Feline owners all over the world often consider meds for urinary tract crystals in cats, and with good cause. Surveys suggest that as many as 1.5 percent of felines in the US will, at some time or another, come down with a feline UTI (urinary tract infection). The number is even higher in other countries. Japan, for example, has a rate of nearly 9 percent. With such a large population of the feline world experiencing these problems, it is no wonder that owners are interested in the various meds for urinary tract crystals in cats.
Note that crystals form into small stones. Another names for buildup in the urinary tract is the formation of uroliths. Cystitis is a condition that is inflammation of the bladder, which can be caused by stone formation.
The use of medications for feline urinary stones or bladder stones is often considered the first line of therapy in some cases. But it should also be kept in mind that many pets are able to recover without the use of prescription meds for urinary tract crystals in cats. The only person who can really make this important decision is your vet. As soon as you suspect your pet may have a problem, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Some of the signs that your pet may have a problem include the presence of blood in its urine, noticeable difficulty in urinating, increased frequency, and urinating in places outside the litter box.
One of the first things your vet will do before prescribing any type of drug is conduct a physical exam. The vet will need to determine if there is any type of obstruction. An obstructed urinary system can be very dangerous and it needs to be ruled out right away. Thankfully, most cases do not involve an obstruction. Your vet will normally order a urinalysis to check pH level, blood, infection, etc. If something abnormal is found, other tests, such as blood test or ultrasound, may be ordered.
If after the exam and tests your veterinarian feels drug therapy is needed he or she has several options. One drug known commercially as Feliway, has been shown to have a calming effect on felines. Stress is often the number one cause of UTI's in felines. Reduce the stress and you reduce the health problem. Other meds for urinary tract crystals in cats include amitriptyline which is used to reduce the level of pain and can also reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids can also be prescribed as a way to help reduce inflammation. Other meds for urinary tract crystals in cats are pentosan polysulfate, and in some cases the vet may order glucosamine. These are sometimes used to help heal any damage that has occurred in the lining of the bladder.
Alternatives to Conventional meds for Urinary Tract Crystals in Cats
The body naturally fights the accumulation of crystals via the bodies normal urge to urinate. Prevention of crystals is therefore dependent on the frequency of urination and the makeup of the urine itself. To increase urination consider adding more moisture to your cats diet through canned food. Make water readily available, even if you place more than one water dish in the house.
Also consider a natural supplement that is designed to maintain a normal PH in the urine. There are products that can be found by clicking the link in the author resource box with one such product. Another alternative is to try a prescription diet made to help prevent the formation of urinary stones. These products, such as Hill's Prescription Diet s/d are only available from your veterinarian.
As you can see, your veterinarian has many options when it comes to prescribing the proper meds for urinary tract crystals in cats. But none of this takes place until you take your pet to the office for testing. Make that appointment as soon as you suspect a problem.
Jeff Grill is an editor of the Cat Health Guide and has written on many feline health problems. See this site for more information on meds for feline urinary crystals treatment options
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- Should You Use Pharmaceutical Or Natural Meds For Urinary Tract Crystals In Cats?
- Cats - Maintaining Urinary Health While Avoiding Future Urinary Tract Conditions
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