Cat with urinary issue - any ideas? Update #2 pg 3

[OvertheHenHouse]

I'm so sorry about your dog, and about your cat. What you're describing sounds like cycstitis and I've had two cats who had it - one who showed crystals and one who we treated based on symptoms so I don't know whether he had crystals or not. He was three also and exhibited all the behaviors you've described. He was put on pain meds (not sure which - we used them all up and I don't remember what we got but it worked really well). We also got Buprenorphine (.2cc orally preloaded in a syringe 3-4 times per day for sedation / antispasmodic) and Clavamox (62.5mg tablets orally twice per day).
If it is cycstitis, once the cat becomes symptom-free it will not remain that way unless you change the cat's diet. Royal Canin makes a dry food specifically for urinary tract health. I believe it's called SO (I know it by seeing the packaging but your vet should be able to confirm - it's by rx only at your vet's office). Among other things, the food has a slightly higher salt content so makes the cat drink more, which is vital to keeping the cystitis at bay (your cat's symptoms showed up when she was deprived of water - pretty much a sure sign). On the good news front, my guy was peeing normally in the box within 24 hours of getting the meds. Keep the litter box especially clean for the next few days so he won't avoid it. On the bad news front, we have to buy prescription food for all three of them because they eat from the same bowls, and we have to change the cat box more often because everyone pees more as a result.
Cystitis can be deadly - it's hard to treat and even harder to keep at bay. We were told our cat might die if he didn't respond to the meds, as NovaAman wrote below (I'm so sorry for your loss, NovaAman). Hope this helps - good luck and let us know how she does.

 

[OvertheHenHouse]

PS - if you'd like me to call my vet for the name of the pain med, I'd be happy to do it. I'm on PST - just post back and let me know.

 

[OvertheHenHouse]

Was wondering how the cat was doing -

 

[jtbrown]

A little better, no blood now, I had her boxed up for a while, dog kennel and no blood, I let her out, had a good day yesterday. Have vet appt Friday at 5 so will go over things with him, then, if still no better plan will probably seek another opinion. Waiting til Friday was not ideal but I work 8 to 7 weds, Thurs this week. She is actually sweetening up during this whole process, I think she knows we are trying to help, not a friendly cat in general, in fact petting her is a privilege I get maybe a few times a month. But have had to handle her much more lately.

 

[OvertheHenHouse]

That's great news, especially about the increase in the friendliness factor!

You've really had a tough time with your pets recently. I hope all continues to go in the right direction - please keep us posted.

 

[NellaBean]

I also like to give canned food.....the more they drink, the more fluid passes through their system....which means they pee more often, meaning the fluid stays inside less time and has less time to create crystals. And since they are passing more urine, better chance to flush the boogers out when smaller too.

I have a cat with urinary issues. We were able to deal with it by increasing water intake via canned food and changing water dish.....which seemed to get it under control...

 

[FarmGirl01]

I've had the same problem. Change the diet. There is a lot of cat food with UT health on the lable. Shouldn't have any problems after the diet change. I used Science Diet.

 

[Orchid]

Quote:
I have done the same, plus I mix some extra water in with the canned food (it's just extra gravy to the cat - and that's his favorite part). It has worked well so far.

 

[86121]

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[jtbrown]

Ok, spent lots of time at vet's today. He got urine sample and no bacteria just blood. So, he thinks sterile cystitis. We are trying amitryptiline, helps w anxiety and bladder nerve pain. Also switching to C/D food. He thinks one or other will work but did note her urine ph was good, not real high like with chronic cystitis.

In addition having a bad flea year (my first problem with fleas since my parents had infestation one year in the 80's.) So, using revolution for cats and comfortis with dogs.

He thinks the problem may be partly stress as she is not a good coper with stress as she is an odd tempered cat, her best buddy dog just died and the fleas. So will do some behavior mod - move/add litter box and try Meds and new food.

Keep your fingers crossed, she may not be a friendly cat, but certainly not a mean cat and I would like to keep her.

Vet seems like willing to work through this, but states he is a Generalist and if it gets more complicated he recommends a specialist. I really like our vet, he is a country guy but seems up on things, understands a sensible approach without going all high dollar but has always mentioned the best of the best is xyz, we can go that way if you'd like or try this way first,which I appreciate.