If you have ever had a urinary infection then you know how miserable it is: the burning, the stinging, the difficulty passing urine. Cats and urinary infections are very much like you and urinary infections...just as unhappy as you are.
Urinary infection in cats is common, unpleasant, often chronic, and potentially deadly. In the case of a very bad bladder infection, with blood in the urine and inflammation of the bladder and urethra, there is a possibility of long term damage or death if the infection goes untreated.
Male cats are particularly endangered by the problems of cats and urinary infections. Their longer, narrower urethra is likely to close off entirely due to inflammation, clotted blood in the urine, or because of crystals in the urine caused by underlying conditions.
Why are cats and urinary infections such constant companions? The most common cause has to do with metabolism and pH. If, instead of an acid pH, your cat's urine is low pH, or basic, calcium crystals can form, creating a jagged, irritating stone or grit in your cat's urine. The grit irritates the walls of the bladder and urethra, creating a harboring environment for bacteria.
A rarer but similar condition occurs with normal and high pH urine, so when dealing with urinary infections in cats do not rule out crystal involvement only on the basis of a low pH reading. A final common cause of urinary infections in cats is diabetes. The raised sugar levels in the urine provide an attractive breeding ground for bacterial infections.
How to treat cats and urinary infection.
When your cat has a urinary infection, the first thing to do is get him to a vet immediately. The condition can quickly prove fatal. Your vet is your immediate ally. He is likely to take a number of tests, including a number based on urine samples. Your vet is also likely to prescribe one of several antibiotics.
As a diagnosis becomes more certain the antibiotic may be changed, a special diet prescribed, and a long-term health plan put together to prevent infection from becoming a chronic issue.
At this time you may want to discuss the possibility of natural treatments to augment the immediate prescription treatment and to support the health of your cat.
How can I protect and support my cat's bladder health?
There are some simple ways to protect your cat from bladder and urethral problems. Urinary infection in cats is often encouraged by metabolic issues related to diet, which affects both urinary pH and metabolic balances. Your vet can recommend a number of dietary.
Make sure your cat has constant access to fresh, clean water, too: the more water your cat drinks the more dilute his urine will be, and the less chance there is for crystals to form or bacteria to flourish.
Some vets and pet care specialists recommend natural and homeopathic supplements to treat and prevent urinary infections in cats. Discuss the use of any products with your vet, then look for products containing such medicinal herbs as Arctostaphylos uva ursi, Berberis vulgaris, Cantharis and Staphysagris. These ingredients can have antibacterial and antiseptic effects, reduce inflammation, and may support the immune system to help prevent UTIs in cats.
Cats and urinary infections will probably always be associated. However with medical treatment, dietary support, and appropriate natural supplements, there is reason to hope your cat can lead a life free of the more serious problems that can be found when dealing with urinary infections in cats.
Discover Natural ways to prevent urinary infection in cats. I have researched the best homeopathic remedies which can prevent and keep your cat healthy. Visit Natural Pet Cures to find out more information
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Shelly
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment