Rascal Update

Tentative diagnosis of 'idiopathic cystitis' due to his urinalysis not showing signs of an infection or crystals, his xray not showing signs of stones, his health profile not showing signs of internal problems, and his apparent "recovery" in such a short period of time.  Last night he urinated large amounts in his litter box.  YAY Rascal!


What's changing?  
**He's getting more Cosequin.
"Some veterinarians also recommend Cosequin to help support urinary bladder health. The inner lining of the bladder wall is protected by a layer, which contains some of the same compounds as are found in cartilage. This layer prevents urine and the waste products contained within it from seeping into and damaging the lining. Since the low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate found in Cosequin is available to more than just cartilage cells, the bladder may use it to help support this protective layer."


**He's going to practice being crated more frequently.  I don't know if it was stress of being crated because he hadn't been in so long, or a stressful event that happened in the house that I didn't notice.  Regardless, I want his crate to be a happy place again.  Meals are being fed in it.  He'll spend multiple days and/or nights in it for the next couple weeks.  It has a litterbox and a bed.  It is in a warm part of the house and in an area the dogs can't get to.  He used to be crated for every meal because otherwise he would steal from Rasza!


A suspicious timing of food change has also prompted feeding Fromm again.  He's eaten Fromm most often since transitioning off of urinary diets.  He was eating Eagle Holistic for the last 1-2 months.  Coincidence?  Probably.  Am I concerned, yes.  Simple solution is just to go back to the food they both did well on.  I will also be better about feeding frequent canned and raw meals.


Crucial points from the article linked above (courtesy of the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital):

Just as water is primary therapy for prevention of urinary stone recurrence, we think that environmental enrichment is primary therapy for prevention of recurrence of elimination disorders, including FIC.

Behavioral and ethologic research suggest that cats prefer to eat 

individually in a quiet location, where they are not startled by other 

animals, sudden movement, or activity of an air duct or appliance that may 

begin operation unexpectedly.

He spent the day outside of his crate while I was at work.  Tonight he'll be crated again so I can monitor urine output.  He's currently sprawled out on the dog-air bed.