Page 11 - Winter 2011

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Mission Cran-possible A natural preventative for UTIs and struvite stones
By Dr Wilma Pretorius CEO Cranimals
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in cats and dogs is so common it can affect up to 1 in 5 pets in their lifetime. Frequently the UTI is also accompanied by the incidence of struvite stones. The most common signs of a UTI in cats and dogs is straining during urination, blood in the urine, fever, lethargy, unpleasant smell to urine, incontinence, and urinating in inappropriate places, particularly for cats. Among the bacteria responsible for UTIs, E. coli was found to be present in most of the cases followed by Stapylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Klebsiella spp. , Proteus spp. and then Pseudomonas spp.
UTIs usually clear up after antibiotic therapy, but sometimes they recur, either due to reinfection with the same or another bacterial species. Modern veterinary/human medicine is however plagued but a rising incidence of antibacterial resistance due to an overprescription of antibiotics- and this also comes with additional costs, such as adverse effects on gut microflora which increases the risk of infection with Clostridium difficile, a potentially serious colon infections
in dogs. The use of a natural plant based preventative for UTIs and struvite stones would significantly help to reduce the risk of antibacterial resistance and disturbances in gut microflora.
Most struvite stones in dogs are actually infection-induced, and female dogs are at the greatest risk for this. The reason for this is likely due to the anatomy of the female urethra, which is short and wide compared with that of the male. When a UTI is caused by Staphylococcus spp. (less commonly Proteus spp. and Ureaplasma) bacteria, a biochemical reaction occurs which favors the formation of struvite stones in the pets urine/bladder even if the pet is on an acidifying diet.
Dogs typically develop struvite stones (uroliths) in their lower urinary tracts within 2 weeks of contracting a staphylococcal UTI. Struvite stones may however also be related to an alkaline urine, diet, and genetic predisposition especially in the miniature schnauzer, bichon frise, shih tzu, Lhasa apso, and Yorkshire terrier and beagles, cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, and Labrador retrievers. Sometimes stones can become bigger than half a kilo (1 lb).
One of the most effective natural remedies for Urinary tract infections and by association, infection induced struvite stones is cranberries. Cranberries contain tannins called (pro) anthocyanidins or PACs which are stable plant compounds exhibiting potent in vitro anti- adhesion activity against pathogenic urinary tract bacteria such as both antibiotic-sensitive and -resistant strains of Escherichia coli. While preventing bacteria from sticking to the cell lining of the urinary tract is believed to be the primary mechanism, a direct mild antimicrobial activity against other UTI causing bacteria has also been reported. Pure cranberry extract powders are the most effective way to get the multiple health benefits of cranberries into your pet. Not only
is the extract effective for promoting urinary tract health, but the phytochemicals in the berries are heart healthy and are also good for dental health. Administering cranberry extract in powder form eliminates the excessive sugar found in juices and dried cranberries, as well the powder mixed in food coats the teeth and helps to keep the your pets mouth clean in exactly the same way it keeps their urinary tract “clean”. The powder is also much more palatable to your pet then fresh cranberries, and delivers a much more concentrated dose of the needed phytochemicals. Look for a cranberry extract that is not adulterated with fillers, preservatives or colorants, and that is food grade and certified organic.
For the full article with complete references please visit TheCranberryBog on http://wp.me/p140m2-4E
info@cranimal.com UK: +44 20 3356 9601 www.cranimal.com
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