UTI and lower pH Levels

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Hi DK Family,
Charli had what I though was silly string attached to her inner hind legs. Not so. It was mucous from a UTI. She has had 2 urine tests - both had crystals. She finished 2nd round of antibiotics. Thought UTI had cleared up - no mucous. No such luck. Mucous again today.
I finally started googling - came up with that I have to lower her pH levels. Asked the animal nutrionist. He suggests no dry - RAW - the starch in dry food.
this is his response to my question to him:
No dry food, have you talked to your vet about the antibiotic "Antirobe" I think that's it. My female also had this for about 6 months when she was a pup that antibiotic kicked it out and then I switched her to a raw diet.
I would love feedback about this. Any other suggestions?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think there may be some confusion here. Females often get vaginal yeast infections when on antibiotics in part because of the elimination of good along with pathogenic bacteria. Vaginal infections are common in puppies. You can change the pH of urine. (This is how some of the urine-caused lawn spot prevention products work but it is not usually a good idea to use these since they make the urine more alkaline i.e. higher pH). Cranberry capsules can be opened and sprinkled on food and this may help prevent bladder infections. Diet is not the cause of UTIs. They are overwhelmingly caused by bacteria ascending the urethra. Since females have short urethras nearer to the anus they are more prone to UTIs than males. True for dogs and humans. Dog urethras actually open in the vagina which is an even poorer design than we have.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Spent my sick day doing lots of reading on Struvite crystals (which Vet confirmed today that is what Charli has). So much to read and try to decipher.
I think this article explains it the best.
Of course, my Vet did not do a culture much less a sterile culture. The urinalysis showed no bacteria says the vet.
And of course, he recommended CD for her. I told him I didnt like what they put in it. He tells me his cats have been on it for life and they live a long life. He didnt berate me for my choice but he said to try it my way and I could always try the CD if I need to.
I am still researching what to cook for her and what not to give her. They both had chicken, broccali and I cooked up cranberries I had in my freezer (not sugar added - UGH) but they both were very happy.
Is there too much I can give them for the cranberries?
Thanks again, I appreciate all the input!!
A

http://easytospot.blogs.com/easy_to_spot/2009/01/struvites-crystals...

[F, Calla & Luca]

This article was written by a phD in Natural Health--not sure what this is. I agree that you need to treat urinary tract infections expeditiously and effectively. Although a urine culture and sensitivity would be ideal I personally would not subject my dog to this unless a chronic problem is present. You can't easily--if at all--collect a "clean catch urine sample from a female dog. Catheterizing them is difficult so the way apparently to get the sample is to put a needle through the abdominal wall into the bladder. I would empirically treat the infection by trying to pick the antibiotic most likely to clear the infection. It's true once you treat you can''t get an accurate culture. But I think the odds are pretty good you'll find the most common bacteria and the antibiotic will be correct. I did this recently with Calla. I don't agree with what the author says about food. Whatever kind just feed a good food. Water should be readily available and I don't restrict water at all except after Calla goes into her crate at night. a dog eating dry food will just drink more water.If some reason for more water exists-like diarrhea, I'll let the dog have water at night too. don't know about the cranberries but too much of any one thing may not be good. I'll try to find a good article.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I mix the Cb's into my rice & veg mixture and probably in a serving they might get 4-8 of them. Some days more, some days less. Keep reading b/c we have to be the advocates for these monkey's and it's time we become the experts on feeding them just like we did when our children were little. Like Karen is the expert on allergies, you need to become the expert on Struvite Crystals. I guess my claim to fame is homecooking but that is only because they killed my dog and I vowed to never let it happen again.

[Adina P]

This article sounds reputable to me and busts some 'natural' myths about food and acidity: http://vettechs.blogspot.com/2005/05/so-your-dog-has-struvites.html

[Adina P]

And of course good ol trusty marvistavet: http://marvistavet.com/html/body_canine_struvite_bladder_stones.html

[F, Calla & Luca]

I read this but I felt thatt he emphasis on a C and S was too great. It is of course the gold standard. For a first or second infection I'd treat--in fact I did-- and hope for the best. The Mar Vista article is about struvite stones, which develop with chronicity. Charli just had some crystals as I understand it. Hopefully all will resolve after adequate treatment.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

2 rounds of antibiotics - still has muscuous hanging from her after she pees. I have given them both lots of homemade chicken broth (made with nothing but chicken and water) to make sure they both drink lots. That worked like a charm. Still mucous hanging (pretty visual, isnt in)

I am going to stick with this for a couple of weeks and see how it goes. Obviously something is going on even if the infection cleared up with the antibiotics. Maybe the extra broth and cranberries will help. I am also goig to meet with the animal nutritionist and see hat additives he can offer to help.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Maybe this is a vaginal rather than a urinary tract issue. It sounds possible to me. The female dogs urethra opens into the vagina so this might explain why you see the mucous after she urinates.