#1
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18 yr old cat with kidney stones
My (N) male cat has two stones in his left kidney. He had bladder infections in 2006 and July 2008. This January, he had problems again, but the culture and sensitivity test indicated that there was no infection. His pH has never been over 7 in his last three urine tests. As far as I know, the kidney stones are a recent development as they were not seen in the July ultrasound.
He has eaten wet food his entire life, but refuses to eat prescription food (2 kinds Science Diet, Waltham, and Purina UR). I also bought Wellness CORE, Evo, Before Grain and Homestyle, which he also refused to eat. The vet recommended acidifying his regular food (Fancy Feast and ground chicken breast). I have L-Methionine but I have not added it to his food yet because I am concerned that the stones may not be struvite. I'm also concerned about partially dissolving a stone and the stone getting stuck. The vet said I could acidify the diet *or* wait a few months and re-ultrasound to see if the stones get larger. The vet did not suggest surgery due to the age and condition of my cat. I'd like to do something for my cat but I don't want to make him worse. I would greatly appreciate some input, please. |
#2
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How is his kidney function otherwise? Another reason not to use an acidifier would be if he has CRF, as it can compound the excessive acidification that sometimes goes along with it. Were there crystals present in the urinalysis?
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"To close your eyes will not ease another's pain." ~ Chinese Proverb “We must not refuse to see with our eyes what they must endure with their bodies.” ~ Gretchen Wyler |
#3
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Here is some background on stones. If your vet doesn't reccommend surgery than I would be diligently checking my kitty's ph level as sugarcatmom suggested. Also a quality canned diet with added water will also help. The best is a natural raw diet, but depending on your kitty that may be very difficult to do.
I hope your kitty is not in pain. http://www.peteducation.com/article....+1402&aid=2729 Another link, this emphasizes the importance of knowing which stone is present: http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/Page...struct_Web.pdf
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Cat maid to: Rose semi feral, a cpietra rescue, female tabby (approx 13 yrs) Jasper RIP (2001-2018) Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014) Puddles RIP (1996-2014) Snowball RIP (1991-2005) In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb “While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey |
#4
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I just had a thought, are you feeding your cat a lot of fish Fancy Feast flavours? If so, it might be a good idea to try eliminating fish from his diet. Maybe a food with better quality ingredients like Wellness or Innova Evo 95% or Nature's Variety Instinct (or raw, as Love4himies suggested). Fish consumption can be a contributing factor for kidney/bladder/urinary tract problems in some cats.
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"To close your eyes will not ease another's pain." ~ Chinese Proverb “We must not refuse to see with our eyes what they must endure with their bodies.” ~ Gretchen Wyler |
#5
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No, it's a guess that they are struvite. |
#6
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I've given him Wellness CORE, Evo, Before Grain and Homestyle. He either flatly refused or ate a few bites and refused to eat any more. He eats ground chicken breast but I don't like feeding him that because it isn't nutritionally balanced. I give him chicken when he refuses everything else. :sad: |
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