Crystals in urine

[meg8777]

My 1 year old had a vet check-up, and her urinalysis indicated the presence of a few crystals and a pH that was a little off. (I think he said it was high, but I'm not for sure.) Our vet didn't seem overly concerned and said he didn't see evidence of a UTI, but put her on about a week's worth of Cephalexin.

I asked questions, but I can't really remember everything that he said. Does anyone know if this could be a diet issue? She's currently on Canidae (old formula), but I plan to switch the food once this bag is finished. Any ideas on what might be a good food to use? (I can't get Orijen around here.) The food also needs to be suitable for our 5 month old pup to eat as well.

The vet did indicate that I should keep her on a lower protein diet and said to bring back another urine sample after being on the new food for 2 weeks. I'm just wanting to make sure I do anything I can to prevent this from becoming a bigger issue.

Thanks for any help.

[observer]

You can also try a product called Berry Balance from Solid Gold. You can get it on the 'net, but some feed stores have it. It's a cranberry based powder that will lower the pH and help keep infections from starting.

[fbkeays]

What kind of crystals? Struvite<sp?> crystals are from an infection as does a ph of 8 or higher. Some crystals do not cause a problem and are perfectly normal.
I do hope that you rolled your eyes when the vet suggested a lower protein food. High protein does not harm kidneys and low protein does not help. Phosphorus on the other hand can harm kidneys if they are impaired.
Important things to know about pee. It should not have protein in it. Did your vet mention protein? Especially bigger then 1+ (such as 1++ or 2+). Do you remember what the urine specific gravity was? It would be 1.0xx What was the xx?

[targonrotts]

how was the urine collected and did it sit for long?
if urine sit for awhile it can have crystals in it.
bacteria loves high PH(alkaline).
you might want to add a vitamin c 500 once a day.
did she have a UTI suspected when you did urine test?
if she still has a problem when cephalexin done, ask for a culture to see what antibiotic is best.

[meg8777]

To be honest, we had so much going on while I was at the vet's office that I failed to look at the results of the urine test myself. I just took the vet's word that a round of cephalexin would be a good starting point and then we'd re-test.

We did the test originally because she had some vaginal discharge and is spayed. (apparently they wanted to check for a UTI in case excess licking from the UTI was causing the discharge.) The urine was collected about 2 hours before the vet got it and analyzed it. I asked about it being a kidney issue and he said it wasn't. In fact, he said something about how these appeared to be the kind that formed in the bladder. Like I said, there was a lot going on, so I admit that I dropped the ball.

When I take the next sample in, I'll follow up better and see where we stand.

[targonrotts]

better yet,
i recommend they get a sterile sample directly from her. it is more accurate.

[Marylou Mader]

So the vet didn't hand you the lab report? Sounds like another Vet not letting anyone get by with just an office visit. They make most of their profit by passing drugs, anti-biotics is the #1 choice as people too are ready to take them at a drop of the hat.

You have been given some good advice, find out what the urine protien level as well as the creatinine level was and use that as a tool for diagnosis.

It was also suggested to attain a sterile collection. This would be using a needle aspiration into the bladder, and personally I wouldn't do it. There doesn't seem to be a need for it.

[meg8777]

Originally Posted by Marylou Mader

So the vet didn't hand you the lab report? Sounds like another Vet not letting anyone get by with just an office visit. They make most of their profit by passing drugs, anti-biotics is the #1 choice as people too are ready to take them at a drop of the hat.

No, he didn't give the lab report to me, but I'm sure if I'd been less distracted and thought to ask, he would have. I actually have one of the few honest vets who does this because he loves animals and admits that he doesn't know everything. He's always doing stuff for us for free. After he correctly diagnosed this same dog with an extremely rare disorder and was able to send us to specialists (and she actually lived!), I've trusted his diagnosis on health issues.

I think I just need to pay better attention next time so that I know all the facts. My fault.