Struvite crystals now oxalate crystals

[merrym100]

I have been treating my 9 month old yorkie for a bladder infection and struvite crystals. She was taking antibiotics and put on Hills Science Diet. Today I took another urine sample in and now they tell me that her bladder infection is gone as well as the struvite crystals but now she has oxalate crystals. What could be going on? In the middle of all this, she had an ear infection and they put her on prednisone. The internet says that prednisone could cause oxalate crystals. Does anyone have any advice for me?

[107barney]

Originally Posted by merrym100

I have been treating my 9 month old yorkie for a bladder infection and struvite crystals. She was taking antibiotics and put on Hills Science Diet. Today I took another urine sample in and now they tell me that her bladder infection is gone as well as the struvite crystals but now she has oxalate crystals. What could be going on? In the middle of all this, she had an ear infection and they put her on prednisone. The internet says that prednisone could cause oxalate crystals. Does anyone have any advice for me?

Oh boy. I think you and I have talked about crystals before but only struvites and we talked about the uro-eze and such. Oxalate crystals are different - you cant really dissolve them. They will turn into stones so the goal is to minimize more crystals from forming in the diet. The breed is also prone. I would avoid any vegetables like spinach and green beans that are higher or moderate in oxalates. But, since your dog has been on the S/D diet, that would not cause oxalates. Our breed is just prone.

Question - did they recommend an xray of the abdomen to make sure that there is no stone? Also what kind of blood work have they done to rule out metabolic causes of the stones? Did they do a wellness screen?

[merrym100]

No, they didn't recommend an x-ray. They didn't do or recommend any blood work. I am going to find a new vet. It seems as if every time I have a problem and get a different vet at the clinic. The Dr. today just told me to keep feeding the Science Diet and bring in another urine sample in a month. I am so frustrated.

[107barney]

Good plan - here is a link to some AAHA vets in your area.

AAHA-Accredited Hospitals

[merrym100]

I don't know if I should still feed her the Science Diet C/D because I wonder if that is what caused the Oxalate crystals. She had never had that type of crystals until after she started eating this food. She won't eat the food by itself so I have been pouring chicken broth over it. I also see that cortisone could cause this type of crystal and that is what the Vet gave her when she had an ear infection. Any opinions? After the holidays I am taking her to a new Vet. I just don't know what to do until then.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by merrym100

I don't know if I should still feed her the Science Diet C/D because I wonder if that is what caused the Oxalate crystals. She had never had that type of crystals until after she started eating this food. She won't eat the food by itself so I have been pouring chicken broth over it. I also see that cortisone could cause this type of crystal and that is what the Vet gave her when she had an ear infection. Any opinions? After the holidays I am taking her to a new Vet. I just don't know what to do until then.

Well if it were me, I'd probably keep feeding the C/D diet because that is not likely the cause of the oxalate crystals.

I think it is important to do some basic blood work on Winnie so that you can rule out some other things that might be causing these problems. The C/D diet is made for urinary problems and bladder issues. I also think with calcium oxalate crystals, you should consider having an abdominal x-ray done to make sure there are no stones.

I think you should not worry so much and enjoy the next week and then just move forward with your plan for a new vet. Of course, if Winnie shows any signs of discomfort or any blood in the urine or anything like that, do not wait and go to an ER vet immediately.

[thumpercakes]

Originally Posted by merrym100

I don't know if I should still feed her the Science Diet C/D because I wonder if that is what caused the Oxalate crystals. She had never had that type of crystals until after she started eating this food. She won't eat the food by itself so I have been pouring chicken broth over it. I also see that cortisone could cause this type of crystal and that is what the Vet gave her when she had an ear infection. Any opinions? After the holidays I am taking her to a new Vet. I just don't know what to do until then.

Hi there...I am going through the same thing with my yorkie. He had what they thought was struvite...now it sounds like oxcalate. I am very confused about the diet. He is extremely picky. He is eating the Royal Canine Urinary dry food. However, he only eats little bits. I would love a homemade recipe that he would eat that would at least minimize the crystals from forming. If you came across any great advice, I would love to know...thanks!

[LilAnnCamp]

Royal Canin SO helps with both types of stones. I agree with xrays and complete senior/sickie bloodpanel.

[Schooby]

Originally Posted by thumpercakes

Hi there...I am going through the same thing with my yorkie. He had what they thought was struvite...now it sounds like oxcalate. I am very confused about the diet. He is extremely picky. He is eating the Royal Canine Urinary dry food. However, he only eats little bits. I would love a homemade recipe that he would eat that would at least minimize the crystals from forming. If you came across any great advice, I would love to know...thanks!

Can you get the Royal Canin urinary SO canned to mix with the dry food? My boys had struvite crystals earlier this year, and this is what we did for about 6 months until they cleared up.