Natural therapies for cats urinary problems Copyright (c) 2008 The Naturally Healthy Pet.com
Introduction: Urinary problems are becoming more common in cats. Lower urinary tract (LURT) problems are related to diet, while renal failure increases with maturity and is more common in older cats.
The urinary symptoms may include more frequent visits to the litter box for cats, weight loss, loss of appetite, and excessive drinking, and blood in the urine is common.
Stress and Cystitis: Emotion-induced cystitis in cats is related to chronic nerve stimulation, with excessive release of neurotransmitters and reuse. Anti-depressants work by blocking the reuse of the neurotransmitters 5-HT. Other methods of stress reduction, such as promoting relaxation and uninterrupted sleep, and moving the litter box for cats to a quiet area, will also help.
Natural Defenses: There are several ways in which the physiology of the cat reduces the chances of infection LURT, making these rare, although more common in women. It is natural, beneficial bacteria in the urethra, which, by their very presence to prevent colonization by pathogenic bacteria. Mucus in the bladder to stop pathogens from becoming invasive, although mucus and urate crystals can cause painful blockage of the urethra in male cats. Antibodies are released into the urine to help the defense against pathogens, and urea and urinary acidity reduce bacterial multiplication. secretions of the prostate in males have antibacterial properties.
Most urinary tract infections cats do not seem to be caused by bacteria, but it is possible that they are viral in nature.
Problems in the urinary tract: These include genetic abnormalities, injury, infection, poisoning, poor nutrition, age-related chronic kidney disease, tumors, cystitis induced by stress, and mineral deposits - struvite and calcium oxalate
Conventional treatment: It is now estimated to not need a low protein diet in chronic kidney disease. Manage uraemia (excessive urea in the blood, a consequence of renal failure) instead of maintaining nitrogen balance, reducing dietary phosphorus and a medium protein diet. Anti-oxidants are important to free radicals (which damage the membranes of kidney cells), reducing damage to the kidneys, for example from lipids and triglycerides in the blood.
1-2% of the population suffers from a cat lower urinary tract disease (LUTD), and they are more likely to be fed only cat food and dry. Aim to reduce urinary density <1.020, eliminating urinary tract infections (UTI), and maintain a pH between 6.00 and 6.40. alkaline urine causes formation of struvite crystals, while acidic urine is more prone to calcium oxalate crystals. crystals of potassium chloride may be given to adjust the pH, and broad spectrum antibiotics to reduce UTIs.
Urethral blockages are more common in men as their urethra is anatomically narrower. These can be managed by flushing the urethra clearly under general anesthesia. large stones can be removed surgically. Incontinence can be helped by drugs that help the bladder muscle. A complete blockage requires surgical intervention within 48 hours or the cat can die from renal failure.
Complementary Treatments: Many cats with LUTD recover within a week without any specific intervention. Encourage owners to feed wet rather than dried foods, as cats are naturally almost their entire liquid intake from food such as mice. Ensure fresh water is always available. avoid scented cat litter.
nutritional therapies: Avoid dry food standard (but note that dietary habits are developed early, and can be difficult to change). Supplement canned cooked meat and fresh vegetables cooked pureed. If calcium oxalate stones have developed, to reduce protein, calcium and sodium in food a.
Posted on February 13, 2010.
