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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / January 2005Mingy's home: initial observations
Mingy is home! He went to the potty and urinated almost immediately. I ended up letting him choose whether he wanted to use his old one or a new one, and he used the old one. He later came back and lay down in the potty two times. I wonder whether his urethra is bothering him after being catheterized for a while? Unfortunately, he was wet from having been bathed, and now he has litter on his hind paws. I tried to get some off, but he became impatient. (He needed to be bathed because he peed all over himself instead of getting out of the safe box to use the litter box. :-( Can you imagine how frightened a fastidious cat would have to be to resort to that?) I saw he was having trouble getting into the potty and at first thought that was because of his bandaged front leg, which is where I assume they had the IV. BUT now I think he has a problem with his hind leg. Any obvious reason why that might be? He even looked like he could not jump up onto the bed, although he has gone up and down the stairs a few times. :-( Ming did not eat the whole time he was in the hospital--so he has not eaten for at least two days. Obviously that concerns me. He has not eaten or drunk anything yet, but we have only been here for about an hour........... I am making a list of questions and observations and will call the hospital with them this afternoon.  SignatureJean B. Hi Jean, Just a quick note (I'm at lunch,) glad Mingy is home! He has not eaten for 2 days? Did they send you home with some A/D food? It's prescription food, if you haven't heard of it. Try some of that on your fingertip, many cats will eat that when they won't eat other things. I'd also try meat baby food (with no onions,) and tuna or sardine wet cat food. The stinkier the better. I think a big priority right now is to get some food into him. Hope he's feeling better tonight! Rhonda > Mingy is home! > Hi Jean, > [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > > Mingy is home! No A/D. He finally took a few licks of gravy from some canned food, but then someone whom Mingy is scared of came, and that was the end of that. What bad timing! He seems not at all interested in his dry food. I will give him more wet food tonight. Are those suggestions okay for a cat who was just rid of lots of struvite crystals? I did run out and get him some ice and a new fountain. Also some Lactaid (but I need to find out whether THAT is contraindicated). I am pretty concerned about this lack of eating. I hope those few licks he took are just the beginning. If he gets up and goes downstairs again, I will get him some fresh food and try to encourage him to eat. SignatureJean B. Hello Jean, I don't know about what is good or not good for struvite crystals, you might ask the vet is there is anything that should not be fed. Unless your vet specifically tells you a certain kind of food is dangerous, I'd feel that the not eating is more of a concern at this time than being nervous about certain foods. Maybe for long-term there are foods to watch, but that kitty needs some food, the stinker! Our cat had diabetes and pancreatitus, and there were certain diets he needed to eat long-term. When he had bouts of anorexia however, it was no holds barred. We fed him what we could to get him eating. I hope you'll have good luck getting her to eat tonight, the scary person is gone. Rhonda > No A/D. He finally took a few licks of gravy from some canned > food, but then someone whom Mingy is scared of came, and that was > the end of that. What bad timing! He seems not at all interested > in his dry food. I will give him more wet food tonight. Are > those suggestions okay for a cat who was just rid of lots of > struvite crystals? > Hello Jean, > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > Rhonda Eating remains an issue, although he did eat a little more last night and a little bit today, thank goodness. I am having to be very persistent in offering him food, reminding him he has food. Fluid intake is also not going well at all, and I am very unhappy about that. I have seen him drink VERY little, even though he now has water in more places, has a fountain (which he used to love), has ice (ditto), etc. I tried that diluted tuna water, and his reaction was very odd--smelled it, seemed VERY interested, practically frantic to have it, but then would not drink it!!!! I haven't tried the Lactaid trick yet, because I am not sure how bad that might be for him and will start a new thread asking about that and some other things. BTW, he was just glued to me last night. And even when he was sleeping, he was much more jumpy about every tiny noise I made than is normal for him. He also was sneezing a lot, so I add that to my worries. Today, that seems to be better though............ SignatureJean B. Did he get any prescription food at all? SignatureCat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs! www.panthertekit.com > No A/D. He finally took a few licks of gravy from some canned > food, but then someone whom Mingy is scared of came, and that was [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > downstairs again, I will get him some fresh food and try to > encourage him to eat. > Did he get any prescription food at all? He got dry c/d (was c/d-s, and I wonder what the name change means). No wet food. No s/d, which I now see is supposed to dissolve the crystals. Since he had a lot of crystals, and they were worried about him blocking again, that seems like a better choice right now. Also, canned food seems like a better choice. I need to bring a tape recorder or something, because I said that at the time, and I forget what the response was. SignatureJean B. > Mingy is home! He went to the potty and urinated almost > immediately. I ended up letting him choose whether he wanted to [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > litter box. :-( Can you imagine how frightened a fastidious cat > would have to be to resort to that?) He may be wobbly from whatever they have given him. Grant did the same thing with the box when he came home. He should be MUCH better by tomorrow. I'm glad he is home. > > Mingy is home! He went to the potty and urinated almost > > immediately. I ended up letting him choose whether he wanted to [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > with the box when he came home. He should be MUCH better by tomorrow. I'm > glad he is home. I HOPE so! It is not nice to see his leg sort-of sliding out from under him when he is going into the potty, up the stairs, etc. I think I will put a stool next to the bed, so he doesn't have to jump.... I am mostly concerned about his not eating. He JUST started to eat a but when he was interrupted. I could have just shot the person who did that. :-( I am hoping, though, that he will eat again tonight. I usually just give him wet food once a day, but I will give him some more when we go downstairs. Otherwise, he will end up back in the hospital, and that would be very bad! SignatureJean B. > Mingy is home! He went to the potty and urinated almost > immediately. That's great! I ended up letting him choose whether he wanted to > use his old one or a new one, and he used the old one. Figures... He later > came back and lay down in the potty two times. I wonder whether > his urethra is bothering him after being catheterized for a [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > I assume they had the IV. BUT now I think he has a problem with > his hind leg. Any obvious reason why that might be? Feel his paw - Does it feel cool? Also, look at his nailbeds. Do they seem bluish? Also, look for pieces of littler or other objects stuck to his paws or an ingrown claw. He even > looked like he could not jump up onto the bed, although he has > gone up and down the stairs a few times. :-( [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > has not eaten or drunk anything yet, but we have only been here > for about an hour........... Heat up his food to body temp - Heated food is more aromatic and might stimulate his appetite. He's probably still stressed from the ordeal and needs a little time to calm down and get re-acclimated to his home. If he doesn't eat by morning, call your vet. > I am making a list of questions and observations and will call the > hospital with them this afternoon. A written list is a very good idea. Its easy to forget things to mention when you're stressed. Writing down the vet's replies is a good idea, too. I can't tell you how many times I've heard "I forgot what the vet said because I was so nervous". Phil Another thing that might encouraging the eating process is to put a little food of juice on their paws. They have to lick it to get it off, and once in, that helps to stimulate the appetite. We had to do this with Kira when she got sick. She was obviously feeling better but still not eating. So, my mom took some beef broth and put on top of her paw. She licked it off, and within minutes, she was eating food again. Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com > Another thing that might encouraging the eating process is to put a > little food of juice on their paws. They have to lick it to get it [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > Equine and Pet Photography > http://www.zoocrewphoto.com I am thinking of trying beef or chicken broth (no-salt), since Mingy seems to be somewhat interested in chicken now. I may go back out tonight to get some. I wonder whether I could add some to the canned food gravy. In fact, I gather there is a minced version of the food he is supposed to segue into, and I may tru adding broth to that if there is not contraindication. SignatureJean B. > I am thinking of trying beef or chicken broth (no-salt), since Mingy seems > to be somewhat interested in chicken now. I may go back out tonight to get > some. I wonder whether I could add some to the canned food gravy. In fact, > I gather there is a minced version of the food he is supposed to segue into, > and I may tru adding broth to that if there is not contraindication. I used to think Oscar had no interest in soup, but it turns out I was mistaken. Perhaps you could heat up some soup for yourself and give him some broth? It shouldn't be a problem as long as the main ingredient isn't onions, I think ... and maybe the saltiness would encourage him to drink water? Total guesses here. Signaturemonique, roommate of Oscar the (female) grouch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eros was adopted! Eros has a home now! *cheer!