We have an 8-year old, fixed, mixed-breed, mostly indoor, male, with no history of UTI, FLUTD, etc. Fed dry Friskies entire life (hasn't liked super premiums) and has been very healthy and not overweight.
While out of the country for two weeks, he was free-fed. A friend & my mom were checking on him -- all was well. When we arrived home, he was a bit lethargic, but by evening was clearly in pain. We got him to the vet -- full urinary obstruction, temp of 97! He was catheterized, given antibiotics & fluids, a drug to reduce the potassium in his blood, etc. Vet says struvite crystals.
Three days later, he is home from the hospital seemingly as good as new, with vet orders for a wet prescritption diet (Waltham), it's $1/can!! We're trying to figure out our options...
Reading articles online, it seems that there is no clear consensus on the cause or prevention of FLUTD -- I know...low magnesium, acidic. I certainly do not want another sick kitty (nor the vet bills!!), but also want to avoid an expensive diet -- one that makes it difficult to leave him for a weekend!
It seems unusual for an 8-year old cat to have his first urinary issue, with no change in diet. I am curious what others have experienced and what diet options we should consider? How likely is recurrence? What ranges of protein, fat, fiber, minerals are considered ideal? What about some of the non-prescription diets for urinary health?
Any advice or suggested articles are most appreciated!!
While out of the country for two weeks, he was free-fed. A friend & my mom were checking on him -- all was well. When we arrived home, he was a bit lethargic, but by evening was clearly in pain. We got him to the vet -- full urinary obstruction, temp of 97! He was catheterized, given antibiotics & fluids, a drug to reduce the potassium in his blood, etc. Vet says struvite crystals.
Three days later, he is home from the hospital seemingly as good as new, with vet orders for a wet prescritption diet (Waltham), it's $1/can!! We're trying to figure out our options...
Reading articles online, it seems that there is no clear consensus on the cause or prevention of FLUTD -- I know...low magnesium, acidic. I certainly do not want another sick kitty (nor the vet bills!!), but also want to avoid an expensive diet -- one that makes it difficult to leave him for a weekend!
It seems unusual for an 8-year old cat to have his first urinary issue, with no change in diet. I am curious what others have experienced and what diet options we should consider? How likely is recurrence? What ranges of protein, fat, fiber, minerals are considered ideal? What about some of the non-prescription diets for urinary health?
Any advice or suggested articles are most appreciated!!