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Old October 16th, 2007, 04:51 PM
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sugarcatmom sugarcatmom is offline
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Calgary, AB
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Growler, did your vet mention anything about using calcitriol at any point in Duffy's treatment? I've been reading some interesting (well, to me at least ) info on it and by the sounds of it, calcitriol might be a good thing to start early on in CRF management. Check out this link: http://members.verizon.net/~vze2r6qt/calcitriol/


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Calcitriol is the key to controlling hyperparathyroidism. When it's used early in renal failure, the dose that will be effective is predictable and less expensive monitoring is necessary. This is the best use of the drug -- to start it before the parathyroid hormone levels increase. However, it's never too late in the progression of renal failure to start it -- but starting later means the dose of calcitriol is less predictable, so more monitoring of parathyroid hormone levels is required. In addition, starting later usually means that we have to work first to make the phosphorus level drop below 6.0 mg/dl -- calcitriol physically can't work when the phosphorus level is higher. To do this requires a combination of a low protein (also low in phosphorus) diet, and frequently the use of aluminum hydroxide (trade names Amphogel, Alternagel, Basaljel) to bind phosphorus in the diet. Once the phosphorus level drops, then usually the phosphate binder isn't required for the long run.

Not only is calcitriol working silently to prolong survival, but it actually causes the animal to feel better--better appetite and more activity.

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A preventive use of a low (2.5-3.5 ng/kg) dose of calcitriol to supplement dogs and cats in early stages of chronic renal disease appears safe, effective and advisable.

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We are of the opinion that the majority of uremic dogs and cats will benefit from use of low doses of calcitriol as part of their treatment plan whether in correction of hyperparathyroidism that has previously developed or in prevention of its occurrence.
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