* >> Another thing that might encouraging the eating process is to put a >> little food of juice on their paws. They have to lick it to get it [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >> and put on top of her paw. She licked it off, and within minutes, she >> was eating food again. Buy some plain raw chicken and cook it. Crock pot would be best. Then add the juice to the food. No additives. You can also give some of the chicken and have a good meal for yourself. I do crockpot meats and freeze the meals for my lunches. But I save some of the extra fat and juice so that I have goodies for Maynard. And if somebody is having low appetite, I can just pull some out and heat it up. I don't add anything when I cook, so it is just natural juice from the meat. Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com > > Buy some plain raw chicken and cook it. Crock pot would be best. Then > add the juice to the food. No additives. That's what I did. I sure am not going to give him the stuff in the stores, which all has additives! > You can also give some of the chicken and have a good meal for > yourself. I do crockpot meats and freeze the meals for my lunches. But [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Equine and Pet Photography > http://www.zoocrewphoto.com I am thinking I will do this with some beef too. Then I can freeze some in an ice cube tray or something, since I obviously can't sneak too much into his food at a time. SignatureJean B. > A written list is a very good idea. Its easy to forget things to mention > when you're stressed. Writing down the vet's replies is a good idea, too. > I can't tell you how many times I've heard "I forgot what the vet said > because I was so nervous". Excellent point. I try to do this for vet, doctor, and car repair ... basically any time I have to see a specialist. Signaturemonique, roommate of Oscar the (female) grouch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eros was adopted! Eros has a home now! *cheer!* > > A written list is a very good idea. Its easy to forget things to mention > > when you're stressed. Writing down the vet's replies is a good idea, too. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Excellent point. I try to do this for vet, doctor, and car repair ... > basically any time I have to see a specialist. I have to bring a mirco recorder with me when I see my vet to catch everything he says! Its like going to "class"! Phil > > I have to bring a mirco recorder with me when I see my vet to catch > everything he says! Its like going to "class"! > > Phil I was going to say that I do make lists, but a recorder might be better for in-person conversations. SignatureJean B. > > Mingy is home! He went to the potty and urinated almost > > immediately. [quoted text clipped - 51 lines] > > -- > > Jean B. Thanks, Phil, for all the above. Mingy's legs seem to be a bit better today, or else he has become more adept at compensating for whatever is bothering him. Still haven't decided what I think about his use of the potty. He is urinating, and he is not spending as much time in there as he was most recently, but he does seem to be spending more time there than he did before his problems surfaced. Or maybe I am just more attuned to it. He is peeing, but the pee is not the same pattern as it was before all this started--not dribbles, but not a nice circular clump (in the clumping litter). He is also licking after he pees, but this might be because he is irritated (right?). I need to see whether all of this goes in the more-normal direction or the opposite direction, something I don't even WANT to think about. I am uneasy and will be so unless and until he seems perfectly normal. SignatureJean B. > Thanks, Phil, for all the above. Mingy's legs seem to be a bit > better today, or else he has become more adept at compensating for > whatever is bothering him. Sometimes, the cat's fantastic ability to adapt and mask pain works against them - and makes it difficult for us to tell if they're getting better or if they just adapted to the pain or discomfort. ;-/ > Still haven't decided what I think about his use of the potty. He > is urinating, and he is not spending as much time in there as he [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > circular clump (in the clumping litter). He is also licking after > he pees, but this might be because he is irritated (right?). Struvite crystals are shaped like little "coffins" and some can have sharp edges that could cut and inflame the penile urethra. http://www.maxshouse.com/ImageDatabase/Struvite_crystals.jpg Sometimes, the pressure from straining to urinate drives the crystal into the urethra mucosa causing damage, sometimes even irreparable damage. Catheterization done improperly can also inflame and damage the urethra. You caught it early and had him treated right away, so, he probably doesn't have any serious or permanent damage. In your previous post you said he had a lot of crystals, so, its very important to keep a very close watch on his litterbox behavior. I > need to see whether all of this goes in the more-normal direction > or the opposite direction, something I don't even WANT to think > about. The most difficult time for him and you is the first few days after treatment because its very difficult to tell if he's just sore or if he has another crystal lodged somewhere in the urethra. > I am uneasy and will be so unless and until he seems perfectly > normal. I hope your vet put him on a prescription diet (Hill's Prescription Feline s/d) to dissolve the crystals. The canned version is more efficacious