Posts Tagged ‘bladder crystals’
Urinary Tract Infections Part 2
November 21st, 2009
I wrote part one of this post back at the beginning of the war of the UTI. I would have loved to have said that the first visit was the last. No, I’ve gone back three times since then and have one more scheduled for the end of this month. Two vet visit were regular re-checks to make sure the bacteria were eliminated. After the first re-check Emmala was prescribed a two week course of antibiotics and 4 a day herbal supplement.
My vet was very concerned about strange crystals in her bladder. She said that it was probably caused by the dry kibble she was eating and that she really needed to be fed canned food if not better. I figured canned food would be more inconvenient, so I decided to go all the way and just cook for them. After my vet visit, I realized that my dog would be sickly and prone to recurrent and chronic bladder infections as long as she was eating commercial kibble. While only a few ingredients in the kibble were affecting Emmala’s bladder problems directly, raising the quality of her food also help to support her entire system against disease and illness.
The last vet visit was a food consultation in which I was given the basics for home cooking.
Since the beginning of the war, I’ve come up with several conclusions.
1. If you have a UTI, just do the culture and sensitivity test. It is more expensive and takes a little longer but it will save you money in the long run if doggy has to go for a second course of antibiotics and check ups.
2. Try to get a morning appointment for bladder checks. Doggy has had all night to brew and won’t be over due either!
3. Pilling dogs takes practice.
4. In conjunction with an antibiotic, a bladder supporting herb will be helpful. Consult a doctor to make sure it is okay to give along with the antibiotic.
5. UTI’s are stubborn! And expensive.
6. Recurrent UTI’s may indicate that a diet change may be in order.
7. If I think of anything else as time goes by I will tell you!
