Urinary Track problem

[Sev]

Hey guys its been a while.

Just keep everybody up to speed. Neither of the cats are diabetic. Kitty who was, passed away 2 years ago this past July 4. Not from diabetes. He was in full remission.


One of our new furry friends that has adopted us. Shadow specifically. Has recently been having a urinary track problem.
I have had him to the vet for a round of antibiotics. Which I was leery of.
I have also been treating holistically using UT Strength and Natural Pet, Urinary Track Irritations. Between the 2 they contain many of the suggested herbs to ease the problem.

I have done quite a bit of reading on the net. However I would like to hear from anybody that has had some real world experience in solving the problem.

At the moment due economics reasons we are splitting cost and feeding some dry. Wellness Original. Which has the lowest carb content of the dry.
We are also feeding Wellness canned and Taste of the wild.
There appears to be no ash or high potassium in any of the products at least that I can tell from the ingredients listed.
However my feeling is I will probably have to eliminate the dry from the diet.

Please note. Both cats are avid hunters and eating everything from small mice to squirrels and rabbits.

Any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated. My little 16lb fella appears to be in some discomfort.

Thanks guys.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Hey Sev, nice to see your name on the board again, but sorry for the reason. I know we have shared Dr. laura's website with you before, but here it is again. www.catinfo.org. She has a complete section on urinary tract issues that might help.

 

[Sev]

Hey Sev, nice to see your name on the board again, but sorry for the reason. I know we have shared Dr. laura's website with you before, but here it is again. http://www.catinfo.org. She has a complete section on urinary tract issues that might help.

Thanks.
Perusing that was on my list of things to do.
Taking a urine sample over to the vets to have some tests run this afternoon.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I doubt you can get a sterile sample. A sterile sample is needed to determine a UTI.

 

[Sev]

I doubt you can get a sterile sample. A sterile sample is needed to determine a UTI.

True. The sample I got was when he was peeing on a paper bag. At least it was not on the floor or from a the litter box.
I am going to get pricing on a C & S test.
Wish I had known about Convenia prior to taking him in a couple of weeks ago. That is what he had a shot of. I'll have to question the doc about giving another round of antibiotics so soon.
I believe Clavamox is what they were talking about on the phone.
No pain medication was mentioned.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

It is very likely that the C&S will show positive because of the way you collected the sample even there is not UTI

 

[Sev]

It is very likely that the C&S will show positive because of the way you collected the sample even there is not UTI

No what I meant is having a direct draw from the bladder.

 

[Sev]

Here is the analysis from last month.
I should have the new one tomorrow.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

The urine analysis shows crystal, stuvite and amorphous. They could be irritating the bladder causing the red blood cells which were also reported.
Acidifying the urine will dissolve and prevent struvite crystals. However, if you over acidify you can get oxilate crystals which are not dissoluble.
You can purchase Dl-methionine and acidify the urine with that. Discuss with a vet of how much to use.

 

[Sev]

The urine analysis shows crystal, stuvite and amorphous. They could be irritating the bladder causing the red blood cells which were also reported.
Acidifying the urine will dissolve and prevent struvite crystals. However, if you over acidify you can get oxilate crystals which are not dissoluble.
You can purchase Dl-methionine and acidify the urine with that. Discuss with a vet of how much to use.

I'll check into that.

I also notice that it says "Bacteria none seen".

I passed on the antibiotics for now. I want to see if the test comes back sterile.

Also they gave me fluoxetine to ease his feeling of need to go.
Prozac for cat and dogs?

I am going to see about making some tuna water to trick him into drinking more to flush out his bladder.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I used to have one cat on fluoxetine because he was aggressive and biting my other cats.

 

[Rachel]

I can tell you that my cats were having constant UTIs...for a bit. I started putting some Apple Cider Vinegar in their food and we've been free and clear since (knock on wood). Of course, I can't tell you if it will work for other issues...if you've got crystals I don't know if that works. Anyway, maybe google it to see if it helps? It's an idea to start with at least...

 

[Sev]

I can tell you that my cats were having constant UTIs...for a bit. I started putting some Apple Cider Vinegar in their food and we've been free and clear since (knock on wood). Of course, I can't tell you if it will work for other issues...if you've got crystals I don't know if that works. Anyway, maybe google it to see if it helps? It's an idea to start with at least...

