Winston
December 28th, 2009, 07:39 AM
Since both Tabitha and Bomber have been diagnosed with this I am wondering if anyone has an opinion on treatment other than drugs? I have read a few things and the standard form of treatment is the Amitryptaline pills. I for one can only pill Bomber and I was hoping to find something other than medicating them.
Some of the articles refer to using SLippery Elm Bark which I did not realise was used for this kind of thing.
I am just looking for opinions. What adds to the frustration is that you may see pee once..then not for a month etc...its so varied and not regular and no pattern to this behaviour? I have had both checked out medically.
Most recently with Bomber on a recheck of his urine they indicated he still had a small amount of bacteria in him but nothing to worry about??? the vet solution is the drugs...here is a link I was reading and wondered if anyone has used these items. They can be purchased at the health food store.
http://www.ehow.com/way_5631531_herbal-treatment-feline-cystitis.html
Couchgrass
Couchgrass is the most commonly used herb for cystitis in cats. The herb has properties that provide a tonic and disinfectant for the cat's urinary tract. The herb also has anti-inflammatory and diuretic qualities. The herb may help to lessen the cat's pain when the pet is urinating. This is especially helpful in cats with cystitis. The more often the cat can be encouraged to urinate, the more quickly the condition will resolve. Many cats will hold their bladders because of the burning pain they come to associate with urinating. Tea or tincture is usually used for administering this herb to cats. Cornsilk, marshmallow root and slippery elm bark are other common herbs used in a similar manner for treating cat cystitis.
Cranberry
Just as in humans, cranberry may be helpful in healing and alleviating the symptoms of cystitis in cats. Cranberry prevents bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall. Some cats will lap cranberry juice from a bowl and others will not. Cranberry juice can be mixed with a particularly palatable meal, such as canned tuna fish. And, there are cranberry capsules available in health food stores that might provide a more effective way of administering the medication to some cats. A 250 mg per day dosage of these capsules is usually recommended for cats with cystitis.
Some of the articles refer to using SLippery Elm Bark which I did not realise was used for this kind of thing.
I am just looking for opinions. What adds to the frustration is that you may see pee once..then not for a month etc...its so varied and not regular and no pattern to this behaviour? I have had both checked out medically.
Most recently with Bomber on a recheck of his urine they indicated he still had a small amount of bacteria in him but nothing to worry about??? the vet solution is the drugs...here is a link I was reading and wondered if anyone has used these items. They can be purchased at the health food store.
http://www.ehow.com/way_5631531_herbal-treatment-feline-cystitis.html
Couchgrass
Couchgrass is the most commonly used herb for cystitis in cats. The herb has properties that provide a tonic and disinfectant for the cat's urinary tract. The herb also has anti-inflammatory and diuretic qualities. The herb may help to lessen the cat's pain when the pet is urinating. This is especially helpful in cats with cystitis. The more often the cat can be encouraged to urinate, the more quickly the condition will resolve. Many cats will hold their bladders because of the burning pain they come to associate with urinating. Tea or tincture is usually used for administering this herb to cats. Cornsilk, marshmallow root and slippery elm bark are other common herbs used in a similar manner for treating cat cystitis.
Cranberry
Just as in humans, cranberry may be helpful in healing and alleviating the symptoms of cystitis in cats. Cranberry prevents bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall. Some cats will lap cranberry juice from a bowl and others will not. Cranberry juice can be mixed with a particularly palatable meal, such as canned tuna fish. And, there are cranberry capsules available in health food stores that might provide a more effective way of administering the medication to some cats. A 250 mg per day dosage of these capsules is usually recommended for cats with cystitis.