willowchow
Posted : 9/23/2009 11:10:15 PM
Willow's had struvites in the past. We finally ended up doing an urine culture to find out what antibiotic would treat it. We did an extended dose of that and finally it cleared for good. But, until they did this, the infection kept coming back on her.
I don't know. I'm first to say stick with the prescription for the month for sure. They can retest and see if they've cleared up once he's done. That said, they never once put Willow on the prescription diet for crystals.
What they did have me do was an all canned diet, NO kibble, I leave water all over the place, frequent trips out to pee so she's not holding it, you can also add unsweetened cranberry juice to the water if he'll drink it like that. Willow wouldn't touch it. But, she's very fussy.
IF, IF you do go back to kibble you need to call the company you choose and ask them what the target urine Ph is for the food. Anything over, I THINK--double check me on this--6 is going to be too high for struvites. I'll save you some trouble, don't bother with Wellness. My dog started the problem on that and I think 2-3 past members here had the same problem. Of course, they could of reformulated by now, but just so you know.
Hope this is helpful. It's a little late so let me know if I can clarify anything.
Lori
PS-I've done homecooking too. And, it's quite a commitment. Asided from the concerns you've mentioned you will need to balance calcium to phosphorus. If you do homecook definately add water to it so it's like a soup. The more water he takes in the better for him.
I found rather than homecooking using a canned diet and adding my own fresh meats, cottage cheese, yogurt, etc. worked much better--easier for me and she eats well.
Also, the company Solid Gold makes a cranberry powder that I used and it worked great.