Ragdoll Cat Forums

Sorry that I have not been on the new forum much. The computer crashed, requiring new. At the same time my older raggie, Sara Blue has been ill.

Sara Blue is my 4 year old raggie. I noted on Tuesday that she was going to the litterbox frequently, sitting for a long time and only going tiny amount (if any) each time. She has had issues with urinary tract infections in the past (3 in the last 1 1/2 years).

Off to the vet we went. No temp, urinalysis obtained. The vet did a quick check in the office before sending urine sample off to the lab. Noted crystals in the urine. Sent home with Valium (help with straining/frequent urination) and Clavamox.

As the vet saw crystals in her urine, and the fact that this is the third UTI in a short period, it was also recommended that I switch their food (I also have a three year old raggie, Analiese). I was feeding Wellness Indoor. I was told to switch to Science Diet c/d.

No problem giving the Valium, Clavamox is another issue, however, I have been able to get her to take it. Getting the girls to eat the new food is not a problem (I am giving Sara Blue wet, gradually transitioning their free-fed dry). Unfortunately, Sara Blue has now developed BAD diarrhea.

I started adding pumpkin to their food to help "firm" Sara up.

Follow-up phone call with the vet today. She stated that lab urinalysis showed crystals and elevated protein, however, no bacteria. She stated that I definitely need to switch the girls to the c/d food (already being done). I mentioned Sara's diarrhea and she thought that it was probably related to the Clavamox. As there was no bacteria in the urinalysis, she suggested that I stop the Clavamox, continue the Valium. She also suggested that I try to increase the girl's water intake. Unfortunately, I have tried using water fountain in the past and all they did was sit and look at it.

I will continue to free-feed them the c/d food, and will give Sara wet c/d twice a day. Sara is still straining some, however, less and less each day. I will also continue the Valium for another 6 days (complete prescrip as directed by vet). I am to take her in to the vet in 1 1/2 weeks for follow-up exam and another urinalysis.

I am calling on all the "experts" here on the forum. Does the above sound "appropriate"? Any other suggestions? Support and help much appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi Karen,

I am sorry that I cannot lend any advise. I just wanted to say I'm sorry to hear that Sara Blue is not well and sending best wishes for a speedy recovery.

She is such a beautiful girl. I know that soon you will be getting great advise from some of our experts here.

Yes.

If they do not like the SD, then consider Royal Canin SO. Because of the kidney issues, wet food is a good precaution, but you may need to use dry, or some dry, and these prescription foods are also available in dry. Better to keep them on the prescription food and use dry rather than a wet non-prescription choice.

I don't have any information either, but I"m so sorry to hear about Sara Blue. To up her water intake I wonder if you can add water to her wet food to make it even more watery, if she'll eat it?

(11-26-2010 04:12 PM)JanH Wrote: [ -> ]Yes.

If they do not like the SD, then consider Royal Canin SO. Because of the kidney issues, wet food is a good precaution, but you may need to use dry, or some dry, and these prescription foods are also available in dry. Better to keep them on the prescription food and use dry rather than a wet non-prescription choice.

JanH,
As recommended by the vet, I am gradually transitioning the girls to the Science Diet c/d prescription dry food. Also, so as to boost Sara's water intake, she gets 1/4 can of Science Diet c/d wet daily. Luckily, both girls are liking the new food.

---

Clarification ~ I realized after I posted the original thread, I should have explained FLUTD. It stands for "Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease".

I also want to thank everyone for their kind thoughts.

Aw, Sara Blue! So sorry you guys are going through this, Karen. I don't have any good experience or advice on this subject, but it sounds like you are getting some good help. Purrs from Gandalf to his sister Sara. And hugs from me.

Sorry you are going through this! My last kitty a calico, had this issue starting at 3 yrs, the vet put her on UR & Hills cd dry & wet. I remember she didn't eat for days & finally gave in, she lived to be 21 yrs. Good Luck

Kris and CARagMama ~ Thank you for the kind words.

Kris ~ Sara Blue passes on thanks and love to her brother, the Mighty Wizard Gandalf. She also wants him to know that she is feeling better. The Valium makes her feel verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry melllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllow!!! She also feels special in that she gets wet food, and Analiese does not.

Karen, It sounds like you are taking excellent care of Sara Blue. I hope she continues to do better.

Sorry to hear about the problems you have been dealing with. My boy Solo, who is only 19 months old was also diagnosed with FLUTD because within the first year of his life he had what we thought were UTIs but later found he had crystals.

He was on Royal Canin S/O wet only for 3 weeks straight, then dry and some wet for another week or two, and now I am starting to mix his normal dry food back in with the dry S/O and feeding him his regular wet food, and occasionally will still feed the wet S/O. He's been eating his regular food mixed with S/O for a good month or two now, heck maybe even longer, and has been perfect.

Sounds like you are doing everything you can, and good job for noticing the litter box symptoms