Urinary health in dogs and cats: treating bladder crystals

If your new puppy or kitten has "accidents," that is only to be expected. However, sometimes there is an underlying medical problem at fault. This was the case with our Shih-tzu puppy. We learned that she tends to form mineral crystals in her bladder, a condition that can lead to bladder stones. This problem can be genetic, with some breeds showing a higher incidence. Our pet was also prone to urinary tract infections. Obviously, we needed to get her on a healthy regimen right away.

The first line of treatment was a prescription diet. Foods that are high in protein tend to produce more crystals; alkaline diets have also been known to produce struvite crystals. So you might first work with your vet on trying one of these lower protein/low ash pet foods. Unfortunately, our dog couldn’t digest the prescription food, vomiting it up almost immediately. We tried a few other prescription diets, with equally unsatisfactory results. That led to an investigation of the whole-foods diet. There is some evidence that the grain content in commercial pet foods contributes to poor health. Ask a holistically-minded vet to recommend some unadulterated meats that be purchased frozen and defrosted portion by portion, or cook up a healthy meal in your own kitchen.

What greatly helped our dog was the lucky discovery of a product called Crystals Away, a Chinese herbal blend that comes in a powder and is administered twice daily, the dosage depending on the weight of the dog or cat. The formula is available from Whiskers, on East 9th Street in Manhattan; telephone contact 1-800-Whiskers. Our dog has been taking this preparation for eight years, with very good results. Another product intended to break down crystals and clear the urinary tract of inflammation is Nature’s Herbs for Pets Urinary Relief, available through that company’s website.

As with any condition, regular checkups and testing by a veterinarian will ensure that your animal is getting the best possible care. You should be aware that male cats with FUS are at particular risk of developing a condition in which the bladder crystals block the opening of the urethra. This is an extremely dangerous condition, and you should not attempt to diagnose it or treat it yourself. If your pet is not urinating normally, proceed immediately to the vet’s office or to an emergency care facility for animals.

If you are interested in a natural treatment plan, discuss herbal remedies with your vet. Our practitioner was surprised and delighted to learn that one of her small patients has found relief from an uncomfortable ailment.