My dog was recently treated for a UTI, and I was told that she still has struvite crystals and needs to be on prescription dog food for the rest of her life because of this. While I've had a good experience with this vet, I am a tad skeptical if this is necessary.
Originally, she was brought in for an evaluation on 4/15, unfortuantely she probably had a UTI for a few weeks prior to this. We have a newborn child at home, so things are a bit chaotic. After the diagnosis, she was given amoxicillin 375mg 2x daily for 14 days. I asked for copies of the urinalysis and included excerpts below
4/15 urinalysis:
Color: Dark Yellow
Clarity: Opaque
Specific Gravity: 1.035
White Blood Cells: 40/HPF
Red Blood Cells: 12/HPF
Bacteria Cocci: Present
Struvite Crystals: 1-5/HPF
IDEXX VetLab UA: Consider re-evaluation of proteinuria after resolution of active sediment
SediVue Dx: Consider re-evaluation of proteinuria after resolution of active sediment. Bacteriuria with pyuria and crystalluria: potential upper or lower urinary tract infection. Consider urine culture and MIC susceptibility. Struvite crystals can be seen with urinary tract infection or inflammation. Consider urine culture and sensitivity.
4/29 urinalysis:
Color: Dark Yellow
Clarity: Very Cloudy
Specific Gravity: >1.050
White Blood Cells: 2/HPF
Red Blood Cells: 2/HPF
Bacteria Cocci: none detected
Struvite Crystals: 1-5/HPF
IDEXX VetLab UA: Consider evaluation of urine protein: Creatine ratio
SediVue Dx: Consider evaluation of urine protein: Creatine ratio. Crystalline debris detected. Struvite crystalluria: Low numbers can be normal. Associated with Alkaline Urine.
Breed: Berne-doodle
Age: 7
Gender: F
Weight: 56 lbs
Other environmental factors: we have been undergoing house renovations for over a year, which is longer than expected. This effectively closed our backyard during that time. Unfortunately, our dogs have not gotten as much exercise as they need and deserve during that time.
I'm not an expert, but it seems there's been a significant improvement in crystals. Is changing my dog's diet for the rest of her life necessary? She has been on the same food her entire life (Life's Abundance All Stages dog food). The vet didn't ask what food the dog was on before pivoting to prescription options, which I thought was odd.