Momo has Struvite Crystals

[GuinnessStout]

This is the flavor he was on at that time..
High Prairie Canine Formula
with Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison
Grain-Free
Roasted Bison and Roasted Venison
Optimal Amino Acids
Antioxidants
Omega Fatty Acid Blend
Digestive Support System
Sweet Potatoes
Berry Blend
Tomatoes & Tomato Pomace
No Corn, No Soy
Chelated Minerals
A grain-free formula with sweet potatoes and peas provides highly digestible energy for your active dog. Made with real roasted meats, this formula offers a taste sensation like no other. Supplemented with fruits and vegetables, this hearty formula delivers natural antioxidants to help give your friend a healthy lifestyle. Your dog craves a taste of the wild. Go ahead and give him one.


Protein: 32% Minimum, Fat: 18% Minimum
Calcium: 2.1%, as-fed; Phosphorus: 1.4%, as-fed
Calories: 3,719 kcal/kg (370 kcal/cup) Calculated Metabolizable Energy
Available in 5lb, 15lb and 30lb bags.

Ingredients:
Bison, lamb meal, chicken meal, egg product, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, roasted bison, roasted venison, natural flavor, tomato pomace, ocean fish meal, salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, yucca schidigera extract, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product,dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D supplement, folic acid.

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by salazark

Sadie has been dealing with this since last April. She had a UTI, her PH was off and she had struvite crystals. The UTI was cleared with antibiotics but the PH was still off and she still had crystals. Her urine was cultured to confirm this. She was on medicine for the crystals but it didn't help. Eventually she went on Science Diet SD which is not a permanent food and it cleared. After we got them cleared, the vet gave me the choice of keeping her on a different prescription food for life or very slowly weaning her back to her regular food. I chose to wean her back to her regular food. We did it over a long period of time with regular urine checks. So far, she's back on her regular food with no problems but we're due to go have another check. It's been a long recovery but it can be managed.

What is Sadie eating now? What was the permanent prescription food your vet suggested?
I think I'll make an appt to go in during the weekend (fortunately, our vet hosp is open 7 days a week) if I can't get her on the phone. I need to know asap b4 the New Year's Holiday if he needs a urine culture done or not.
Hope Sadie continues to do well & her next test comes out neg for any crystals. Please keep us posted!

[GuinnessStout]

You know now that I think about it father and son were also going thru a lot of peanut butter during that time too but I keep forgetting to buy more hmmmm

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by diannenet

Speedy has had two UTI's in the past 18 months and both times had struvite crystals (no stones.) The antibiotic prescribed cleared it up both times. I now put Cranimals powder on their food once a day as it makes them thirsty and they drink more. Here's the link to their website. Organic pet supplement, pet cancer supplement, puppy supplement - Cranimals

It has definitely made her drink more and she LOVES the powder on her food. I was really surprised because she is a very finicky eater. The vet suggested I put her on the prescription food and said she could have absolutely nothing else. This dog loves her raw veggies as treats and I would have had to take that away from her as well. We are going the Cranimals route for now. I only put 1/8 tsp. on their food every morning. Like I said, it makes them thirsty which makes them drink more, which makes them potty more and keep themselves cleaned out. I'm not an "authority" on this stuff but for us it's working. Below is some information on Cranimals.

Cranimals™ whole food supplements and award-winning functional biscuits offer proprietary ingredients that you won’t find in any other pet product. Our cat and dog supplements deliver a powerful blend of cranberry, red raspberry and blueberry extracts which contain thousands of potent antioxidants - nature’s best defense against disease and aging. Our functional dog biscuits are cutting edge, delivering the most innovative health food ingredients, in a form especially designed for your pet. We never use any fillers, artificial colors, flavours or artificial preservatives in any of our products –that’s a guarantee. Cranimals™ will make tails wag! All CRANIMALS™ products are also Animal Wellness Magazine Approved – something that makes us very proud.

OUR BERRIES, OUR STANDARDS
All CRANIMALS™ products begin with high quality food-grade raw ingredients sourced directly from the farm. Our cranberry, red raspberry and blueberry extracts are certified organic in the United States, Canada, and European Union. Our ingredients are also BC Kosher certified (in case your pet may be wondering). If you choose certified organic whole food products for your pet's health, you also care about our planet's well-being. Organic farming is better for the environment, you and your family.

