Abstract
BackgroundIntestinal phosphate binders, uremic toxin binders and some other types of supplements are an integral part of the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in various species, including cats. This pathology in domestic carnivores requires life-long nutritional and medical management. In this context, the compliance of owners and patients cannot be achieved without an adequate level of palatability for oral medication or supplementation. Knowing that hyporexia and anorexia are among the most commonly seen clinical signs in cats suffering from CKD this is already, in itself, a serious obstacle to acceptable compliance in sick animals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the palatability of four commercially available products designed for cats suffering from CKD: Ipakitine® (Vetoquinol, France), Azodyl® (Vetoquinol, USA), Renalzin® (Bayer, France), Rubenal® (Vetoquinol, France) and an additional recently developed product: Pronefra® (Virbac, France). The study was performed with a group of previously-characterised cats, all living in an enriched and well-being securing environment of an independent centre housing panels of pets expert in palatability measurement. In total 172 monadic testings were performed. The palatability of each product was assessed by measuring their rates of prehension and consumption, and the consumption proportions were also analysed.ResultsThe most palatable presentation (based on useful consumption) was Pronefra®, which was significantly higher than Azodyl® (p = 0.046), Ipakitine® (p < 0.0001), Renalzin® (p < 0.0001) and Rubenal® (p < 0.0001). The product with the highest rate of prehension was also Pronefra®, which was significantly higher than Azodyl® (p = 0.0019), Ipakitine® (p = 0.0023), Renalzin® (p = 0.0008) and Rubenal® (p < 0.0001).ConclusionPronefra® was the most palatable presentation tested, meaning it may be useful for improving ease of supplementation in CKD cats.
Highlights
Intestinal phosphate binders, uremic toxin binders and some other types of supplements are an integral part of the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in various species, including cats
A total of one hundred and seventy two individual appetite assessments were made in 5 groups of male and female adult cats to test the palatability of 5 oral supplements
Group A was composed of Pronefra®, and group B was composed of Azodyl®, Ipakitine®, Renalzin® and Rubenal®
Summary
Intestinal phosphate binders, uremic toxin binders and some other types of supplements are an integral part of the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in various species, including cats. This pathology in domestic carnivores requires life-long nutritional and medical management. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common pathological conditions seen in domestic carnivores, especially elderly cats. Three main targets can be seen in current nutritional management of CKD cats: restriction of available dietary phosphorus, reducing absorption of uremic toxins and reduction of the progression of fibrotic changes. The benefits of simultaneous use of chitosan and phosphate binders to reduce intestinal ammonia absorption in cats have been shown previously [6] and are an accepted part of the dietary management of CKD in the dog [7]
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