Struvite crystals are the most common type of canine urinary tract crystals. Dog struvite stones or crystals are frequently associated with dogs who suffer from urinary tract infections and result from bacteria and mineral deposits that accumulate in the urinary tract. Antibiotics . Where a bacterial cause of cystitis has been diagnosed. Symptoms will usually improve after a couple of days of the dog having antibiotics. It’s important that the entire course of antibiotics is completed to help prevent the infection from returning or becoming resistant to antibiotics. Once any dog has developed struvite stones, it is considered at high risk of a recurrence. Water is considered an important if not the most important nutrient in avoiding this. Special diet or food additives. Often these are used to alter the urine acidity, reduce the presence of factors needed for stone formation or to encourage drinking to help dilute the urine. This will discourage the formation of urinary stones or dissolve small ones already present. The diet required will depend on the kind of stones found in your dog and your veterinary surgeon can talk through options and make recommendations.

The EU-registered strain Enterococcus faecium (DSM 10663/ NCIMB 10415) 4b1707acts to reduce pathogenic bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract and the faeces thereby limiting bacterial colonisation of the perineum. As your cat ages, they may feel more vulnerable toileting outdoors, and may prefer not to be exposed to potential threads. The indoor environment may make them feel safer and may also help owners to detect urine abnormalities, such as an increased frequency of urination or blood in the urine. Step-free access to the litter tray may also make it more accessible. 9. Stress Large shallow bowls enable your cat to look around them when they are eating and drinking. Many cats also do not like their whiskers touching the sides of the bowl. A saucer is perfect as a food bowl; it allows access from any angle. It is also useful as a water but may be easier to spill when being filled! 6. Water sources Proanthocyanidins (Type A PACs) - Proanthocyanidins are naturally occurring powerful antioxidants extracted from the North American cranberry. Type A PACs have been shown to inhibit the ability of E.coli to attach to the urothelium, thereby preventing bacterial adherence, colonisation and infection Control of any underlying disease. This may be long term medication for conditions such as Cushing’s disease and diabetes to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Prostate disease may be controlled by chemical or surgical castration. Bladder tumours can be medicated to slow their rate of growth.You should encourage your dog to drink more water. This is considered key to preventing further dog struvite stones. Encourage your dog to drink as much as possible by including a flavour enhancer in his or her water bowl if necessary. Cats’ kidneys can begin to fail as they age and unfortunately, with chronic kidney disease, there is no cure. However, an early diagnosis and careful management can help to improve the quality and length of your cat’s life. Cats with chronic kidney disease tend to be older than those with FLUTD. Clinical signs include: Proanthocyanidins (Type A PACs) - a naturally occurring powerful antioxidant extracted from the North American cranberry. Type A PACs reduce the ability of certain bacteria attaching to the bladder lining. While some studies suggest that as many as half of all dogs may have a small number of crystals in their urinary tract, most will never show symptoms. They will remain healthy and their crystals undiscovered unless their presence is revealed by a urinalysis. Symptoms Proanthocyanidins are naturally occurring powerful antioxidants extracted from the North American cranberry. Type A PACs have an anti-adhesion affect, this means they help to reduce the ability of certain bacteria to attach to the bladder lining.

Improvement in digestion– probiotics have been shown to increase the efficiency of digestion and therefore provide an improvement in digestion. Try to reduce your cat’s stress levels. You know your cat best and what might cause them to be worried but there are a number of general things that you can do to help. Hiding places can make cats feel safer. For example, boxes or covered space in each room. Pheromone therapies, such as a Feliway or Zenifel diffuser, release odourless calming pheromones, which help cats to feel reassured. Unfortunately, feline pheromones do not have a positive effect for all cats but are very safe to use and definitely worth trialling. The EU-registered strain Enterococcus faecium (DSM 10663/ NCIMB 10415) 4b1707 acts to reduce pathogenic bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract and the faeces thereby limiting bacterial colonisation of the perineum.As already mentioned, many dogs never display any symptoms of having struvite stones. They are often only discovered during routine physical examinations relating to other health conditions. Urinary tract supplements can help prevent inflammation and improve resilience to infection. Talk to your veterinary surgeon about options available, they include; Cystopro, Cystaid.