THE ANIMALS BEHIND CRANIMALS™
Every time you use CRANIMALS™ pet products you increase the health and vitality of your pet. For our part, we donate CRANIMALS™ and a percentage of profits to pet rescue and pet cancer research. If you would like CRANIMALS™ to consider supporting your favorite animal charity, email us at charity@cranimal.com.

What makes them thirsty? I looked @ the ingredients & it didn't specify...or maybe I missed it, I have multiple tabs open & was reading on & off for the past 8 hrs!
Hmmm I wonder if lack of sodium is missing from his diet, causing him to drink less. Canine Caviar (Duck) & THK (Chicken) doesn't have salt added to their food (it's not in the ingredient list anyway). When we go for walks, I take water w/me & he drinks a lot! Half of it gets spilled or gets all over his beard, but he does drink it.
Hope Speedy continues to do well!

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by GuinnessStout

This is the flavor he was on at that time..
High Prairie Canine Formula
with Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison
Grain-Free
Roasted Bison and Roasted Venison
Optimal Amino Acids
Antioxidants
Omega Fatty Acid Blend
Digestive Support System
Sweet Potatoes
Berry Blend
Tomatoes & Tomato Pomace
No Corn, No Soy
Chelated Minerals
A grain-free formula with sweet potatoes and peas provides highly digestible energy for your active dog. Made with real roasted meats, this formula offers a taste sensation like no other. Supplemented with fruits and vegetables, this hearty formula delivers natural antioxidants to help give your friend a healthy lifestyle. Your dog craves a taste of the wild. Go ahead and give him one.


Protein: 32% Minimum, Fat: 18% Minimum
Calcium: 2.1%, as-fed; Phosphorus: 1.4%, as-fed
Calories: 3,719 kcal/kg (370 kcal/cup) Calculated Metabolizable Energy
Available in 5lb, 15lb and 30lb bags.

Ingredients:
Bison, lamb meal, chicken meal, egg product, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, roasted bison, roasted venison, natural flavor, tomato pomace, ocean fish meal, salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, yucca schidigera extract, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product,dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D supplement, folic acid.

Yowzers, there's a lot of different proteins in this food, it's like a buffet lolll! I thought Fromm was busy. What is Guinness eating now?

Originally Posted by GuinnessStout

You know now that I think about it father and son were also going thru a lot of peanut butter during that time too but I keep forgetting to buy more hmmmm

teehee, I can see the peanut butter tongue action

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by BabyGirl Rosie

Jenny, home cooking was one of the best decisions I ever made for Rosie. I talked to Cathy (107barney) a lot before doing it. I actually enjoy cooking for my girls as I know exactly what they are getting. I too used Dr Rebecca Remillard. I think she is great.

I've chatted w/Cathy via PM about home cooking & she gave me all the info. I decided against it bc I'm too lazy & I don't even cook for myself. I am seriously considering it.

Originally Posted by LuvTaycieGirl

I just started home cooking for Taycie and I love it! I had a diet made by Dr. Remillard. It was well worth the money.

So happy Taycie is enjoying your cooking! I hope mine will too, I burn toast...seriously.

Originally Posted by Verbena

I am sorry to here about Momo. I can't help with this. Just sending good thoughts for Momo and hope that the vet gives you the answers you need. I would keep calling until you get those answers.

Thank you! Yes, I am going to call her 2morrow & if she can't talk, I'm going to make an appt to see her or my reg vet (if he's in).

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Struvite crystals in dogs are almost always caused by infection (even without symptoms). If no bacteria was seen on the urinalysis was a urine culture recommended? If antibiotics were started because of infection did the get say the food switch did not need to be long term?

Only antibiotics can treat the infections that cause struvites.
The urine should be dilute to help dissolve them. I think the standard of care is opposite of a mostly meat diet.
The pH needs to be lowered.

HK is sort of highish fiber, but nothing crazy. That should not be a huge problem and would not cause an infection in and of itself.

Find and treat the infection.
Get rid of the crystals even if that means a vet diet.
Go back to food you prefer when vet says it's ok.
Or talk to a vet nutritionist about formulating a diet...
jMO

Thank you so much Crystal, you've put it all in perspective for me.

