Calcium acetate

What is calcium acetate?

Calcium acetate is a chemical compound of calcium and acetic acid with the molecular formula Ca(CH3COO)2. It is a white, odorless powder that is soluble in water. Calcium acetate is used as a food additive (E263) to extend the shelf life of foods, regulate acidity or promote gel formation. As a medicine, calcium acetate is a phosphate binder that prevents the absorption of phosphate from food in the intestine and thus lowers the phosphate level in the blood.

How does calcium acetate work in dogs?

Calcium acetate is used in dogs with chronic renal insufficiency, which can lead to hyperphosphatemia (increased phosphate levels in the blood). The kidneys are normally responsible for excreting excess phosphate from the body, but when they no longer function properly, phosphate can accumulate in the blood and lead to various health problems, such as

• Bone disease (osteodystrophy)
• Soft tissue calcification
• Cardiovascular diseases
• itching
• loss of appetite
• weight loss

Calcium acetate binds to the phosphate in the food in the gastrointestinal tract and forms insoluble calcium phosphates, which are excreted in the feces. This reduces the absorption of phosphate in the intestine and lowers the phosphate level in the blood. This can improve the quality of life and life expectancy of dogs with kidney disease.

What are the benefits of calcium acetate for dogs?

Calcium acetate has several benefits for dogs with chronic renal insufficiency and hyperphosphatemia, such as:

• It is effective and well tolerated
• It has a high phosphate binding capacity
• It has a neutral taste and odor
• It can be administered with or without food
• It can be combined with other medications
• It can also be used as a dietary supplement for dogs with a calcium deficiency

What are the disadvantages of calcium acetate for dogs?

Calcium acetate also has some disadvantages for dogs with chronic renal insufficiency and hyperphosphatemia, such as:

• It can lead to hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels), which can also be harmful to health
• It can lead to hypercalciuria (increased excretion of calcium in the urine), which can increase the risk of kidney stones or nephrocalcinosis (calcification of the kidney)
• It can lead to gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
• It may cause sweating or a feeling of heat
• It may interact with some medications, such as vitamin D3 or antacids
• It can trigger allergic reactions
• It can be expensive

How is calcium acetate dosed for dogs?

Calcium acetate is available for dogs in the form of film-coated tablets or infusion solutions. The dosage depends on various factors, such as the dog's weight, the phosphate level in the blood, kidney function and the type of food. The exact dosage should always be determined by a vet who regularly examines the dog and checks the blood values. Overdosing or underdosing can lead to serious side effects.

As a guideline, a dog with chronic renal insufficiency and hyperphosphatemia requires about 40 to 60 mg calcium acetate per kg body weight per day, divided into several doses with meals. This corresponds to approximately one film-coated tablet containing 950 mg calcium acetate per 15 to 25 kg body weight per day. The film-coated tablets should be swallowed whole or halved, not chewed or crushed.