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Old May 2nd, 2013, 11:35 PM
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sugarcatmom sugarcatmom is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dbg10 View Post
I am wondering about his calcium level though and adding calcium carbonate to his diet. It seemed in the upper range of normal and I wouldn't want to push it higher with his diet. What do you think SCM?
There is that potential, so something to keep in mind for sure. From Tanya's CRF page: http://www.felinecrf.org/phosphorus.htm#calcium_binders

Quote:
Calcium-Based Binders
  • Calcium Acetate
  • Calcium Carbonate
  • Ipakitine/Epakitin
  • Renal

Sometimes your vet will recommend using a calcium-based antacid such as Tums or PhosLo as a phosphorus binder. These are not an ideal choice because:
  • these binders are not as effective as binders containing aluminium hydroxide;
  • they may make your cat's calcium levels rise too high (hypercalcaemia).
Hypercalcaemia in cats (2001), a paper by Dr Chew presented to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress 2001 mentions that using calcium-based binders may cause hypercalcaemia. Thus, if you are using a calcium-based binder, frequent monitoring of blood calcium levels is essential. You should not use a calcium-based binder if your cat is taking calcitriol.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbg10 View Post
growler can you please tell me how large the Azodyl capsules are?
If you scroll down a bit, there's a pic of the 2 sizes of caps available next to a quarter for comparison: http://www.felinecrf.org/treatments_...ion.htm#azodyl

Quote:
Originally Posted by dbg10 View Post
I also intend to call the vet tomorrow and ask why she thought he needed a phosphorus binder when his phosphorus is not elevated.
After reading more on Tanya's page about the similar product Epakitin, perhaps it's more for chitosan's supposed uremic-toxin absorbing capabilities than for the phosphorus binding factor. http://www.felinecrf.org/treatments_...ipakitine_what
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