than the dry because it increases water intake, urine volume and water turnover. Higher water turnover results in more frequent urination which helps eliminate crystal particles before they can grow and cause a problem. Keep the faith. Phil > Sometimes, the cat's fantastic ability to adapt and mask pain works against > them - and makes it difficult for us to tell if they're getting better or if > they just adapted to the pain or discomfort. ;-/ That's what I am thinking. Very hard to know. > > Struvite crystals are shaped like little "coffins" and some can have sharp [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > the urethra mucosa causing damage, sometimes even irreparable damage. > Catheterization done improperly can also inflame and damage the urethra. Egad! Poor Mingy and other cats who develop these. > You caught it early and had him treated right away, so, he probably doesn't > have any serious or permanent damage. In your previous post you said he had > a lot of crystals, so, its very important to keep a very close watch on his > litterbox behavior. Right now I am thinking he is going to end up hospitalized again. Partly I think he is not drinking much, so he is not peeing much. But something seems just wrong. > The most difficult time for him and you is the first few days after > treatment because its very difficult to tell if he's just sore or if he has > another crystal lodged somewhere in the urethra. How many is a few? He is still peeing in the box (and not anywhere else, at least that I have discovered), but not much. And he is eating and drinking very little. I did just see him right in front of one of his new watering areas, so he may have been drinking. I sure hope I didn't distract him from doing that. He REALLY needs to drink, and he needs to eat and segue into his new diet. Makes it hard to segue if you don't eat more than a few kibbles. > > I hope your vet put him on a prescription diet (Hill's Prescription Feline > s/d) to dissolve the crystals. It seems to be c/d now. The canned version is more efficacious than > the dry because it increases water intake, urine volume and water turnover. > Higher water turnover results in more frequent urination which helps > eliminate crystal particles before they can grow and cause a problem. They didn't have any canned. I will go get some. Historically, though, Mingy has not eaten the chunks in the canned food; he just licks the liquid from around the chunks. Would that be beneficial, as far as the dissolving goes? Today I will look into whether chicken/beef broth would be okay for him. Maybe if I mixed that canned stuff with some???? I am really nervous about the prospect of Mingy's having to be rehospitalized. Can they keep him sedated while he has the catheter and IV? Can they make the cage private enough so he will get up and pee in the litter instead of on the blanket (and himself)? I wonder, too, whether the different litter would also be a problem, although I think a cat would still use the box rather than go where he/she is.... SignatureJean B. Jean, If your cat isn't drinking enough just get a bag of ringers lactate from your vet and give your cat sub-q fluids every day for a little while to increase his water intake. It's not hard to do, and when a cat has had a UTI this should be standard practice. I've done this many times in the past and it worked quite well. I'll note here that transitioning my cats to a high quality completely canned diet eliminated the incidences of UTI's and none of my cats (there are 24) have had any for years. Second, if your cat doesn't like chunky canned food, try pureeing it with a little added water so it is easy to lap up. You also should take a look at these articles and especially pay attention to the experiment dscribed in the first one. I don't think your cat should ever eat dry food again. http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Zoo/5650/flutd.html And more on why dry food is bad for cats: http://catsincanada.com/articles/feeding.html More articles on feeding a cat properly can be found here: http://www.catnutrition.org Megan Signature"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray > Jean, > If your cat isn't drinking enough just get a bag of ringers lactate from [quoted text clipped - 41 lines] > > - W.H. Murray Thanks, Megan. I am, indeed, thinking I'm going to have to learn to administer sub-q fluids. And I'll try whirring up the food. Maybe if it was more like a slurry? I made him some chicken broth today (still have to check that out) because the stuff in the store all had additives--most had onions. SignatureJean B. > > Sometimes, the cat's fantastic ability to adapt and mask pain works against > > them - and makes it difficult for us to tell if they're getting better or if [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > Partly I think he is not drinking much, so he is not peeing much. > But something seems just wrong. He may also still be a little queasy from the blockage and retaining waste products in his system. Fluid therapy may help flush his system. Its very important to get fluids into him and for him to urinate as often as possible - not only to get rid of waste products - but also to get rid of small crystal particles. The longer small particles remain in the urinary tract the larger they can grow and the less likely they are to be passed. The more frequent urination the less