FLUTD-Reoccurance & Food

[Sunshine's Mom]

I've read Einy's Family posting and thank everyone for the very valuable information. I just went thru this nightmare with my Sunshine (3 yrs old) this past weekend. Thank God I had JUST set up the new self-cleaning cat box, and it was Saturday, so I was watching every time he, and his brother, went in! Anyway, I have some specific questions that I'm still not sure of, as I'm still in the paranoid state that this is not over....
1. I've been trying to get a feel of the "odds" of this occurring again. (The vet did find the "S" crystals in the urine, and also blood). We've been thru the cathater and also did the "pink stuff" (amoxycilin) and ready to go back for another urinalysis (If I ever get Sun BACK in the carrier!) The vet receptionist, and coworkers that I've now learned have been thru this, make me optimistic that it MAY not reoccur, but I'm still scared to death that we'll have to go thru this ordeal again. What are other cat owner's experience with reoccurance?
2. I too have another cat (Star) that was put on I/D about 2 months ago because of a tummy problem (also 3 yrs old). Star eats dry I/D, which is always out, and now Sun is on canned S/D. They both share. My vet did say "OK", but I just wanted to hear from someone else that it's ok for Sun to munch on I/D dry, and Star to "taste" S/D wet. (Only cat lovers could possibly follow this!
3. Is it common for the 2 brothers (Sun and Star) to not "love" each other this first week after Sun's ordeal, like they used to? They were inseperable, and slept in a "clump" together, and right now are avoiding each other. Will they get back to normal?
I'm so sorry this got so long, but they're by "children", and all I can think of.
Thank You!

[Traci]

1) It's impossible to predict, but the statistics are high/probable for a reoccurance when crystals are involved. However, since you started treatment right away and have Sunshine on a veterinary prescribed preventative diet, this will be a major factor in reducing the likelihood of future reoccurances.

2) S/D should only be fed on a temporary basis, that is, until the crystals have dissolved or resolved, no accompanying bacterial infections are involved, and to maintain the pH level during initial treatment. Once this is achieved and a new urinaylsis reveals no crystals and that the pH level is normal, then usually, your vet would want to maintain on C/D-s. C/D-s is more formulated for long-term management of FLUTD as opposed to S/D. Discuss this with your vet so that you are ensuring the most appropriate diet for Sunshine.

What was the stomach/intestinal problem that Star was diagnosed with, and for how long was the I/D prescribed? This diet also, should not be used long-term. It won't hurt Star to taste the S/D occasionally, but he shouldn't be eating much of it. If his health condition has improved, ask your vet about getting him back on his normal diet. It might help to know that if your vet decides to maintain Sunshine on the C/D-s at some point in the near future, it will not harm Star to also eat it as well.

3) Try not to fret, this happens when one sibling has had to visit the vet or had a hospitalization stay....it is the scent of the clinic and the stress that the other kitty recognizes and is a bit apprehensive...this too shall soon pass.

[Sun & Star's Mom]

Traci,
I wanted to thank you for your response. Since our last visit to the vet, both Sun & Star are now on c/d, and are friends again! You helped me through a very tough time- not only now, but about 5 years ago (on another message board) when my very first cat, Buddy, went through a terrible time and I lost him. Thank you for being available to those of us who need you and most sincerely appreciate all your sound advice.
Janet