More is known today, than ever before about urinary tract disorders in dogs and cats. The possible causes, treatment and prevention regimes now considerd diet, feeding and environmental issues.

Common clinical signs include urinating with greater frequency, straining or urinating outside the litter box.

If a total urinary tract blockage occurs, immediate veterinary attention must be sought.

There are several different types of disorders that can affect the urinary tract and these fall into two primary groups, Crystals (stones) and 1nfections.

In the Crystals (stones) group, the two most common sub groups are: Struvite, made up of magnesium ammonium phosphate, these thrive in a urinary tract which is too alkaline (or not sufficiently acidic). Calcium Oxalate, these crystals form when the urinary tract environment is too acidic (or not sufficiently alkaline).

Struvite crystals were formerly the most prevalent type to affect cats in particular and in response, many manufacturers developed "acidifying" diets designed to dissolve the struvite crystals and discourage their future development. However, this change in many diet formulations is thought to be partly responsible for the recent increase in the development of calcium oxalate. The two types of crystals now occur with almost equal frequency.

More recent research indicates that strongly acidic diets may actually do more harm than good, particularly if fed to cats who are not actually affected by struvite formation, as they are then at greater risk of developing calcium oxalate.

Treatment and Prevention.

The only way to be certain which type of crystal is affecting a cat or dog is veterinary examination or testing. Treatment and prevention should be planned accordingly.

On a pH scale, 0-7 is acidic, 7 is neutral and 7-14 is alkaline.

Try to buy foods with the fallowihg pH. of Dry and Canned Dog and Cat Foods.

Dry Dog Food ph 5.4 -5,6.

Resultant ph of Urine is 6.4- 6.6.

Canned Dog Food ph 6.05

Resultant ph of Urine is 6.08.

Dry Cat Food ph 5.5

Resultant ph of Urine is 6.5.

Canned Cat Food ph 6.1

Resultant ph of Urine is 6.2.

Since acidifying the pH of the food (and hence, urinary tract) is no longer thought to be the optimal strategy, a 'moderate' or very slightly acidic food pH is now indicated to give a urine-pH of just below neutral, which should not affect or encourage the formation of either type of crystals.

Reduced magnesium levels are also indicated for animals prone to crystals, although this mineral should never be eliminated completely from the diet.

Calcium to Phosphorus ratios should be balanced. Increased water intake is recommended, particularly for the prevention of future crystals.

Canned food is a good option, as it contains up to 78 % moisture, as opposed to the 10% moisture found in most dry foods.

Other treatment should be geared to the exact type of crystals or stones that are present.

Cranberry extract or vitamin C is often recommended for struvite, as these substances are acidic.

We found that many companies use vitamin C in the form of sodium ascorbate. Some companys do not add sodium (salt) as dogs and cats do not require an excess of this mineral in their diets. For calcium oxalate crystals, other veterinary treatments are available.

Urinary Tract infections may result from insufficient water intake and are most commonly caused by the bacteria, E.coli.

There is a substance in cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and blueberries (Vaccinium myrtilus) that has been shown in a number of clinical trials to prevent the adhesion of E.coli to the bladder wall and urethra. If the bacteria are unable to attach, they are washed out of the urinary tract during urination and an infection cannot develop.

Increased water intake will assist in flushing out infections and can be achieved by feeding a canned food which can contain up to 78 % moisture.

Extra cranberry juice may be added to the food or drinking water as an additional aid in the prevention of UTI's and struvite crystals, but care should be taken to avoid those products with added sugar, corn syrup or other fruit juices which can negate the cranberry's acidic beneficial effects.

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