Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common metabolic condition diagnosed in domestic cats. According to the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS), feline CKD should be characterized by blood parameters, such as creatinine and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), information about loss of protein in the urine (proteinuria), and blood pressure. Other novel biomarkers have been investigated in the monitoring of this disease, but more research is still needed to understand their contribution. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] in patients with renal disease has been studied in other species, such as humans, rats, and dogs, but similar prospective studies in cats are lacking. To address this issue, we propose a prospective controlled clinical trial in cats with proteinuria or borderline proteinuria diagnosed with naturally occurring CKD from veterinary hospitals located in the northern region of Portugal. Cats will be followed for a period of 28 weeks, during which time they will be supplemented with two different doses of EPA and DHA, while on a kidney diet (group A) or a conventional food (group B). The main objective is to assess the therapeutic effect of EPA and DHA in these patients through the evaluation of their impact on blood and urine renal biomarkers and systolic blood pressure.
[Feline Kidney Disease Fund in honor of Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP (Feline) – Board Designated Match]
(Sponsored by Zoetis)