Re: CRF & UTI

[Lernermichelle]

UTI's are not generally contagious. If several cats are showing signs of it, I would guess that they are having urine ph problems or crystals from the food they are eating (if they are all eating the same thing). Was the urine tested for ph and crystals?   I have been told by vets that there is often bacteria that just does not show up in a lab test. They are more likely to get it by getting the urine with a needle, I forget what it is called. I have generally treated for UTI even when the symptoms seemed to just be from urine ph being off, crystals, or bladder stone, because all of those things can lead to UTI's.  The three drugs normally used for feline UTI's are amoxicyllin, clavamox, and Baytril. Clavamox is what is usually tried first, then Baytril if it does not work. The course is usually 7-10 days.   If there is no bateria, ph is normal, and there are no crystals, you want to have an x-ray and/or ultrasound done for bladder stones. Struvite stones can often be dissolved with diet, and they show up on x-rays. Other stones can not, and some do not show up on x-rays but do on ultrasounds. Lucy has had one of each.   Michelle   In a message dated 3/30/2006 3:58:19 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi guys, Is it possible that if one cat has a UTI, that the other two in the household could have UTI's as well? Can they catch a UTI from the litterbox that a cat with UTI uses?  Also, what are the symptoms of chronic CRF?  What do you consider long term antibiotic therapy for a UTI if it doesn't show up on the labs? And which antibiotic and how much would you use? Thanks for all the info. :) Wendy