Pets - Bladder Problems
Inflammation of your pet’s bladder lining and urethra or the formation of urinary mineral deposits and stones is not unusual, particularly for a cat (see Allergies). Symptoms show up as increased frequency of urination, the appearance of blood in the urine and, in severe cases, extreme discomfort with straining and partial or complete blockage of the bladder.
Conventional veterinary treatment usually includes antibiotics, research shows that bladder problems are not caused by bacteria. Another common, but erroneous idea, is that the ash in food is responsible for urinary tract trouble. The latest findings show that ash doesn’t cause the problem; rather, it occurs because the urine becomes too alkaline. Some commercial foods now add extra acid to make the urine more acid. There are side effects from use of these acid formulations, however, and all they do is cover up the tendency to this problem without curing it.
Much of this problem originates in feeding pets poor-quality food with a resulting toxicity and excessive elimination load on the linings of the urinary system. Almost invariably, the first attack follows a history of feeding dry commercial foods over a long period. If you want to increase the chance of a bladder problem, feed dry food and leave it out all the time.
Once through the crisis, the condition is very responsive to diet changes and natural therapies, resulting in a stable cure rather than temporary relief.
Treatment
First change your pet’s diet. If it mostly centers on commercial foods, the condition is almost sure to recur. During the acute phase put the animal on a liquid fast, offering broth. For cats use a broth made from meat or fish. For dogs use vegetables and meat. You may add a small amount of natural tamari soy sauce to season it and to supply easily digested amino acids. In addition, prove pure water (without chlorine or fluroine) at all times.
After improvement or recovery, adopt the natural diet (see Dog Food or Cat Care, Feeding). Feed your cat twice a day, morning and evening. Don’t leave food out for more than 30 minutes. If she does not want to eat at these times, let a natural hunger develop until the next feeding time. This is very important. Frequent feeding alkalizes the urine, leading to formation of “sand” and “stones”. Cats, as carnivores. are meant to eat infrequently and fast in between.
For one month also use these measures:
Give vitamin C, 250 milligrams twice daily. This will help maintain an acidic urine, which makes mineral salts more soluble and counters the formation of crystals.
Increase the amount of vitamin E to minimize or prevent scarring of tissues that are healing. Add an extra 25-50 IU daily to your cat’s food.
Besides diet, see the treatments for cats, who are more prone to bladder trouble.