Alphie's Urine-slightly High Protien

[Guest ALPHIESDAD]

On a recent visit to the vet, Alphie had a urine test.

It showed a slightly high protien content. (I don't remember the exact content)

Now the vet is suggesting Science Diet K/D, which has a protien content of about 14%. (She is not suggesting any meds at this time)

But everything I've read about a Grey's diet suggests they should be on a high protien diet.

Here are my questions: Does anyone out there have a Grey with this sort of problem, and if so what brand/kind of food do you feed your Grey?

Alphie is a 5!/2 year old male (who now hates Science Diet K/D.)

 

I would really appreciate any help.

 

Thanks,

 

Milt

 

p.s. Sorry if this should have been posted under another topic.

[Guest ss556]

Dr. Feeman recently posted this: (I hope this is ok to do)

 

"I just got back from a veterinary conference and one of the topics that I attended dealt with treating kidney disease. Anyway... there is a good paper and research published showing that feeding a "kidney diet" will help slow the progression of kidney disease in patients with mild to moderate kidney disease (see below). IMHO it is not the protein restriction in teh foods that are the most beneficial (at least not in early disease unless there is protein loss in the urine) but the restricted phosphorous and the alkalinizing effect of the diet. The specialists actually recommended starting the dogs pretty early b/c we know it helps them as the disease progresses and it is easier to switch them earlier in the disease b/c they have less GI upset and are more open to diet changes. We need more research to show if the kidney diet is truly beneficial in very early stages or if it just makes the transition easier. Anyway... I've not always been a big fan of kidney diets early in kidney disease unless there is protein loss in the urine but now I'd rethink things a bit:

 

Clinical evaluation of dietary modification for treatment of spontaneous chronic renal failure in dogs

J Am Vet Med Assoc. April 2002;220(8):1163-70.

Frederic Jacob1, David J Polzin, Carl A Osborne, Timothy A Allen, Claudia A Kirk, James D Neaton, Chalermpol Lekcharoensuk, Laurie L Swanson

1 Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul 55108, USA.

 

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a diet used for dogs with renal failure (renal food [RF]) was superior to an adult maintenance food (MF) in minimizing uremic crises and mortality rate in dogs with spontaneous chronic renal failure. DESIGN: Double-masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS: 38 dogs with spontaneous chronic renal failure.

PROCEDURE: Dogs were randomly assigned to a group fed adult MF or a group fed RF and evaluated for up to 24 months. The 2 groups were of similar clinical, biochemical, and hematologic status. The effects of diets on uremic crises and mortality rate were compared. Changes in renal function were evaluated by use of serial evaluation of serum creatinine concentrations and reciprocal of serum creatinine concentrations.

RESULTS: Compared with the MF, the RF had a beneficial effect regarding uremic crises and mortality rate in dogs with mild and moderate renal failure. Dogs fed the RF had a slower decline in renal function, compared with dogs fed the MF.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dietary modifications are beneficial in minimizing extrarenal manifestations of uremia and mortality rate in dogs with mild and moderate spontaneous chronic renal failure. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that delay in development of uremic crises and associated mortality rate in dogs fed RF was associated, at least in part, with reduction in rate of progression of renal failure."

 

 

[CaliforniaGreys]

I've had Misty on KD for 2 years, but she's also on meds and has done great. But if Alphie doesn't like the KD that's a problem. Are you using the can or just dry? I use both and always add yogurt. It's not just the low-protein that helps, it's other factors. Purina makes a good kidney diet. Maybe Alphie would like that better.

[Trudy]

high protein how...

protein/creatinine ratio is the test you'd need before deciding to do anything.

 

Ryan's protein is still through the roof... he's not on any special food, but we did change him off of Evo Red Meat to something with lower protein, but not to KD

[macoduck]

Wally had some slight elevation in his protein. I believe it was Dr Feeman who said don't make any changes unless the results persist through 3 tests over a course of time. Wally had the first test over a month ago. He gets another one next week.

[feemandvm]

You need a urine protein creatinine ratio to determine if the protein is significant. If the value is <1 then no diet change is necessary. I would also ask to have the blood pressure evaluated as we often see high blood pressure linked with protein loss in the urine in Greyhounds.

[patricia]

You need a urine protein creatinine ratio to determine if the protein is significant. If the value is <1 then no diet change is necessary. I would also ask to have the blood pressure evaluated as we often see high blood pressure linked with protein loss in the urine in Greyhounds.

This is what Dr. Couto told us to do for the Flashman and his ratio was perfect as was his BP...it still is of concern to me.

[tbhounds]

How was the urine collected? If you used a container that not been cleaned well you might be getting a false reading. Say for example you used an old chicken soup container you might be getting a false protein reading from the fat residue. As Dr. Feeman suggested--good idea to get a pc ratio before you start changing diets.

[feemandvm]

You need a urine protein creatinine ratio to determine if the protein is significant. If the value is <1 then no diet change is necessary. I would also ask to have the blood pressure evaluated as we often see high blood pressure linked with protein loss in the urine in Greyhounds.

This is what Dr. Couto told us to do for the Flashman and his ratio was perfect as was his BP...it still is of concern to me.

There are all kinds of reasons for false positive results on the urine protein sticks. If you get a normal UPC ratio then you know the stick is "wrong" and only a false positive.

 

 

[patricia]

You need a urine protein creatinine ratio to determine if the protein is significant. If the value is <1 then no diet change is necessary. I would also ask to have the blood pressure evaluated as we often see high blood pressure linked with protein loss in the urine in Greyhounds.

This is what Dr. Couto told us to do for the Flashman and his ratio was perfect as was his BP...it still is of concern to me.

There are all kinds of reasons for false positive results on the urine protein sticks. If you get a normal UPC ratio then you know the stick is "wrong" and only a false positive.

 

 

Thanks Dr. Bill. They said they did a test other than dipstick. He was still showing 3+ protein. This is when they did the ratio and BP check. His BP was at 120. Specific gravity with FIRST morning midstream specimen was ok.

[feemandvm]

Hmm... not sure what test they would have done. Urine protein levels if done in the hospital or sent out are done on a dipstick. If you want to really quanitify the protein then you need to do a urine protein:creatinine ratio. If you measured a true urine protein you would get a real number and not 3+.

 

Showing good urine concentration also doesn't rule out protein loss in the urine. My current greyhound has protein in her urine and has excellent specific gravity. Her kidney functions fine but it has "leaks" which allow the protein to come out. The only way you would know is by doing the urine protein:creatinine ratio.

 

 

[rascalsmom]

Buddy had a 4+ protein on the dipstick recently, and creatinine levels of 2.6. I had them send out for the UPCR, it came back at .99.

 

I was in touch with OSU, and with their input, I decided to try Buddy on a lower-phosphorus diet. He'll have his values rechecked after a month or two to see if things are in "normal" range as far as the creatinine.

 

Right now we're using Eagle Pack Holistic Select (senior version).

He was on the k/d for a short while, and ate it willingly, but I wanted to try a different route FIRST before committing to RX food....partially due to the expense. He also acted really hungry while on k/d.

[patricia]

Hmm... not sure what test they would have done. Urine protein levels if done in the hospital or sent out are done on a dipstick. If you want to really quanitify the protein then you need to do a urine protein:creatinine ratio. If you measured a true urine protein you would get a real number and not 3+.

 

Showing good urine concentration also doesn't rule out protein loss in the urine. My current greyhound has protein in her urine and has excellent specific gravity. Her kidney functions fine but it has "leaks" which allow the protein to come out. The only way you would know is by doing the urine protein:creatinine ratio.

I am sending you a PM. I don't mean to butt into this thread.