The first module deals with the emotional impact kidney disease has on the caretakers themselves. Very few people understand the fear, anxiety, and inner turmoil that you are going through. All too often, you must deal with thoughts that can wear on even the toughest of nerves: “How much time is left?” . . . “Is the suffering too much to bear?” . . . “Is there hope?” You are not alone.

Facing this disease takes courage, commitment, faith, and a lot of love. Even if one has access to the best treatment that money can buy, it will count for nothing if the heart is not engaged. But the very fact that you are reading these words shows just how important this is for you. This is why you must read this module.

To overcome the challenges of kidney disease, we must understand it. This module lays out everything you need to know about your pet’s illness and how it affects the physiological functioning of the kidneys.

You will also learn of the surprising differences (and similarities) between cats and dogs and the various ways we must treat them. Avoid one-size-fits-all umbrella treatments, and get the facts here.

Chronic renal failure is a condition associated with a variety of complications that require a multitude of treatments. CKD is actually several illnesses in one. Quite frankly, anyone who thinks they can simply offer a drug or a “remedy” and call it a day is in for a rude awakening. Anything from anemia, urinary tract infections, and hyperphosphatemia to diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, and uremic gastritis, can potentially become issues you may need to deal with. Their symptoms include nausea, weight loss, urinary difficulties, lethargy, diarrhea, dehydration, and seizures, just to name a few. Learn to recognize these signs so you can take appropriate actions.

This module not only educates you on what you need to know but will also enable you to quickly connect the potential underlying causes with the surface symptoms. The knowledge will serve you well in your collaboration with the vet and the formulation of an effective treatment plan.

Not all veterinarians are the same. Some of them know a lot about drugs but not a whole lot about health. Quite often, these types are quick to patch up symptoms without addressing the root cause. Fortunately, there is a growing number of veterinary doctors who see the value in nutrition, supplementation, and integrative strategies. In fact, most of the science that supports this course was published by veterinarians. In this module, you will learn what questions to ask so that you know when you’ve found the right professional for the job.

You will also learn how to read those extremely important lab results (that often appear like another language). In simple, easy-to-read terms, you will learn exactly what is pertinent to your pet’s needs and what material you can set aside.

Another key to managing CKD is the follow-up. It’s nearly impossible to know what’s going on inside your cat or dog’s body. This makes ongoing physical exams a must. This module will explain what your pet should be examined for and how often it needs to be done to ensure maximum protection from any physiological changes that can turn south.

Some CKD conditions have genetic causes. However, these cases account for only a portion of the origins behind renal failure. In this module, you will learn of the many seemingly unrelated diseases and complications that can lead to chronic kidney disease.

Moreover, you will be exposed to information that reveals dangers your pet may be facing this very moment—many of which are completely preventable. Just having this awareness can significantly enhance your treatment strategy. Incidentally, many of the same risks that affect your pet can also hurt your own health.

Most commercialized pet foods are not as healthy as the manufacturers claim. We expose the poisons and reveal the toxic byproducts that may be contributing to your pet’s kidney degeneration (among other health complications). We also discuss the pros and cons associated with the typical low-protein kidney diets many vets recommend. After you’ve read what to avoid, we point you in the right direction so that you feed only those foods that were meant to improve health.

How about water quality? Most people provide bowls of chemically treated tap water that quickly become stagnant and filthy. Guess what organ must constantly filter all that? The kidneys are biological filtration systems that can cleanse the body of only so many toxins. This means that the water we give our dogs and cats could be another contributing factor to the CKD equation. Remember, the body is made of mostly water, and it is this lifeforce that perpetually flows through your pet’s kidneys. Water quality does indeed make the difference. The wrong type of chemically treated water accelerates the degenerative process, whereas the right kind of water purified renews the kidneys with rejuvenating sustenance. Learn to distinguish between them.

Module 7 is undoubtedly the most sought-after segment of the course. Part 1 reveals all of the most well-researched evidence-based treatments that have produced significant and measurable outcomes. This is the information you’ve been searching for! Combined with a nutrient-dense diet, filtered water, and lots of love, these treatments are intended to provide the very best results. Additionally, this module includes a segment that reviews alternative interventions that require further research but show promise.

A significant percentage of veterinary and medical professionals only discuss remedies and therapies they incorporate in their practice. This module, on the other hand, offers information on all the main treatment options, including those we do not recommend. Part 2 lists most of the commonly prescribed drugs, supplements, foods, and other interventions that impose risks and/or harmful side effects. This knowledge will give you the ability to make more informed choices, as well as to intelligently discuss—or debate—your treatment plan with your vet.

Sometimes, drugs, diet, supplements, and physical therapies are not enough. This is especially true with those cases where kidney failure has reached advanced levels of degeneration or for those pets that have suffered a toxic “crisis” in which an accumulation of metabolic wastes combines with extreme dehydration to cause debilitating symptoms. Another instance where advanced care becomes necessary is when an animal reaches an anorexic condition that has led to starvation.

In Parts 1 and 2 of Module 8, we discuss the topics of fluid therapies and assisted feeding. While such a prospect may seem daunting to many, in reality, most of the procedures are simple to learn and perform. In certain cases, these methods are temporary. In others, the treatments may be required for the long haul. In either instance, consider this essential reading.

There are some medical procedures that, if carried out, will irrevocably alter the course of your pet’s life, sometimes for the better, other times for the worse. Examples include blood transfusions, dialysis treatments, and kidney transplants. Before you even consider these major interventions, you should weigh the risks and benefits that accompany them. In some cases, people have had fantastic results, while others have had to face new challenges that they did not anticipate.

There are regenerative technologies that are making their way into the field of CKD therapy. Most of these resources are still in the works, while a few are already producing compelling results. In fact, with the aid of nutritional and chiropractic care, one device has helped a chiropractor to completely reverse her cat’s renal disease—with lab results to prove it! Granted, these emerging treatments have not been fully recognized by the mainstream veterinary/medical communities, but they may hold the keys to results that cannot be achieved through conventional measures.