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

So sorry to hear this about Momo but glad you are on the trail toward getting him the help he needs. Will be praying you find the best treatment for his saliva glands and his bladder issue.

Thank you! Poor monkey, I hope he's not in pain. He's always so on the move, very playful & funny. Just seeing him, you would never think he was sick or anything was bothering him.

Originally Posted by MY OSCAR

well i have no experience or advice in this area but just wanted to say i hope little momo feels better soon...

Thank You Oscar's mommy!

G'nite everyone

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

I've chatted w/Cathy via PM about home cooking & she gave me all the info. I decided against it bc I'm too lazy & I don't even cook for myself. I am seriously considering it.
).

Honestly, I put sweet potatoes in a crock pot and bake the chicken. Easy easy. I mix up two weeks worth and freeze it. Even if you burn toast you can do this! . Cathy has been a great resource for me. I am so glad you contacted her!

[GuinnessStout]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

Yowzers, there's a lot of different proteins in this food, it's like a buffet lolll! I thought Fromm was busy. What is Guinness eating now?

teehee, I can see the peanut butter tongue action

Same brand just different flavor... His fav and not ours because of the lovely puppy smells

Ingredients:
Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, canola oil, salmon meal, smoked salmon, potato fiber, natural flavor, salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, yucca schidigera extract, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D supplement, folic acid.

[salazark]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

What is Sadie eating now? What was the permanent prescription food your vet suggested?
I think I'll make an appt to go in during the weekend (fortunately, our vet hosp is open 7 days a week) if I can't get her on the phone. I need to know asap b4 the New Year's Holiday if he needs a urine culture done or not.
Hope Sadie continues to do well & her next test comes out neg for any crystals. Please keep us posted!

I can't remember the name of the long term food, but it was another Science Diet prescription food - the one for urinary health. The SD was a short term food for dissolving the crystals. All of mine used to be on raw but because Sadie is a therapy dog through Pet Partners (formerly Delta) all of them had to go off raw. The problem started a few months after going back on kibble but I'm not sure if it's related or not. Before raw they were on Orijen and that's what they are on now. I didn't want to have to feed her a different food than the others unless it becomes necessary. So far so good, but if the crystals come back, I'll probably make the permanent switch for her.

I agree - I'd feel better knowing exactly what you are dealing with. Sadie has also had an ultrasound to be sure that none of the crystals had formed stones. Luckily they hadn't.

[107barney]

I have old threads on this - I battled struvites in teddy for a while and spent a fortune on internal medicine, imaging and nutrition. At the end of the day the recommendation was to liquefy the diet. My vets were against cranberry juice or acidifying agents as they can cause oxalate crystals/stones. So we added defatted chicken broth and water. It worked.

[mimimomo]

Whoohoo! Just talked to the vet & Momo doesn't have an infection! What a relief, the heavy burden of worry has been lifted.
I am going to the vet to pick up some Hill's C/D canned, that is what she's recommending for now. I'll take Momo w/me to Petsmart &/or Petco 1st & pick his fav squeaky ball & check if they have the Hill's C/D there.

Thank you everyone for your input & well wishes. I'll sit & reply if needed (more like, ask more questions) when we get back. Momo sends kisses!

[Maximo]

Yay! I am happy to read the great news and I hope the food will fix those crystals quickly.

Have fun picking out your toy, Momo!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

Whoohoo! Just talked to the vet & Momo doesn't have an infection! What a relief, the heavy burden of worry has been lifted.
I am going to the vet to pick up some Hill's C/D canned, that is what she's recommending for now. I'll take Momo w/me to Petsmart &/or Petco 1st & pick his fav squeaky ball & check if they have the Hill's C/D there.

Thank you everyone for your input & well wishes. I'll sit & reply if needed (more like, ask more questions) when we get back. Momo sends kisses!

Just wanted to tell you I'm sorry, and hope you find a diet that works, glad Momo doesn't have an infection!

[DvlshAngel985]

Kaji has this too. Will Momo eat lettuce? Iceberg lettuce is mostly water. Kaji is not a good water drinker but he loves lettuce.