the chances the particles will aggregate or accrete into larger crystals. > > The most difficult time for him and you is the first few days after > > treatment because its very difficult to tell if he's just sore or if he has [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > into his new diet. Makes it hard to segue if you don't eat more > than a few kibbles. A lot of people have claimed success with cat water fountains for getting their cats to drink more water. The trickling water seems to encourage cats to drink. Cats aren't naturally big drinkers and have a somewhat weak thirst drive because they've adapted to obtain their water needs from their food (prey). So, when cats stop eating, they can also dehydrate. > > I hope your vet put him on a prescription diet (Hill's Prescription Feline > > s/d) to dissolve the crystals. > > It seems to be c/d now. Since he already has crystals, s/d is a better choice. s/d dissolves struvite - c/d is more a crystal maintainence diet to prevent recurrance. > The canned version is more efficacious than > > the dry because it increases water intake, urine volume and water turnover. > > Higher water turnover results in more frequent urination which helps > > eliminate crystal particles before they can grow and cause a problem. > > They didn't have any canned. Ask your vet to call around for canned s/d - or you could check with other vets. I'm surprised your vet doesn't have it. Canned s/d is the first line treatment for crystals I will go get some. Historically, > though, Mingy has not eaten the chunks in the canned food; he just > licks the liquid from around the chunks. Would that be > beneficial, as far as the dissolving goes? Not really. You're better off mixing water with the food and using a hand blender or small Cusinart to make a "sauce" that he'll lap up. Although considering the time that has past that he hasn't been eating or drinking, I don't think he can voluntarily take in enough fluid at this point to meet his daily water needs and also keep his bladder flushed. If I were you, I think I take him back to the vet for fluid therapy - You shouldn't have to leave him overnight. Your vet can also show you how to administer fluid at home - its *very* easy and virtually painless for the cat. The trick to easy fluid therapy is not making a production of it and using little or no restraint. Today I will look into > whether chicken/beef broth would be okay for him. Maybe if I > mixed that canned stuff with some???? See my other post about chicken broth. You might be better off making your own. > I am really nervous about the prospect of Mingy's having to be > rehospitalized. Can they keep him sedated while he has the > catheter and IV? Generally, cats are sedated for catheterization to avoid struggling and damaging the urethra while inserting the catheter. Can they make the cage private enough so he will > get up and pee in the litter instead of on the blanket (and > himself)? I wonder, too, whether the different litter would also > be a problem, although I think a cat would still use the box > rather than go where he/she is.... I don't know how your vet's clinic is set up. Your vet may have put him in a smaller cage to prevent a lot of movement - which I don't think was necessary since the catheter was already removed. I also don't know how closely and often he was monitored. Did you actually see his cage? Did he have a litter box? I don't know your vet or what his overnight policies are. Some vets say the animals are constantly monitored but they're not. Phil. > If I were you, I think I take him back to the vet for fluid therapy - You > shouldn't have to leave him overnight. Your vet can also show you how to > administer fluid at home - its *very* easy and virtually painless for the > cat. The trick to easy fluid therapy is not making a production of it and > using little or no restraint. Yes, your vet - &/or a vet tech - can show you how to do this. Initially, I personally didn't find it *very* easy - but it did get very easy later on. (People who have CRF cats often learn how to administer sub-Qs at home Vs. making constant trips to the vet's.) Sub-Qs can often help a cat feel much better clinically, along w/ being good for them in the technical/medical sense. Cathy > > Yes, your vet - &/or a vet tech - can show you how to do this. Initially, I [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Cathy Thanks, that's on the agenda for today. It is not only bad that Mingy isn't drinking more, but it makes it hard for me to figure out what is going on potty-wise. SignatureJean B. > He may also still be a little queasy from the blockage and retaining waste > products in his system. Fluid therapy may help flush his system. