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For free friendly advice or to order over the phone with a card call: 01772 883950
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Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Canine Renal Failure
Omega 3 fatty acids and canine renal failure have been the focus of recent research into nutritional therapy for dogs. The research indicates that a diet that is high in omega 3’s benefits dogs with chronic renal failure in several ways.
Nephrons are the functional unit in the dog’s kidneys. Each kidney contains hundreds of tiny nephrons, and together they filter the blood, control the balance between acids and bases and perform other functions.
At any given time, in a normal kidney, some of the nephrons are working and some are resting. That gives the dog—or the person—a functional reserve. Many nephrons must be damaged before the kidney loses its ability to function well. In most cases, when kidneys fail, they gradually lose their ability to work. This is chronic renal failure.
Decreasing Inflammation
The goal of treatment in chronic renal failure is to maximize the functional ability of the remaining nephrons. Omega 3 fatty acids do this by decreasing the inflammation in damaged nephrons, enabling them to work better.
Lowering Blood Pressure
One of the kidney’s functions is to help control blood pressure. The kidneys do this by secreting powerful hormones that cause the arteries to constrict, raising the pressure within them. This is adaptive to a point, because it forces more blood through the kidneys. If it goes on too long, however, it causes the arteries to become so constricted that blood cannot get through them.
Omega 3 fatty acids have a counteracting relaxing effect on arteries, which helps more blood flow through the kidneys.
Opposing Omega 6
One recent study demonstrated that when a dog has chronic renal failure, excessive amounts of omega 6 fatty acids make it worse. Omega 3 fatty acids compete with, or oppose, omega 6 fatty acids. This prevents additional damage from excessive omega 6’s.
Omega 3 fatty acids and canine renal failure are the subject of ongoing research. Currently, most veterinarians recommend a diet that is moderately restricted in protein and salt for dogs with chronic renal failure. An omega-balanced diet, with sufficient omega 3’s, is also important. | | |
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For free friendly advice or to order over the phone with a card call: 01772 883950
Omega 3 fish oils Pure EPA is available exclusively from mind 1st.
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