Struvite Crystals

I need some info on this topic. My 1 yo neutered male, Mason, has these very bad. He had them last fall, and they are currently bothering him again. We went to the vet today, and he has to stay overnight (I miss him!), but it's for the best. The vet looked at him, couldn't squeeze and pee out of his bladder. She did tell me his penis is very red and inflamed, which may be caused by these dang crystals in his urethra. I just would like some info on this. Such as...anyone else had problems with this before? Is it something we'll be batteling forever? Are there any natural remedies? What really causes this? Is it his food, stress, what? Mason and I thank you!

Kristl

I have heard of this so much.Thankfully none of my cats have ever suffered with this. I know that for repeaters, there is a surgery that can be performed but it is not without its risks. You want your cat to eat low ash, low magnesium food and many pet food companies now make foods that fall into that category.

He was on Hill's Prescription Diet c/d. I know there has to be a better food out there, I just can't find it! We are on a budget. I'm a student, working full time, and taking care of 4 animals. So, while they get the best vet care and the nutrition they need, I'd like to find a way to cut costs without cutting corners, if that's possible. My animals are everything to me, so I'd NEVER not give them the best because I couldn't afford it. I find ways, but I know there's better products than Hills. Which, feeding them better, higher quality food, means less illness and costly trips to the vet!

My cat didn't suffer from urinary issues, but when I needed an alternative to Hill's Prescription Diet w/d for a diabetic cat I cared for, I looked into the Purina Veterinary Diets and ~really~ liked their d/m formula - I know they also have a urinary health formula - why not ask your vet to research it for you. If he is unwilling, then might be a good idea to look for another vet.

Best of luck,

~gf~

Mason is back from the vet. It wasn't the struvite crystals, it was a bad UTI, but I wonder if the struvites played a part in that... He's on Clavamox 2 times a day, and special cat food again, but he seems to feel better and is glad to be home, I am sure! Thanks to everyone who replied with great advice!

Hi,
I am so sorry I missed this yesterday I'm glad your fellow is home and was not obstructed. While I'm still learning, I have to disagree re low ash and low magnesium being the goal - as I understand it more recent research shows the more important factor re struvite crystal formation is urinary ph.
I am going to list two articles for you - one by a vet (from 2001 so a little outdated), and one from a site that I respect, though I do not feel feeding raw is the only answer - it is still a good page with good, factual info.

Article one discusses magnesium and ash in the diet, and article two - a vet discusses the non-obstructed cat with flutd and discusses why low ash is no longer considered a key factor, goes into discussing struvite crystals and flutd, and gives some key info - need for increased water intake (one reason why canned food is better, imo), reducing stress, NOT free-feeding as a way to help keep ph levels, level...and more.

I have a kitty with the other kind of crystals - calcium oxalate, so I can really empathize!

hth,

The first vet I took my cat to said he didn't have crystals, he just had idiopatic cystitis. The second vet claimed my cat has struvite crystals. He has been put on a special dry food Waltham's SO.
I don't know if that is going to help or not.

Originally Posted by 3catmom

I need some info on this topic. My 1 yo neutered male, Mason, has these very bad. He had them last fall, and they are currently bothering him again. We went to the vet today, and he has to stay overnight (I miss him!), but it's for the best. The vet looked at him, couldn't squeeze and pee out of his bladder. She did tell me his penis is very red and inflamed, which may be caused by these dang crystals in his urethra. I just would like some info on this. Such as...anyone else had problems with this before? Is it something we'll be batteling forever? Are there any natural remedies? What really causes this? Is it his food, stress, what? Mason and I thank you!

Kristl

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I went thru the same thing with my male cat last year 2004, and after months of tests, and urine samples, finally the determination was made to change his food to a prescription food for one month to disolve the crystals, after 1 month I brought my vet another urine sample to make sure all the crystals were gone, they were, so at that point my cat was then switched to another prescription food to maintain the no crystal in his urine status.
He should stay on the prescription food for the rest of his life. Hopefully that will help you.

I went thru the same thing with my male cat last year 2004, and after months of tests, and urine samples, finally the determination was made to change his food to a prescription food for one month to disolve the crystals, after 1 month I brought my vet another urine sample to make sure all the crystals were gone, they were, so at that point my cat was then switched to another prescription food to maintain the no crystal in his urine status.
He should stay on the prescription food for the rest of his life. Hopefully that will help.

I vote also, for keeping your cat on the prescription food for life. PERIOD.

The pain and the suffering your cat goes through with these crystals is horrible. And as you know - it can be deadly within 48 hours.

My cat, Snickers, a 14 y.o. male, went through this earlier this year. I almost lost him. He'd never had an issue before --- but I had taken him in from a previous owner who had fed him very bad things. The food change and environmental change (going from an abusive home to my loving and wonderful home) apparently caused his crystals.

He has NOT blocked up in the last 4 months due to being fed a special diet! I know the hills CD is expensive, but think about it; the vet's bills and saving your beloved pet from the pain he'd endure, is well worth it.

Snickers has not blocked up since; granted, he's been spoiled rotten beyond belief and well the diet change apparently has saved his life.

I wish you luck... those crystals are horrible things to deal with. Keep us posted!

Originally Posted by 3catmom

He was on Hill's Prescription Diet c/d. I know there has to be a better food out there, I just can't find it! We are on a budget. I'm a student, working full time, and taking care of 4 animals. So, while they get the best vet care and the nutrition they need, I'd like to find a way to cut costs without cutting corners, if that's possible. My animals are everything to me, so I'd NEVER not give them the best because I couldn't afford it. I find ways, but I know there's better products than Hills. Which, feeding them better, higher quality food, means less illness and costly trips to the vet!

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My cat has been on Waltham's SO (dry food) for couple of weeks now.
THe ingredients look a bit better than for Science CD. If you want the list, I can list the ingredients. It's presciption diet also, and supposedly works for both struvite and oxalite crystals. He has been doing o'key so far.

I had a cat that had crystals and he is one Science diet c/d and he has not had any problems.He may need to be put on food with medicine. My vet told me it could be from litter, water he drinks or his food????? But I am not sure. That is very life treatening for him. I hope you get it under control. I bet you miss him. Also the science diet is expensive and the vet told me they have to be on it the remander of there lives. If they eat something else the come the chance of getting it again?????

Originally Posted by gayef

My cat didn't suffer from urinary issues, but when I needed an alternative to Hill's Prescription Diet w/d for a diabetic cat I cared for, I looked into the Purina Veterinary Diets and ~really~ liked their d/m formula - I know they also have a urinary health formula - why not ask your vet to research it for you. If he is unwilling, then might be a good idea to look for another vet.

Best of luck,

~gf~

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Why were did you need "an alternative to Hill's Prescription Diet w/d. My cat is eating this for weight loss and pancretitis.