Diet for struvite crystals - Page 2

Zwei, why did you do the urinalysis? Did you suspect UTI due to incontinence (could be related to DM) or was it just part of a check-up? I ask because often struvite crystals are found incidentally and assumed to be causing problems when they are not...

Thank You Zwei for your answer, yes, I did know a necropsy is needed for a difinitive DM diagnosis.. Unfortunately, I had to PTS my own dog because of the unrelenting progression of suspected DM.

Struvite crystals that present with an infection in dogs should be your only concern. Since the vet is addressing that possibility, and your dog is eating and drinking normally--the presence alone of struvite isn't too concerning...in dogs from what I have further researched and concluded. Like I implied before, my experience lies with a cat developing urinary crystals that caused blockages and were life threatening, needing emergency vet care.

As far as diet, you seem to have covered that with the cranberry and probiotics (yogurt). I would stop the manure eating but if that isn't possible then proper hydration and raw (moist food) feeding with your current plan of supplements should be fine. The special formula food would eliminate and prevent struvite crystals, however, without a UTI, there isn't the same worry for dogs as there is for cats and diet change isn't imperative.

Enjoy your dog as time allows.

Jenni - Did the urinalysis as her urine was smelling very strong. She is losing continence but when I had her outside on the harness she would attempt to squat but not much was coming out. She would pull with her front legs like she was done and start walking (while I held up her hind end) and then urine would start coming out -- kind of a delayed reaction. I wasn't sure if it was DM or UTI related so I did the urinalysis. She had a urinalysis back in May as part of her yearly and it was fine then.

Bee - Sorry to hear that you had a DM dog. I have a cart for her so she is still able to be involved in outside chores (which she loves). Will try to cut back on the manure but I'm sure she will still sneak a piece or two when I am not looking.

Seems like there were an awful lot of those crystals in her bladder. Vet thought there was a lot. His initial concern was that there might be stones. There were a few that were bigger but nothing to be concerned about now.

I think I will see how she is after the antibiotics and probably get the Mercola urinary tract supplement. If no improvements I might grit my teeth and try the Royal Canin or Hills diet for a couple weeks. I just don't want those crystals to get large and cause a blockage leading to surgery. I had to have a broken molar extracted from her and it caused the DM to take a huge jump in progression. I knew the anesthesia would probably do that but the molar could not be left in.

FWIW-My male Shepherd experienced a severe case of Struvite Crystals which we did eliminate by feeding the Hill Prescription diet.

Here is another thought:

As DM progresses, you will need to help stimulate (massage/pressure) her bladder to be emptied. She will have lost that feeling due to the progression of paralysis. That too, could be allowing crystal development if the bladder stays full, longer.

3Shep2 - Did you do before & after ultrasounds or was it just urinalysis? How long did you feed the Hills?

Zwei, my dog was doing that and it was TCC...ultrasound showed it. It could be a physical blockage or nerve issue due to progression of the DM. You may end up having to catheterize. :/   

ZweiGSD

The diet started addressing the issue immediately-checks were run every 30 days-I do not remember exactly when he was declared crystal free-something like 60-90 days maybe less.  As his issue was due to self limiting fluid intake/voiding due to my extended work schedule at the time I kept him on the diet until my recent retirement at which time he was switched back to the regular diet after another check.

The Struvite Crystal were confirm through urinalsyis.

I also fed a cranberry supplement for a time and I soaked the kibble between feedings to increase his fluid intake.

Deb