Kidneys, Struvite and Maine Coons

Thanks, Dr. Doug. In this case I suspect genetics for the CRF. You know how it goes when multiple articles contradict each other.

His test for crystals showed none. He is neglecting any solids and prefers wet cat food "soup" so it should be easier for him to intake the Epakitin. The Maine Coone pages say 12-14 year life span on average; we shall see.:R

Struvite stones are composed primarily of Magnesium, ammonium and phosphate (they used to be named triple phosphate), so phosphorus is a factor. Cat food companies have done such a good job changing formulations in the last 30 years that we see a VERY small number of cats with stones/crystals compared to when I started practice.

An animal fed an appropriate quality pet food diet shouldn't develop stones/crystals. In my experience, if they do there probably is some other factor, either genetics, behavior/husbandry (don't drink enough water), infection or structural problems that lead to this problem. In dogs, I suspect a good 75% of the individuals that have these problems are Schnauzer or schnauzer crosses or Dalmatians.

We treat the formation through diet changes, the additives and prescription usually do a fairly good job to control the stone/crystal formation.

The only reason a cat with a struvite issue would be more prone to chronic renal disease is when there would be severe or multiple obstructive events. One other possibility is if there were a genetic problem with metabolism or the kidneys.

Re: Epakitin, our Henry is in chronic renal failure. We don't really know his age (he was a stray) but is probably around 15-16. His BUN runs about 50 and his Creatinine a little over 2 (both mild elevations). He is on Epakitin and is fairly good about eating it on his food. The theory is that it binds phosphate in the gut so that it isn't absorbed into circulation. Aluminum Hydroxide is also used. Neither of these cures the kidney disease, but they can make the cat feel better.

The special diet for struvite crystals really shouldn't have much bearing on development of the renal disease. While 12 seems young, I've seen much younger cats develop CRF, I think that is probably just bad luck or hereditary roulette.

Doug, DVM

One of many articles online.

magnusfide wrote:
We have a Maine Coon who is 12. He's always been indoors because he eats a special struvite diet. Now the vet states he's entering the middle phase of renal insuffiency. Dr Doug and all: Below are some questions I'm cogitating and in my research I've come across a mix of answers that contradict each other at times.
1. Is it phosphorus or potassium that causes struvite issues?
2. Are cats who have struvite issues at increased risk for kidney failure?
3. Instead of the expensive prescription dry food, can a canned wet cat food low in ash work just as well?
4. The vet recommended a powder food additive to ease the cat's kidneys. Called Epakitin, what's the track record of this additive?

We realize that Maine Coons don't live as long as some mixed breeds but we're still thinking that 12 is a bit too young for him to be developing renal insufficiency after living on a special diet all of his life.

Any info is appreciated. Dr. Doug, what about that Epakitin question?