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > The more frequent urination the less the chances the particles will > aggregate or accrete into larger crystals. Yes, I have started going back over all the discussions of this, esp. the struvite and food threads, which also segue into liquid consumption, etc. I must say my efforts to hydrate Mingy are not going splendidly. I think we will end up back at the hospital, and I will certainly ask about injecting fluids!!!! > A lot of people have claimed success with cat water fountains for getting > their cats to drink more water. The trickling water seems to encourage cats > to drink. Cats aren't naturally big drinkers and have a somewhat weak > thirst drive because they've adapted to obtain their water needs from their > food (prey). So, when cats stop eating, they can also dehydrate. I think Mingy may be drinking LESS than ever. And since I am frantic about that, I may have done something bad--like had him lick the gravy from canned food more than usual even. (The vet said he could, but doe we know what nutrients might be in there?) I now see that eating frequently raises makes the urine more alkaline, and that is bad. > Since he already has crystals, s/d is a better choice. s/d dissolves > struvite - c/d is more a crystal maintainence diet to prevent recurrance. Now I see that. I am totally mystified as to why we were given the c/d instead of the s/d. I will get on that today. :-( when they said he had so many crystals and that he might replug. And more :-( since he had such a hard time in the hospital and sure does not want to go back there. > > They didn't have any canned. > > Ask your vet to call around for canned s/d - or you could check with other > vets. I'm surprised your vet doesn't have it. Canned s/d is the first line > treatment for crystals That's on my agenda today. > Not really. You're better off mixing water with the food I am doing that. and using a hand > blender or small Cusinart to make a "sauce" that he'll lap up. And will do that. Although > considering the time that has past that he hasn't been eating or drinking, I > don't think he can voluntarily take in enough fluid at this point to meet > his daily water needs and also keep his bladder flushed. He has been eating and drinking a bit, just not much. > If I were you, I think I take him back to the vet for fluid therapy - You > shouldn't have to leave him overnight. Your vet can also show you how to > administer fluid at home - its *very* easy and virtually painless for the > cat. The trick to easy fluid therapy is not making a production of it and > using little or no restraint. Okay, will do this today. > > See my other post about chicken broth. You might be better off making your > own. I did that. I couldn't find any pure chicken broth, so I just cooked some chicken in water and added some of the liquid to his foodd. > Generally, cats are sedated for catheterization to avoid struggling and > damaging the urethra while inserting the catheter. But can they KEEP them sedated at least while they are catheterized? > I don't know how your vet's clinic is set up. Your vet may have put him in > a smaller cage to prevent a lot of movement - which I don't think was > necessary since the catheter was already removed. I also don't know how > closely and often he was monitored. Did you actually see his cage? No. We felt he'd be even more upset if he saw me, and he was just starting to settle down a bit. Did he > have a litter box? He did after the catheter was removed. It remained in for 1.5 days to try to flush out the crystals. (IV too for that amount of time, and apparently after that, since he peed like crazy after he got home.) I don't know your vet or what his overnight policies > are. Some vets say the animals are constantly monitored but they're not. I have no idea how frequently he was monitored. In Mingy's case,... oh, sigh. And if stress can exacerbate things, being at the hospital sure doesn't help. Thanks, Phil! SignatureJean B. Jean B. I too am surprised that your vet did not give you canned sd. That is really the very best option with this problem. The canned food is essential in increasing fluid intake and the sd formula is the only way to dissolve the crystals. I'm glad to hear that you're looking into getting the canned sd. You mentioned that your cat refuses the chunks in gravy. My cat is like that too. Hills does make a canned sd formula that is mushy. My cat who wouldn't eat the chunks in gravy actually enjoys this food quite a bit. I also mix a little water in with the wet food to increase his fluid intake - works like a charm. I'd try to get your vet to order in the Hill's prescription diet s/d or try another vet. Best of luck. > Jean B. > I too am surprised that your vet did not give you canned sd. That is really the very best option with this problem. The canned food is essential in increasing fluid intake and the sd formula is the only way to dissolve the crystals. I'm glad to hear that you're looking into getting the canned sd. You mentioned that your cat refuses the chunks in gravy. My cat is like that too. Hills does make a canned sd formula that is mushy. My cat who wouldn't eat the chunks in gravy actually enjoys this food quite a bit. I also mix a little water in with the wet food to increase his fluid intake - works like a charm. I'd try to get your vet to order in the Hill's prescription diet s/d or try another vet. Best of luck. > > -- > Message posted via http://www.catkb.com Thanks. I'll run around and find some of the canned s/d this afternoon, after a trip to the vet. hospital. SignatureJean B. Paws crossed that Mingy will eat the canned s/d! I know first hand how frustrating and scary it can be when dealing with this problem. Good luck to Mingy! > Paws crossed that Mingy will eat the canned s/d! I know first hand how frustrating and scary it can be when dealing with this problem. Good luck to Mingy! > > -- > Message posted via http://www.catkb.com Thanks. More re this in another thread........ SignatureJean B.
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