Question:
For anyone who hasn't read the story of Syd and her recurring urinary problems, read here.
Anyway...
On Saturday, we noticed that Syd was making frequent trips to the litterbox. We took her into the vet on Sunday morning and she had another urinalysis done. The vet didn't find any crystals, just bacteria. So, we are now treating her for another UTI. If the meds don't work, then we can assume that she has stones still (or again) and we may have to consider an alternative treatment, like surgery. She is on the meds for 10 days and then we will decide if she needs another ultrasound to look for stones.
I am also looking into Methigel as a supplement so that we can get her off of the prescription food that she is on. Has anyone used Methigel?


Answer:
Candice, i wish Syd the best of luck and hope she doesnt need surgery


Answer:
Oh that's too bad. I read the thread about Syd the other night and I was wondering how it's been.
We'll keep Syd in our thoughts down here and hope it all goes well.


Answer:
That's horrible news I'm keeping Syd in my thoughts - hopefully she won't have to undergo surgery.


Answer:
Candice, how frustrating. I know you were so happy Syd's meds were working for her. I hope the meds work and she does not require surgery.


Answer:
The vet just phoned and they are ordering the Methigel for me. I have a full bag of the prescription food so the transition should be slow and easy. It will be a bit more work to medicate her everyday, versus just giving her special food, but I think it will be better for her in the long run.
I should be able to tell if the antibiotics are working in the next day or two. Usually she starts urinating more normally around day 3.


Answer:
Sending good vibes your way Candice.


Answer:
I haven't heard of Methigel.. what is it?
I hope it works for Syd and she doesn't need surgery though..


Answer:
Unfortunately, the EVSCO (the company that makes Methigel) site is under construction, so I can't really refer you there. Here's the short story...
The prescription foods that are given to animals with struvite crystals (or stones) have one function...to lower the urine pH (making it more acidic). Typically, a healthy range is 6.4-6.6. Anything higher can cause struvite crystals. By lowering the pH to 6.0-6.4, struvite crystals are unable to form and the problem is avoided. Methionine is a urine acidifier...so it will act exactly like the food that we are giving now. However, we will be able to switch her to a higher quality (IMHO) food without by-products, corn, etc. and still keep her urine acidic. We will have to monitor her urine daily and then weekly (once we get the dosing figured out) to make sure that it remains in the safe range. I think that the Methigel is a lot like Petromalt or Felaxin in substance...hopefully she likes it.
http://www.vetamerica.com/methigel425oz.html


Answer:
Cool! Thanks for that info!