Cat Arlo has problems with crystals in lower UT. Better now but I was

[Talismom]

wondering if anyone knew of a less expensive competitor to the Science c/d food. It seems like such a racket to have to get a prescription and buy it from the vet. Are there any other healthy options?

[SW FL Dem]

1. I don't know of any other options

Sorry to hear about Arlo. My dog Libby has bladder stones and has had to have two operations to remove them. They are the kind of stones that can't be dissolved by diet. She is on a prescription diet I have to get from my vet. It's expensive, but I don't think I have any other choice. The food keeps the pH of her urine at a level that discourages the formation of the stones. Poor baby isn't even allowed treats or little bits of people food because that can alter her urine and cause stones to form. We cheated a bit after the first surgery and that is probably why she had to have the second one :(.

[Talismom]

2. Thanks for the reply;so sorry to hear about Libby! n/t

[demnan]

3. I'm sure you can find different alternatives

although not necessarily less expensive. You might try one of those brands recommended for Urinary Tract Health. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will get online and give you more info, I'll just give this a :kick:

[Talismom]

5. Thanks so much demnan! n/t

[Branjor]

4. My dog Brandy....

had an operation for bladder stones in June 2002. The holistic vet then put her on a Chinese herbal formula tablet called Seven Forests Lysimachia and a homeopathic remedy called Bladder Suis. She has been on a regular diet since the operation (a holistic kibble called Life's Abundance and canned Innova) and has had no recurrence of the bladder stones. I believe the herbal and homeopathic remedies are good for cats too, but you would have to consult a holistic vet about it first. There is also a Life's Abundance food for cats from the same company, Healthy Pet Net, and I think, but don't know, that there is also a feline Innova.

[Talismom]

6. That's so interesting. I'll have to see if there are any holistic vets

near me. Thanks.

[Branjor]

7. Make sure....

that the holistic vet you get is also a fully licensed conventionally trained vet who graduated from an accredited veterinary medical school. Here's a website to help your search: http://www.ahvma.org

[okasha]

8. Distilled water

One of the cheapest and easiest things you can do for Arlo is put him on distilled water. I live in an area where the tap water is high in magnesium. After my Michael had plugged repeatedly over the space of six months, the vet prescribed distilled water. He never plugged again, and eventually went back to regular food. None of my other cats has developed stones or crystals, and they've never been on C/D or S/D, just the distilled water.