cranberry for UTI?

[Birdie'sMom]

Hi, all! Got a question for ya - Two weeks ago Birdie had a urinary tract infection. I took her to the vet, got her urine tested - it was postive so they gave me 10 days of antibiotics. That cleared it up. The total cost came to $200! That was a bit expensive (especially during Christmas season). I heard that concentrated cranberry tablets can cure UTI's also and they are a lot cheaper than $200. I wanted to know what you guys thought about that and if they really work? The UTI is gone this time, but I was wondering if she gets one again some day should I try the cranberry - or is the $200 money well spent and I shouldn't take the risk? Thanks in advance!

[marianne]

Your vet might not like the idea...check with him first. I have used the cranberry capusles on a bitch who had UTI. But I waited till after the prescribed meds were gone. I kept her on them for about 1 month. She never had UTI again. I bought the people kind at a local discount store.

[SpotsNRotts]

From what I've heard cranberry capsules won't actually CURE a UTI, but they can help PREVENT UTI's. ;)

[rottnkidd]

Originally posted by SpotsNRotts
From what I've heard cranberry capsules won't actually CURE a UTI, but they can help PREVENT UTI's. ;)

Melissa - You're right! Although they will not help an existing infection, cranberries prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. It's also important to make sure the female empties the bladder at least every 4-5 hours, and has access to clean, fresh water always.
kathy

[Birdie'sMom]

Thanks guys! So should I put her on them now to help prevent another one? Is it safe to have her on them all the time or should I just do it for a month to prevent any more bacteria from building up?

[Sheenagirl]

You can give the Cranberry capsules (1 ea day) indefinately. Sheena was on them for a few years - but unfortunately did not keep her from recurring UTI's.

If your girl has only had one or two infections the Cranberry capsules just might work for her - it is worth a try.

You might also start a regime of wiping her backside - both vulva and rectum after she goes potty. At least twice a day - morning and night would be helpful. A lot of the bacteria is the Ecoli germ and cleaning her will help out tremendously.

Good luck - hope Birdie never has another UTI! ;)

[Birdie'sMom]

Thanks - you guys are the best! I'll give it a try and hopefully it will work!$6 for a bottle of cranberry capsules is so much better than a $200 vet bill! Like they say - prevention is the key!;)