Q.
I have two 14-year-old Balinese cats. Both have special
dietary needs. One has a chronic kidney infection
and the other a chronic urinary tract infection. These
conditions have been controlled with great success by
feeding them Innova’s Senior Diet for the past seven
years. Then I became concerned about what I would
feed them if there were a disaster and I didn’t have
access to their special foods. After picking up Animal
Wellness at the local health foods market, I became
interested in raw food diets. But I have yet to see any of
these companies offer a diet for my special needs cats.
Could you give me a recipe or refer me to a source?

A.
In the “ultimate plan”, feeding raw is the diet for your special needs cats. Although conventional medical wisdom says that raw meat/high protein is a no-no with kidney problems, I have seen chronically elevated renal values normalize on these diets. If you choose this route, however, it should be done under close veterinary supervision.

Q.
In April, I took my 19-year-old male cat, Wilson, to see
the vet because of a urine and stool accident outside
the box. The vet ran a complete blood work analysis and
everything looked great except he had slight indications
of the start of kidney disease. The vet recommended
a prescription food. Upon returning home, Wilson had
diarrhea. He was put on medicine. Later, I noticed spots
of diarrhea around his box. Returning to the vet, Wilson
was found to be constipated. After many trips for
laxatives, enemas, and diet changes, the vet felt he
possibly has colon cancer and to euthanize.

For about 1½ months, I have increased Wilson’s
fiber and fed meals often. I still give Petromalt as a
laxative. He has more good days than bad. He continues
to be sociable and loving. His stool habits are not
regular and when he does pass them he strains and
they are large. Lately, his appetite is decreasing and
he is losing weight. Any suggestions?

A.
I think it’s great that Wilson has made it to 19. With the levels of disease now in animals, this has become much less common. A primary factor of his problems is age-related and that should be taken into account. For kidney support, I strongly recommend a kidney glandular supplement and a homeopathic combination remedy that contains homeopathic kidney (such as Professional Health Products Renal Drops). A good source of vitamin A, such as cod or fish liver oil, could help. For intestinal support, I use Acetylator by Vetri-Science Labs and the herb slippery elm. There are also some good non-petroleum-based hair ball/laxative products for cats.

Q.
My sister's dog (half German Shepherd), who is six
months old, has had a bladder infection since he was
born. He leaks urine all the time and is on antibiotics.
Do you have any suggestions?

A.
If this is truly from birth, it sounds as if it may be more of a congenital/structural problem. If it really is an infection, then a culture of the urine with sensitivities to antibiotics should handle it. Alternatively, we use one of many combination homeopathics available for bladder problems. We would also use an herbal formulation for kidney/ bladder problems containing uva ursi, juniper, parsley and dandelion. Olive leaf extract and oregano oil are two natural products great for infections.

Other questions answered in this issue:

Q.
I just got two kittens and was wondering if vaccinations are absolutely necessary, or are there more natural ways one can boost an animal’s immune system?

Q.
I have three cats who suffer breathing difficulties. There is a definite “rattle” with the sound of mucous blocking their airways, as well as a deeper sound produced in the lungs. All three have had bloodwork done. Two show exposure to heartworm as well as toxoplasmosis; the third was negative for all the “bad stuff.” However, she developed almost total blindness since kittenhood, and is fairly obese because her activity level is so low and she likes to eat. All cats were taken from feral cat colonies. I have mild asthma symptoms as well, and use two products which are very helpful. These are “broncholair” (freeze-dried nettle, GP butternut, etc.) and NAC+ (an amino acid). I have been tempted to give these products to my cats, but am fearful to try it. None of the vets here know anything about these products for animals and the companies tell me they have not been tested for animal use. I do not wish to use steroids because of all the side issues. Can you help?.

Q.
My 13-year-old female spaniel has become increasingly incontinent since she was approximately eight years old. There is no sign of an infection and the vet wants to do an operation without any guarantee of success. I am now forced to crate her when I’m at work and at night because of her accidents. Is there anything holistic I can offer her?.

Q.
My 5-year-old male cat, Casie, was diagnosed with feline coronavirus, indicating a high risk of FIP. I took him to our veterinarian because he had been losing weight/not eating enough, so our vet placed him on a re-hydration program (IV) for two days and nights. For five days/nights he was administered Prednisone and still has to complete the antibiotic Baytril (50 mg once a day). I need to know if there are any holistic alternatives or even other conventional treatments that might help him. I realize FIP cannot be cured, but is there some regimen that will help him besides “hand-feeding” to assure he receives the proper nutrients? I am currently giving him Hills Diet a/d.?

Q.
12-year-old female Aussie had a six pound tumor and her spleen removed. Results came back malignant but they do not know where the cancer is. She is feeling good and has a tremendous appetite. She is on home-cooked diet with human grade canned food, astragalus, vitamin C, fish oil and medicinal mushroom mix. I’m thinking about giving her Essiac but that might be overdoing it. She developed vasulitis two weeks ago. My vet put her on antibiotics and it is now making a scab. The sore is about three inches wide and three inches long. The outside of the scab is still red. Is there anything I can give her to help heal this up?

Q.
I have a wonderful golden/terrier mix, Abigail, who has just been diagnosed with a lung tumor. The vet said it was most probably malignant, and that dogs do not tolerate conventional treatments well (chemo/ radiation/surgery). No testing/biopsy has been done. Is there any kind of holistic/homeopathic treatment that might help in reducing the tumor or at least halting its growth? After one month, Abigail had a second x-ray and it showed the slightest growth in the tumor. Since it appears to be slow-growing, I am hoping that we might have an opportunity to pursue some effective alternative treatment.