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Here is another email I just got I thought that you guys may enjoy reading it. I know I did.

Veterinary Secrets

*September 1, 2005*..........................*Issue#012*


*Andrew Jones,DVM*

*TREATING URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS!!*

Greetings from Nelson BC!!

Welcome new subscribers to the 12th issue of Veterinary
Secrets!

Urinary tract infections are common problems of pet health.
Treating and preventing them are important aspects of
quality pet care. This disease is also known as Feline Lower
Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). It affects the bladder (not
the kidneys), resulting in the production of tiny crystals
and blood urine. The cat often urinates much more frequently
than normal, usually with the passage of only a few drops of
urine. This is often confused with constipation. This
disease will cause many cats to urinate in places other than
the litter box, often on hard surfaces such as tile floors,
countertops, sinks, and bathtubs. They should not be
punished for doing so.

*CAUSES*

We are not completely sure of the cause of this problem.
Bacterial infections are the most common cause of cystitis
in dogs and humans, but most cats with cystitis do not have
bacteria in their urine. Early neutering of male cats and
feeding of dry cat food have been proposed as potential
causes, but these have been disproved as initiating factors.
It is true, however, that many dry foods may aggravate the
problem after it begins. A herpes virus has been
incriminated and someday may be proven to be the cause.
Despite extensive research, the cause remains elusive.

*SIGNS*

Most cats with cystitis exhibit blood in the urine and
discomfort in urinating. The discomfort is usually mild but
can become much worse if it is not treated. Female cats may
develop ½ inch diameter stones in the bladder that must
usually be surgically removed. Male cats may develop enough
crystals in the urethra (the narrow tube carrying urine out
of the body) to cause an obstruction. This obstruction
prevents elimination of urine from the bladder. If the
obstruction is not relieved within 48 hours, most cats will
die from kidney failure and the retention of toxins that
were not removed by the kidneys. Because the urethra is
relatively larger in the female cat, the emergency posed by
complete obstruction is almost always limited to male cats.

Each cat with cystitis is treated according to the changes
in the urine (pH, crystals, blood, etc.), the type of
crystals present, the presenting clinical signs (straining,
increased frequency, etc.), and the presence or absence of a
bladder stone or urethral obstruction.

If neither a bladder stone nor urethral obstruction is
present, proper medication will generally relieve the
discomfort. A urinalysis is necessary to determine the
proper medication. A special diet, explained below, will
help to dissolve some of the crystals in the urine and
hasten recovery.

If the cat has an obstruction of the urethra, a catheter is
passed into the bladder while he is under a short-acting
anesthetic. The catheter is frequently left in place for
about 24 hours. The cat is discharged from the hospital when
it appears unlikely that obstruction will reoccur, usually
1-2 days later. If he is experiencing kidney failure and
toxemia, intravenous fluids and additional hospitalization
are needed.

Many cats have a recurrence of cystitis. This is one reason
that a virus is suspected as the cause. It is also the
reason that a proper diet should be fed in the future.

*SOLUTIONS*

*SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.* If your cat is straining to urinate
and not producing any urine, it is imperative to have him
examined immediately. He may be blocked with a bladder stone
and may need emergency care. It is a good idea to have urine
checked for any urinary tract problems; you are then able to
use the appropriate remedy knowing what the specific problem
is.

*VITAMIN C.* This acidifies the urine and may prevent the
recurrence of bladder stones and bladder infections. Start
with a low dose of 100mg per 10 lbs daily.

*CRANBERRY.* A traditional home remedy used for people with
recurrent urinary tract infections. The beneficial effects
are from the acidification of the urine and by making it
more difficult for the bacteria to adhere to the bladder
wall. The dose of the juice is 1ml per lb daily, the dose of
the tablets, such as Cran Actin is ½ capsule per 10 lbs
daily.

*CLEAN WATER.* You want your pet to drink as much as
possible, and the chlorine will often deter adequate water
consumption. Give your dog or cat filtered water to
encourage drinking and avoid the chlorine.

*KEEP CLEAN.* Some dogs will pool small amounts of urine
around the folds of their vulva. Keep this area clean by
clipping the hair and wiping with an anti-septic solution as
needed. This will limit the bacteria that may ascend up the
urethra.

*STRUVITE STONES.* In most cases of bladder stones and
bladder infections the goal is to acidify the urine; this
prevents the recurrence of the most common bladder stone,
struvite. Diets higher in protein are more acidifying;
specific veterinary diets are designed for acidification. A
higher protein home-made diet is also suitable. Use all the
prior remedies to accomplish acidification.

*OXALATE STONES.* In a small percentage of animals the type
of bladder stone is called calcium oxalate, which forms in
acidic urine. If this is your pets problem, then the goal is
to make the urine more alkaline. This is performed by
lowering protein levels, and by adding a supplement,
potassium citrate.

*FLUID.* In all cases of infections or stones, additional
fluid intake is mandatory in treatment and preventing
recurrence. For cats, I suggest feeding only canned food.
For dogs, add water to their dried food.

Dr Andrew Jones...

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