Azodyl to target uremic toxins, reduce azotemia associated with chronic kidney disease
Buena, N.J. - This month, Azodyl? becomes available exclusively to veterinarians to target uremic toxins and reduces azotemia in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
BUENA, N.J. — This month, Azodyl™ becomes available exclusively to veterinarians to target uremic toxins and reduces azotemia in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Vétoquinol will market the new nutritional supplement which is manufactured by Kibow Biotech.
Dr. Eric Linn, director of scientific services for Vétoquinol USA, says that the product is the first of its kind and designed to help veterinarians improve the quality of life of pets suffering from CKD.
"We are going to improve the quantity and quality of life for these guys," Linn says at last month's American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine meeting in Louisville, Ky.
Additional benefits are expected for pets that develop acute renal failure, which can lead to CKD, he says.
Azodyl contains three beneficial bacteria: Enterococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus. These bacteria target and metabolize uremic toxins in the bowel and are then excreted, he says, noting that high levels of uremic toxins in blood correspond with uremic toxins in the bowel.
It's called Enteric Dialysis®. "Azodyl supports the kidneys by working in the bowel," Linn explains. "It represents a breakthrough treatment in the management of azotemia in pets."
Azodyl's enteric-coated capsules protect the beneficial bacteria from digestive tract acids until they get to the bowel, where they dissolve. The capsules also contain the prebiotic psyllium husk, which aids the proliferation of the bacteria.
Clinical trials with leading veterinary nephrologists are underway and early clinical experience with Azodyl has yielded excellent results. Dr. Richard Palmquist, a California veterinarian who conducted a small independent study, found a "very clear relationship between use of Azodyl and decreasing azotemia" and patients experienced "improved health and vitality."
For pets with kidney failure, Azodyl can be administered in pet food or in a treat such as peanut butter. The number of capsules required daily range from one for dogs and cats under 5 pounds to three capsules given twice daily in dogs more than 10 pounds. The capsules must be refrigerated to preserve freshness.
Studies show that Epakitin, which was launched last year, also lowers azotemia, but its primary benefit is decreased phosphatemia, which helps slow the destructive cycle of CKD and increases life expectancy for pets.
Azodyl and Epakitin can be used together and with other CKD treatments such as diet, fluid therapy, ACE inhibitors and treatment of underlying conditions, Linn says.
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