chronic UTI infections Suggestions?

[Mikey’sDad]

My 10 year is guy is doing well with his diabetes management but in the last year he has had 3 UTI infections that have responded well to antibiotics. He is a happy, mellow cat with a good weight and appetite.





I do feed him Dr Elseys chicken dried and Episong 90 dry, He does love Delectables by Hartz which are wet and he eats them as snacks, I am convinced the dry food is the problem and I need to transition him to wet, He hates wet food. I will read Dr Liza's suggestions but he detests Pate. When he gets over this bout of his UTI. i will do this. What worked for you? Is there anything else in addition to food change I should do. My bank account is not happy either

I will talk to my doc this week. She was out of town and had to take him elsewhere this UTI bout.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[Larry and Kitties]

How were the UTIs diagnosed?
How long were the antibiotic treatments? How long between UTIs? Sometimes the treatment length or antibiotic used does not really resolve the infection and just reduces it.

 

[Mikey’sDad]

His last UTI was in November 8 . He got a clear on follow up on the 19th of Nov.
I do think the first UTI about a year ago was not fully resolved as I went to another vet, who did no follow up after it appeared to clear. I don’t think it had resolved so 2 1/2 months later he got another one.
For this one I will have another urine screening in 2 weeks. He has started to pee this morning as the antibiotics are working.
Once he feels better, I am going to transition him to wet food. This will be a challenge as he is not a fan

Tom

 

[Larry and Kitties]

He got a clear

How was this determined?
How specifcially did the vet determine that there was a UTI?

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I suspect what Larry is asking is whether the vet got a sterile urine sample by inserting a needle into your cat's bladder (cystocentesis) and then running a culture and sensitivity on the sample. The latter is a test to see what bacteria grows so the appropriate antibiotic can be prescribed. It's also helpful to have the process repeated a few weeks after the course of antibiotics has been completed to ensure that the UTI has, in fact, been fully treated.

If there are repeated UTIs, it's possible that your cat has a kidney infection. In this case, the infection is "hiding" and antibiotics need to be prescribed for a longer period of time.

 

[Mikey’sDad]

How was this determined?
How specifcially did the vet determine that there was a UTI?

The vet on call did a urine culture and stated there were lots of red blood cells , but did not mention bacteria, but put him on the antibiotic for his bacterial infection, same one he had in early November where there was bacteria.
My vet called today and said there was no actual bacterial infection but some ketones and high glucose.
She stated that the shot will not harm him but recommended diet change . She suggested a prescription kibble but I am following recommendations to transition to wet food which I started today. He actually ate FF pate, a first
There was urine output over the night and bowel movement. He still is making trips to the box.
I am to return in a week.
Now, I am more confused

thanks,
Tom

 

[Mikey’sDad]

I suspect what Larry is asking is whether the vet got a sterile urine sample by inserting a needle into your cat's bladder (cystocentesis) and then running a culture and sensitivity on the sample. The latter is a test to see what bacteria grows so the appropriate antibiotic can be prescribed. It's also helpful to have the process repeated a few weeks after the course of antibiotics has been completed to ensure that the UTI has, in fact, been fully treated.

If there are repeated UTIs, it's possible that your cat has a kidney infection. In this case, the infection is "hiding" and antibiotics need to be prescribed for a longer period of time.

Thanks, I guess I was a tad vague

 

[Larry and Kitties]

My vet called today and said there was no actual bacterial infection but some ketones and high glucose.

Ketones are BAD! What was level? Typically the levels are Negative, trace, small... Sometimes Negitive,+/_5(0.5), +15(1.5), ++40(3.9)... What does your vet say to do?

 

[Mikey’sDad]

She was not all that concerned. Basically she said we will work on diet. I have a phone call to her as I heard ketones and freaked but she was matter of fact . I am confused about this whole experience because he appears to be in antibiotics without bacteria just increased red blood cell.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I ketones were the lowest positive like trace then I would not just watch them. If the cats acts normally and is eating well then trace is acceptable since it ay be hard to differentiate between neg and trace.