1,000 (Green) Origami Cranes (VII)

Two Saturdays back, we brought Skoda for her review but she couldn't produce an urine sample. The vet technician initially told us her bladder was empty but yet after her consultation, informed us that Skoda peed in the pet taxi. The latter incidence was very unexpected of her. Earlier in the wee hours, she was very urgent but held on (such a good girl!) until we decided to abandon mission and let her use the litter tray. Dr K commented she seems to have put on weight so it is getting difficult to 'feel' her bladder.

Yesterday morning, we self-collected Skoda's urine sample. We reverted back to this method because I didn't want her to get stressed up by the clinic extracting urine direct from her bladder (lest this has anything to do with her peeing in the pet taxi). Her urine sample was brownish in colour and this doesn't look "good" at all to me (it was yellowish orange the last time). Normal cat urine colour should be yellow in colour.

The urinalysis results (17 May 08):

The Waltham prescription diet seems to be working because there are no more crystals in her urine :) However, there is inflammation in her bladder which explains why the protein level and white blood cells levels have gone up and there is blood in her urine (as compared to her last urinalysis on 1st Mar 08). If not treated/managed, the condition would lead to kidney problems. Dr K has put her on a course of Baytril, an antibiotics if administered in an higher dosage, poses 0.01% of causing blindness in cats. Skoda is allergic to Clavamox (the first line of antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infection) so this is her next option. The prescribed dosage is 50mg, half tablet once daily. We're to monitor her closely for any adnormality and bring her back for a review in two weeks' time.

This girl needs to drink up. She only drinks from the water fountain (leaves the other two water bowls untouched) and from the kitchen sink tap, and she is lukewarm towards wet food. We'll be getting another water fountain/dome (all three girls will benefit anyway). The investment cost is insubstantial compared to her heading the dreaded direction.