In Part 5 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, Dr. JD Foster, small animal internal medicine and nephrology expert joins to discuss non-regenerative anemia in cats with chronic kidney disease and introduce Varenzin™-CA1 (molidustat oral suspension), the first FDA conditionally approved oral treatment for this condition. They explain why non-regenerative anemia matters, how it affects quality of life, and how this innovative medication works differently from older therapies. Sponsored by Elanco, this guide empowers pet owners with Real Education for Navigating Advanced Longevity in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease.

Key Takeaways:

• Non-regenerative anemia is a common and expected complication of advanced CKD in cats

• Treating non-regenerative anemia can improve energy, appetite, and overall quality of life

• Varenzin™-CA1 works by restoring the cat's own erythropoietin production

• Earlier treatment of non-regenerative anemia may help reduce disease progression stress

• Oral administration improves compliance and reduces owner-cat stress

Please note: Varenzin-CA 1 (molidustat oral suspension) is indicated for the control of non-regenerative anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. Discussions within this podcast pertaining to treating anemia with Varenzin-CA1 are solely pertaining to the treatment of CKD-related non-regenerative anemia.

Resources & Links:

• Episode page with pictures and video: Mission RENAL Part 5: Varenzin-CA1 for Non-Regenerative Anemia in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease

• Find a veterinary internal medicine specialist near you: Specialist Search Here

Our vision is for Your Vet Wants You to Know to be a resource for veterinarians to improve client communication by introducing a discussion about a common topic during the vet visit, then directing the client to a reliable source of engaging, understandable, and accessible information.

By doing so, we strive for:
1) increased pet health literacy among pet owners,
2) improved partnership between clients and the veterinary team,
3) improved medical outcomes for pets, and
4) improved quality of life and efficiency for veterinarians.

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

Connect with Your Vet!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow
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Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow

Mission RENAL is sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco™ makers of VarenzinTM-CA1 (molidustat oral suspension).

Varenzin™-CA1 is indicated for the control of nonregenerative anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats.

Important Safety Information

Varenzin™-CA1 is for oral use in cats only and prescribed only by licensed veterinarians. Keep this drug and used syringes out of reach of children. Wash hands immediately after use. In case of accidentally swallowing, call a doctor immediately. Women who are or may become pregnant should use the product with caution. Do not give to pregnant, nursing or breeding cats. Before using Varenzin™-CA1, talk to your veterinarian if your cat is allergic to molidustat, has a history of seizures or thromboembolic disease predisposition. Use with caution in cats younger than 1 year of age. Common side effects include vomiting and high blood pressure. Red blood cell proportion should be monitored. Click here for complete safety information.

January is One Health Month and we are highlighting opportunities for education, career exploration, and collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health. This episode provides updates on ongoing One Health threats, including avian influenza, New World Screwworm, and wildlife rabies, with practical guidance for veterinarians and the public. A major focus of the discussion introduces PFAS ("forever chemicals"), explaining what they are, why they matter for One Health, and how environmental contamination can impact both human and animal health. The episode closes on an optimistic note with conservation success stories, with the downgrading of Green Sea Turtles from "endagered" to "least concerned," emphasizing the power of science, collaboration, and long-term commitment.

• January is One Health Month, and organizations like AAFSPHV are creating accessible opportunities for students, veterinarians, and professionals to explore One Health opportunities.

• Avian influenza remains an evolving global threat, with over 185 million birds affected since 2022 and ongoing concern about viral reassortment during a severe human flu season.

• New World Screwworm is moving closer to the U.S. border, underscoring the importance of veterinary awareness, surveillance, and preparedness, especially in southern regions.

• Rabies persists in wildlife reservoirs, including foxes, making vaccination, public awareness, and avoidance of wildlife contact critical for protecting pets and people.

• PFAS ("forever chemicals") represent a major One Health challenge, with widespread environmental contamination affecting humans and animals, but emerging research offers promising solutions for reducing exposure, with a new study demonstrating a technique to remove PFAS.

• The American Veterinary Medical Association provides a fact sheet for veterinarians about PFAS.

Pet owners and veterinary professionals, sign up for our newsletter here: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/newsletter

Veterinarians are invited to join the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians.

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

Our vision is for Your Vet Wants You to Know to be a resource for veterinarians to improve client communication by introducing a discussion about a common topic during the vet visit, then directing the client to a reliable source of engaging, understandable, and accessible information.

By doing so, we strive for:
1) increased pet health literacy among pet owners,
2) improved partnership between clients and the veterinary team,
3) improved medical outcomes for pets, and
4) improved quality of life and efficiency for veterinarians.

Connect with Your Vet!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow

In Part 4 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, Dr. JD Foster, small animal internal medicine and nephrology expert joins to explain treatments for hypertension, proteinuria, high phosphorus, and anemia; how IRIS staging affects prognosis; and how to maintain quality of life as CKD progresses. Sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco, this guide empowers pet owners with Real Education for Navigating Advanced Longevity in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease.

• How medications support kidney health in pets with CKD

• Why treating anemia, hypertension, and proteinuria slows disease progression

• How phosphate binders and FGF-23 testing help protect kidney function

• Understanding IRIS staging and what it means for prognosis

• What signs indicate CKD is moving into a more advanced stage

• Tips for maintaining comfort, appetite, and quality of life

Resources & Links:

• Episode page with pictures and video: Mission RENAL Part 4: Mediations for Pets with Chronic Kidney Disease

• Find a veterinary internal medicine specialist near you: Specialist Search Here

Our vision is for Your Vet Wants You to Know to be a resource for veterinarians to improve client communication by introducing a discussion about a common topic during the vet visit, then directing the client to a reliable source of engaging, understandable, and accessible information.

By doing so, we strive for:
1) increased pet health literacy among pet owners,
2) improved partnership between clients and the veterinary team,
3) improved medical outcomes for pets, and
4) improved quality of life and efficiency for veterinarians.

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

Connect with Your Vet!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow

Mission RENAL is sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco™ makers of VarenzinTM-CA1 (molidustat oral suspension).

Varenzin-CA1 is indicated for the control of nonregenerative anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats.

Important Safety Information

Varenzin-CA1 is for oral use in cats only and prescribed only by licensed veterinarians. Keep this drug and used syringes out of reach of children. Wash hands immediately after use. In case of accidentally swallowing, call a doctor immediately. Women who are or may become pregnant should use the product with caution. Do not give to pregnant, nursing or breeding cats. Before using Varenzin-CA1, talk to your veterinarian if your cat is allergic to molidustat, has a history of seizures or thromboembolic disease predisposition. Use with caution in cats younger than 1 year of age. Common side effects include vomiting and high blood pressure. Red blood cell proportion should be monitored. Click here for complete safety information.