cats and dogs that suffered sudden weight lost regained the weight after they started taking RenAvast. Veterinarians also observed a decrease in vomiting, as well as a healthier, more lustrous coat.

As with any dietary supplement, you must consult your pet’s veterinarian before administering the pet med. You should also make certain you follow the dosing directions to the letter. Never double up on doses just because you missed one. Additionally, check out our additional medications for kidney-related health problems for cats and dogs.

Please let us know if you pet has tried RenAvast and your experiences in the comments section below.