Thanks Rachel.
It was one of the thing I had looked at. From what I have read it appears to be effective when dealing with excess bacteria.
It has acetic acid as well as others in it. Didnt see anything about dissolving crystals. 1/4 tsp seems to be recommended dosage.
I also see a recommendation for 500mg Ascorbic Acid vitamin C to acidify the urine and dissolve the crystals

 

[Sev]

Ok.
I cant get the Fluoxetine down his throat even with a shooter. Almost lost a finger. As they said in Monty Python, "E's got big teeth".
Going to mix with water and try shooting it.

Has anybody used Turmeric or Curcumin to control inflammation in cats?

From what I am reading the is very good for both cats and dogs. 1/4 tsp per 10lbs seems to be the dosage.

 

[Sev]

Here are todays test results.

 

[Sev]

I used to have one cat on fluoxetine because he was aggressive and biting my other cats.

I tried shooting the fluoxetine using a syringe and water.
He promptly puked up what he ate. I'll wait till morning to try again.

I started force feeding him Bragg apple cider vinegar and Vitamin C.

I think he may be blocked though. I have to call the vet first thing if he does not pee some time tonight. I have him locked in the bathroom so he does not go somewhere odd.

He really is in a lot of discomfort. I feel really bad for him.

 

[BJM]

Is he dehydrated?

Is he able to keep any water and food down?

I wouldn't wait on the vet; the bladder can burst and you'll have a very sick, if not deceased, cat.

 

[Sev]

Is he dehydrated?

Is he able to keep any water and food down?

I wouldn't wait on the vet; the bladder can burst and you'll have a very sick, if not deceased, cat.

Damn I hope not. There is not much I can do. Its a long ride to the nearest place that might be open.
He ate a mixture of cat food, apple cider vinegar and vitamin C 2 hours or so ago. Lots of liquid involved.

 

[Sev]

Is he dehydrated?

Is he able to keep any water and food down?

I wouldn't wait on the vet; the bladder can burst and you'll have a very sick, if not deceased, cat.

He also had another UT Strength chew recently.

 

[Sev]

Is he dehydrated?

Is he able to keep any water and food down?

I wouldn't wait on the vet; the bladder can burst and you'll have a very sick, if not deceased, cat.

We made it through the night. Shadow does not appear to have been able to urinate to any great extent.
Cant be sure if its a blockage or inflamation that is causing the problem.
The vet opens at 9 but people on on the premises by 8.
I am going to see if they will give him an anti inflammatory.

 

[Sev]

Shadow is now at the vets.
He will be staying for about 3 days. He has been catheterized to drain the bladder and catheterized keep him hydrated.
The blockage was large and has been removed.
It was mucus and various other materials from the bladder walls.
Thankfully stone formations are not part of the problem.

I am glad I am not in NY anymore. The price compared to there is very reasonable.

 

[BJM]

I'm glad you got him in and it wasn't stones.

Be prepared for the vet to recommend prescription food ... that will be high carb and pricey. Cat Info has some notes on urinary tract health.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Did they find any crystals in the "sludge"? Struvite crystals were reported in the urine analysis you poster in a previous reply.

 

[Sev]

I'm glad you got him in and it wasn't stones.

Be prepared for the vet to recommend prescription food ... that will be high carb and pricey. Cat Info has some notes on urinary tract health.

LOL.
He already mentioned that to me.
He has no idea what he is in for.
We all know that the MD label does not necessarily mean better.

I am pretty sure it is the change in diet and not environment that is the source of the problem.
Shadow has been with a year and about a month so far.
About 6 months ago we switched from Instinct dry to Core Original formula dry. For the first 6 months he was eating Instinct to supplement the Wellness wet food. No problems what so ever.
However much like with Kitty the dry will now be given the heave ho.
If the my little beauties are not satisfied with the Wellness wet or Taste of the Wild, they can go back to hunting squirrels as they did prior to showing up. Its a much better diet anyway. Just going to have to deworm more often.

 

[Sev]

Did they find any crystals in the "sludge"? Struvite crystals were reported in the urine analysis you poster in a previous reply.

The second round of urinalysis showed crystals.
Its posted above.

Hopefully the change in diet and an increase in Ph will control that.
If not its Bragg organic apple cider vinegar and vitamin C supplementation.