Sterling--partial blockage.

[jenluckenbach]

Poor Sterling is at the vet's. :( He started having pee-pee problems agin (as you might recall, he had a BAD UTI in March) His retest in April showed him clear. But a few days ago he started with the usual symptoms.

I re-started him on antibiotics, but not much improvement. I could tell he was in pain/discomfort.

When the vet went to express his bladder for a sample, he was very tender, but not only that, the urine was more of a drip-drip than a stream. She feels that means a partial blockage.

So, the sample will be tested, and he is staying for sedation and un-blocking (catheterization) and what ever else he needs.

This is the only time his inappropriate pee-ing is forgivable. ;)

Prayers for my nawtee boy would be appreciated.

[Killearn Kitties]

Oh poor Sterling! The girls will be sending all their best wishes his way.
Get better, gorgeous boy.

[Barbara]

So good that you got him to the vet in time. The poor boy must have been in pain. I hope all goes well and the meds start to work. Do you think he has crystals or is it rather just a UTI?
All the best for Sterling and you.

[jenluckenbach]

Do you think he has crystals or is it rather just a UTI?

His last urine tests showed no signs of crystals. But many blocks are formed by mucous plugs and not stones.

I'll know more later tonight/tomorrow.

[kb2yjx]

Several of the Clan members have recently had bouts of UTI and have great empathy for Sterling!!! Prayers for a speedy recovery!!

[Catty1]

Get well, Sterling!

Another PTr posted recently about having once used treats with petroleum in them...and when s/he stopped using them, the mucous plug problem stopped in, I think, all three cats.

Jen, I know you are careful with your food - just wonder if Sterling could be allergic to anything in it? Sensitive boy...

[krazyaboutkatz]

Jen, I'm so sorry to hear this. Poor Sterling.:( I hope that he'll recover quickly and that he doesn't have any crystals or mucous plugs. Lots of prayers and positive thougths are being sent his way.

How's Biddy doing? I sure hope that he's doing much better.

[Freedom]

Prayers on the way for Sterling to be healthy again quickly.

[jenluckenbach]

A small update:

Sterling was minimally blocked (which is good). He will stay at the vet until Saturday when the vet will pull the catheter. If he pees on his own, he will then come home (Sat. afternoon)

No crystals in the urine (as I suspected, but I it is still good to have this confirmed).

Blood tests and complete urine results hopefully tomorrow.

The cats eat c/d dry. VERY, VERY few treats and almost no people food.

hopefully after his antibiotics we can keep this problem to a minimum.

Sterling is not my only sick kitty, but we'll save that for another thread.

I miss you Sterling. I wonder who will steal your spot on the BIG bed tonight? ;)

[jenluckenbach]

I saw Sterling today. He was soundly sleeping. Seemed to be OK with his E-collar on.

They are feeding him CANNED food! :eek: I told Sterling to NOT get spoiled. (LOL)

No test results yet (at least no report) but I am sure he'll be home tomorrow.

[Felicia's Mom]

I'm sorry to hear that Sterling is sick. Sending prayers his way.

Please feel better soon, Sterling!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I hope that he'll be able to come tomorrow. I'm now giving Storm lots more wet food than I used to and I also add a little water to it so it gives him even more moisture. More wet food is good for cats with urine problems and my vet wants me to continue this with Storm. He loves it.:) Get well soon Sterling.

[catmandu]

We All Love Dear Sterling Here And Moose Angel Will Come Over To See Sterling To Let Sterling Know That The Founnd Cats Are All Behind Him 111%.
Hes Such A Wonderful Cat.

[Medusa]

My gosh, Jen, it just keeps on comin', doesn't it? Reminds me of my house a few months ago when everyone had URI's. Hang in there; special prayers going out for Sterling.

[columbine]

Another PTr posted recently about having once used treats with petroleum in them...and when s/he stopped using them, the mucous plug problem stopped in, I think, all three cats.That was definitely the case with Smudge, but he's only BIG enough to be three cats!

I actually had to CONVINCE him to try wet food - he'd been a kibble-cruncher all his life. But with the help of Kitty Kaviar (bonito flakes, an all-natural treat) and lots of extra water, Smudge now gobbles up his extra-mushy "paté," even with his allergy medicine and Cosequin mixed in! He also often avails himself of the extra water bowls I set out around the house. The more a cat drinks, the healthier his urinary tract will be.

Cosequin is actually a joint supplement (glucosamine/chondroitin) but Smudge's vet suggested it because of his urinary difficulties. Apparently it helps strengthen the protective inner lining of the bladder and urethra. And it even comes in chicken-n-fish flavor.

Love, Columbine

[Craftlady]

Cosequin, I used it for several months for Skinny and mixed it with yogart.
It sure made his poops smell awful. I only used it when he had his flare up.

I have 3 unopened boxes (it was cheap to buy in bulk) that I should send back for refund. Do I think it worked for keeping UTI's away? No to be honest. We got an extra watering fountain and added wet food to everyones diet, that has kept Skinny healthy.

[columbine]

Cosequin, I used it for several months for Skinny and mixed it with yogart.
It sure made his poops smell awful. I only used it when he had his flare up.

I have 3 unopened boxes (it was cheap to buy in bulk) that I should send back for refund. Do I think it worked for keeping UTI's away? No to be honest. We got an extra watering fountain and added wet food to everyones diet, that has kept Skinny healthy.Cosequin is funny stuff. It's glucosamine/chondroitin, same as humans take for their joints, and indeed that's what it's usually prescribed for in animals as well. But then human docs started noticing that women who took it for their joints stopped having so many UTIs. Turns out it strengthens the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) lining of the bladder and urethra, so even if germs or small crystals turn up, they don't do as much damage.

However, it's a maintenance medicine. Its bioavailability isn't very good - an individual (human or feline) has to be taking it regularly for a long time for it to make a difference, because neither of us soaks it up very well. But even if the water fountain and wet food keep the urinary troubles away, Cosequin will keep Skinny's joints from getting achy as he gets older.

Smudge's poops stink anyway, so I didn't notice any difference! I just figure, what the heck, it's poop, it's supposed to stink.

Love, Columbine

[jenluckenbach]

The boy is home. They removed the catheter this morning and he peed for them twice already before he came home. He'll be on antibiotics for a while, but nothing else special (except to make sure he continues to pee on his own, and a retest in 10 days)

[Medusa]

Yay! Atta boy, Sterling!

[Catty1]

Good news! Sterling, stay well - and drink your water!

Jen, did the vet advise any wet food to keep Sterling's moisture intake ok?

So Dr Bellows and Sterling are on the mend. YAY! :)