Vetoquinol Renal K+ (Potassium Gluconate) Potassium Supplement Powder for Dogs and Cats, 3.5oz

Worked quickly on my dog. Our 16.5 y.o. yorkie was diagnosed in March 2016 with end stage kidney failure. Initially told, a few days, then after IV a few months. After much research we blended a protocol of mainstream treatment with herbal and botanical supplements. This included a special kidney safe diet (homemade), subcutaneous electrolyte fluids, Azodyl and Epakitin. Herbal and botanical included the Canine Kidney Care protocol from Five Leaf Pharmacy, Kidney Support Gold and crushed stinging nettle seeds. after 14 months, she is still here.Last weekend, she crashed, vomited and began to have watery loose bowel movements and became severely dehydrated, then had a 90 second long seizure. I administered 200 ML of electrolyte fluids to bring her back up a bit and then a 4 am dash to emergency vet. Her blood panel was really pretty good, all kidney levels were OK, especially considering her diagnosis. I noticed that her potassium was right at the bottom number for the normal range, in spite of receiving a large infusion of fluids that contained potassium, so I realized she was probably low.Caution is required because potassium levels in late stage chronic kidney failure are tricky, it's easy to get them out of whack because the body doesn't clear them well. I wanted to give her a bump to remedy the listlessness and weakness but also with the knowledge that too much, which can cause the heart to stop 8 (.I decided to get Renal K+ powder because I trust the brand and it is balanced with vitamins and nutrients to maximize effect. It's available as a flavored gel and a powder. I initially ordered the gel, then changed my mind for a variety of reasons. With the powder, it's much easier to control dosage, there is more product for the dollar and the powder was available next day, not several days later like the gel. After receiving the product, I read that it noted not for dogs with end stage kidney disease, so I was extremely conservative with it. For my dogs size, the recommended dosage is 2 scoops a day. Instead, I dosed 2/3 of a scoop and further split that so that I gave her 1/3 of the scoop in the AM and 1/3 in the PM. I mix it with unsweetened organic applesauce and she accepts it pretty well. My goal is only to raise her levels to the lower mid range of normal levels, no more.The first night, no improvement, same on day and night #2. As we went to sleep, we thought that the time may have come for us to say goodbye. She was not in pain, but was zombie like and so weak. This morning, I woke with a broken heart, thinking we only had a few more hours with our beloved little companion, but when I looked into the special box I had made to keep her safe at night during this illness, I saw her looking back at me with what looked like a little life in her eyes. Her energy and weakness were both better though also still there. She climbed the ramp to our bed, which was amazing since a few days earlier she couldn't even start the climb. She became much more aware and even engaged with us a tiny bit, nothing spectacular, but enough to confirm she was aware. I attribute this to the increased potassium level due to very moderate Renal K+ supplementation.This is not the only thing that I have been doing this past week for her, I addressed each of her issues individually and aggressively. Because she seemed to still be fighting, we also fought for her too. She is clearly making a comeback. Would recommend this product to anyone, but BE AWARE and BE CAREFUL with a kidney patient dog, because you could easily get the potassium levels to high, unhealthy kidneys can't regulate it well, so give a small dose, ease back when you see improvement and then get the levels measured to make sure.

This is a great product. Don’t bother with the gel for cats; the powder has a slightly fishy taste that my cats loved. I had to buy another brand when the supply chain had problems and it was out of stock everywhere, but luckily it became available then. I had my cats on it for the last 5 years of their lives and their potassium levels were great.

Seems to be working well. It is helpful to have the little scoop. My dog is good with itand it mixes easily with her dog food.Recommended by her Vet. Just as advertised. Arrived quickly and a good purchase.Thanks

One of my cats needs her blood work checked every year to ensure that her kidneys are functioning as they should. She does not have CKD (chronic kidney disease) but she does take two heart medications. Neither are a diuretic but her cardiologist wants us to just keep an eye on kidney function because heart and kidney problems can go hand in hand. Thankfully her kidneys are in working order but, her potassium was low. I asked our regular vet what could be the cause of the low number and she stated that it just sometimes happens.Well, we were "prescribed" Renal K but, the vet only had the choice of pills (horse pills) or the gel. I went with the gel because even though I can easily pill a cat, I was not going to try with a pill the size of my finger tip! The gel has an overpowering syrup smell. I knew for sure that she wouldn't like it straight from the tube and I was right. I was able to get her to eat it with strong smelling fish food but nothing beyond that. Since I rotate her food every day I needed another option. That's when I found the powder.This is SO much better than the gel and lasts a LOT longer! The powder does still have a strong smell but it's more on the fish side than sugary sweet. And I'm happy to report that her potassium level is back within normal ranger after switching the the powder.