02-20-2010, 02:28 PM
02-20-2010, 03:30 PM
Hey everyone, we just got home from the vet. No blockage (thank god!) but urinalysis showed he does have a UTI. He was given an antibiotic shot and sent home, so I feel so much better! Amazingly the vet said to keep him on an apple cider vinegar routine, but I trust JanH more with Ragdoll knowledge so I'll be stopping that now. Its just a waiting game for Monkey to feel better with the antibiotics, they said to keep a close eye on him. Is there anything we can do preventatively from now on? They said that once they've had one their more likely to have a recurrence.
02-20-2010, 04:15 PM
So glad he got the shot instead of you having to pill him. Does he go back to get another? I know when Smoke had one, he had to go back two times for the shot. As for more likely to get it again??? I don't think once makes them prevalent to it. Smoke hasn't had another one and I didn't change anything for him. Hope that Monkey feels better soon.
02-20-2010, 05:03 PM
This one shot is it (I guess its new, he said they've been using it with a lot of success this past year) and its supposed to be a two week antibiotic. I'm so glad we didn't have to get pills as well, though we were given the option. They said the pills would be cheaper, but honestly I didn't think it was worth it! I think he's already feeling better, he didn't get much sleep last night and driving in the car always wears him out so he's been sleeping since we got home. I haven't heard him yowl again (which he did almost every 20-30 minutes last night).
02-20-2010, 05:22 PM
Yes, that's the shot Smoke had and I had to take him back in two weeks to get a second one. Guess the vet just wanted to be sure it was cleared up or something. I think those shots are wonderful now and I'm so glad they have them!
02-20-2010, 05:39 PM
You can go ahead with the vinegar. ; ) The issue would have been if there were crystals and what kind. If the vet examined him and thinks the vinegar will help, go with it. The problem is starting things on our own that can complicate it for the vet - and cat.
02-20-2010, 05:52 PM
I don't know what the thoughts are of Jan or the other breeders here, but I use a powder called Cranberry Relief. I sprinkle some on the boy's food once a day. I have a friend who's cat had repeated UTI's and was always having to feed C/D. She found out about the powder, and has used it for awhile now. Her cat has had no UTI's.
So relieved that Monkey is home and it was not more severe! Hopefully he'll be over the infection soon!
So relieved that Monkey is home and it was not more severe! Hopefully he'll be over the infection soon!
02-20-2010, 06:27 PM
I do not think it matters much. I would be a bit disinclined doing it for males for the reasons I noted. If controlling pH is a goal for you, then I think you are better off feeding a food like Royal Canin SO. It is for urinary tract health and includes pH control appropriate for both types of crystals. It can be fed to healthy cats who do not need the protection or treatment, so it can be free fed to adults.
02-20-2010, 06:32 PM
Herbal/natural remedies work by getting the body to 'fight' whatever it's intended to. Manufactured remedies contain drugs to do the job.
If you give natural remedies as a preventative it could be counter productive in so far as bringing on whatever it was intended to prevent, the body over produces the good bugs. If you are suceptible to certain conditions, it is best to minimise the amount of preventative you take, ie once a week/fortnight etc. Also the bad bugs can and do develope immunity or mutate to compensate thus causing more serious problems and making it harder to get rid of them.
It is far better to look at what triggers the UTI's, change in diet, stress, different treats etc. This will be easier as the cat is indoor only, with a free roamer it would be more difficult.
I gave my chickens cider apple vinegar in their water, it acts like a tonic, a pick me up and they liked the taste so by drinking more (because they like the taste) it would help flush out the cats system. But I would not give it on a daily basis, it contains acid which can cause an inbalance to his system.
I would seriously consider investing in a good water fountain in order to get Monkey to drink more, cats love them.
As with any preventative remedies, I would leave the gap between doses longer and longer each time until any symptoms develope, this will give you an idea of how much/how often to give them to your pets. The stuff you've been giving him hasn't worked and could well now be counter productive.
Hope he makes a quick and full recovery
If you give natural remedies as a preventative it could be counter productive in so far as bringing on whatever it was intended to prevent, the body over produces the good bugs. If you are suceptible to certain conditions, it is best to minimise the amount of preventative you take, ie once a week/fortnight etc. Also the bad bugs can and do develope immunity or mutate to compensate thus causing more serious problems and making it harder to get rid of them.
It is far better to look at what triggers the UTI's, change in diet, stress, different treats etc. This will be easier as the cat is indoor only, with a free roamer it would be more difficult.
I gave my chickens cider apple vinegar in their water, it acts like a tonic, a pick me up and they liked the taste so by drinking more (because they like the taste) it would help flush out the cats system. But I would not give it on a daily basis, it contains acid which can cause an inbalance to his system.
I would seriously consider investing in a good water fountain in order to get Monkey to drink more, cats love them.
As with any preventative remedies, I would leave the gap between doses longer and longer each time until any symptoms develope, this will give you an idea of how much/how often to give them to your pets. The stuff you've been giving him hasn't worked and could well now be counter productive.
Hope he makes a quick and full recovery
02-20-2010, 07:44 PM
I am so glad Monkey is ok