Struvite Crystals in Urine

Question
QUESTION: Callie is a 1 1/2 yr old fixed female cocker spaniel, diagnosed in mid May with high PH and struvite crystals, no bacteria noted, but culture not sent out. She has been on Hills C/D dry and C/D treats since then, some C/D canned food and recently some other occ canned food such as Canidae to increase water comsumption and make the C/D taste better. As of 3 weeks ago, we were crystal free, but her PH still is high-first thing in AM it is 6.5, but later in day it is 7.0 - 7.5. We were 100% faithful with the C/D food and treats for 3 weeks(nothing else), and the best PH we could get was 6.5-7, after which she was crystal free. Is it normal for a dog's PH to vary like this during the day(seems similar to blood sugar levels)? Is it possible that there is an underlying infection that is causing this instead of the "sterile Crystal" diagnosis? Protein levels on the dipsticks always show trace. Last night after giving her a tsp of Wellness 95% Salmon with water, PH was 8. I know the crystals will come back with the high PH. She also has eye discharge, probably from allergies, so I really would prefer a better food with a urinary acidifier-wil this work as she does not have stones(yet), and just crystals and high PH at this point. What would you recommend short of feeding her Hills C/D the rest of her life with nothing else? She is too young to be limited like this, but this limitation is preferable to stones. Thank you.

ANSWER: Sandy -

The best diet for your cat at this point is Hill's C/D; have the urine cultured to determine if there is any amount of bacteria in the bladder.  Urine in the bladder should be sterile, but a higher pH encourages certain types of bacteria.

A canned food diet is recommended to encourage moisture in the diet.  Hills should have a canned version of C/D; consult with your veterinarian to determine what other brand of canned food you can feed your cat.  

You might want to get a water bowl with a fountain with active, flowing water.  Flowing water fascinates them and usually encourages them to drink more often.

It is not unusual for the pH to differ at different times of the day.  Try to take the pH at the same time of the day.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for your reply, but Callie is a dog (Cocker Spaniel), not a cat. I have also read that BHA and BHT are used as chemical preservatives,which have been shown to be carcinogenic in human food.

Answer
Sandy -

Please forgive the faux pas.  One must never confuse a dog to be a cat or vice versa.  I am in the process of burying a family member and it is very hectic in this household.  

Now back to your question - the answer remains basically the same.  There are preservatives in all dog and cat food or the food would have to be eaten immediately. Proper packaging helps to preserve the foods, and Hills' has some of the best packaging available.  Still it may be necessary to add chemicals to keep the food from spoiling.  Unfortunately, I am not aware of the amount of BHA and BHT in that diet or its carcinogenic status.   The amounts should be negligible, and remember that many chemicals in processed foods can be potential carcinogens if given in excessive amounts.  I cannot speak to the amount of BHA and BHT in the Hill's Diet, but I have many patients that are doing well eating the C/D.

Follow up with your veterinarian to determine how long your pet should be eating Hills C/D. Some dogs have to eat it for a lifetime, but your veterinarian should be able to give you a  list of human foods that do not encourage the formation of struvites.  Cooking for your dog could be a viable option for you if you'd like to discontinue the Hill's diet.

Again, I apologize for the mistake and thank you for taking the time to correct me.  Next time I will type it myself instead of dictating.  

Be diligent with your dog's condition. It can become very frustrating because some animals tend to develop struvite crystals very frequently.  With good health care, the right combination of foods and regular checkups with your veterinarian, you should have a healthy dog.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM