Abstract
Finco DR, Brown SA, et al (1998) Protein and calorie effects on progression of induced chronic renal failure in cats. American Journal of Veterinary Research
The effects of dietary protein and calories on progression of chronic renal failure in cats was studied in 28 adult female cats with surgically-induced reduced renal mass. Cats were assigned to one of four groups with diets to provide: low protein and calorie (diet A), low protein and high calorie (diet B), high protein and low calorie (diet C), and high protein and calorie (diet D) intakes. Each of the four groups had similar mean GFR (1.52 to 1.55 ml/min/kg) and the cats were studied for 12 months. Protein intake by cats of groups C and D was greater than that by cats of groups A and B (9.0 and 9.0 vs 5.3 and 5.2 g/d/kg, respectively) whereas caloric intake in cats of groups B and D was greater than that by cats of groups A and C (73 and 71 vs 58 and 55 calories/d/kg, respectively). Histological examination of renal tissue at the end of the study demonstrated mild glomerular lesions which were not affected by protein, calories, or their interactions. However, non-glomerular lesions, although mild, were significantly influenced by calorie (but not protein) intake. During the study, GFR did not decrease in any of the four groups, and although UPC ratios increased after renal mass reduction, remained within the reference range in all groups (0 to 0.3). In conclusion, factors other than dietary protein and calorie intake must be considered potential causes of progression of renal failure in cats.