Crystals and Bacteria in a Cat or Dog's Urine

Dear Dr Gordon: On a recent well-pet check at my vet, the urine analysis from the lab revealed that both my cat and dog have crystals in the urine and bacteria. Both my pets are happy and healthy. How significant is this? BK

Dear BK: First of all, crystals and bacteria in the urine MAY BE a significant medical problem, OR may be nothing at all. What do I mean by this?

Should You be Concerned About Crystals and Bacteria In Your Pet's Urine?

Many veterinarians utilize veterinary reference laboratories to analyze blood, urine, stool, and other samples. If urine is collected on a pet that is completely asymptomatic for any urinary problems (no straining to urinate, no blood, no unusual urinary behavior) and submitted to a laboratory for analysis, the presence of crystals in that particular urine sample may have formed en route to the lab.

How is this possible? Sometimes crystals can form from the time the urine was collected to the time it was read at the lab due to changes in temperature and changes in the pH of the urine. Crystals that were soluble in solution at the time of collection can actually crystallize out in the solution over time. Is this significant? In a pet that is symptomatic, crystals in the urine are significant. If the pet is completely asymptomatic, then the crystals are probably not a significant issue. However, a fresh urine sample should always be re-examined at the veterinarian's office to make sure crystals are not present immediately after collection. If crystals are present in a fresh sample, these are a real finding and should be addressed. There can be many causes for the formation of crystals. Diet, genetic predisposition, and bacterial infection are some of the culprits. 

How Is A Urine Sample Collected?

The presence of bacteria in the urine can sometimes also be misleading. Veterinarians collect urine in a variety of ways. The best way to collect a urine sample is by a technique called cystocentesis. In this technique, the pet is allowed to build up urine in the urinary bladder and the urine is extracted from the bladder in a sterile fashion. This is usually done by cleansing the area of any surface bacteria on the skin and collecting the urine with a very fine hypodermic needle and syringe. If bacteria are found on this "sterile" collection technique, it is always significant. Sometimes when veterinarians are faced with a particularly uncooperative patient, we will ask that the owners collect a urine sample for us. Even though we hope the sample is collected a aseptically as possible, we realize that collection in this way is less than ideal, and will probably be contaminated to some degree. Almost any sample that is collected at home, by the owner, either by a "mid stream catch" (in the case of a big dog or via the litter box (in the case of cats) will be contaminated. Even though we realize this, it is important to analyze the urine anyway since other findings in the urine may be significant. We can still discern many important facts about the pet's health status from a urine sample collected by the owner. Significant findings could be sugar in the urine, crystals in a fresh sample, the presence of inflammatory cells or cancer cells, protein in the urine, and/or blood in the urine. All of these would be present regardless of how the urine was collected.

Is There Bacteria or Not?

Sometimes there actually will be the presence of bacteria, but the lab or veterinarian reports that no bacteria were seen. How is this possible? Sometimes the bacteria numbers are very small, or sometimes a very dilute urine will not show any presence of bacteria when examined under the microscope (although they are there). If the doctor suspects that bacteria may be present causing symptoms, and "no bacteria seen" is reported by the lab, he or she may recommend a culture and sensitivity be done on the urine.

How To Collect It Correctly?

To do a culture and sensitivity correctly, the sample should be collected straight from the urinary bladder to avoid environmental contamination. Once the urine is collected, it is transferred to a sterile test tube for transport to the lab. Once the urine arrives at the lab, special procedures are employed to enhance the growth of any bacteria that could be present. This involves placing the urine in a test tube containing a special broth to enhance the reproduction of any bacteria found in the urine. After the bacteria are grown in the broth, the bacteria is identified and this solution is "streaked across" a special plate containing another type of growth media. Special small discs, each impregnated with a different antibiotic, are then spread onto this plate. The growth pattern of the bacteria helps determine which antibiotic(s) would be effective in killing the bacteria.

As you can see, there is a big difference in the reporting and interpretation of crystals and bacteria in the urine. DrG

For more information on Urinary Crystals click here to visit AskAriel.com.

Author:  Dr. David Gordon, Holistic Veterinarian

Arch Beach Veterinary Clinic

Original post: 3/15/09

Updated: 4/29/24

Stem Cell Therapy Helps Pets In Pain

CHRONIC PAIN IS A MAJOR CAUSE OF EUTHANASIA IN PETS

Dr. David Gordon, Medical Director, VCA Arroyo Animal Hospital, Lake Forest, CA

Dear Dr Gordon: I am at the point of considering putting my 10 year old lab to sleep. She has had a history of moderate hip dysplasia that never seemed to bother her very much, but last year she blew out her knee or ACL. This was surgically fixed, but she seems in chronic pain now. The doctors have tried a variation of many different medications for her pain and nothing seems to be helping. Is there anything else that is available? I am at my wits end. AJ

Dear AJ: Is there anything worse than seeing your beloved pet in constant pain? It sounds as if you have been a very conscientious pet owner in dealing with your pet’s situation.
One of the most gratifying things I have been able to do is to help pets live with pain utilizing holistic medical therapies and acupuncture; especially the chronic nagging pain of arthritis.

Even though that has been very gratifying, it has also been the most frustrating. I realize that these therapies did not offer any long term solution for the patient’s pain UNTIL NOW.

There has been a recent scientific breakthrough to help pets deal with the pain associated with osteoarthritis as well as injuries of tendons and ligaments. A southern California company, Vet-Stem, has developed the technology to provide veterinarians a new and innovative therapy utilizing STEM CELLS. You can visit them on the web at http://www.vet-stem.com/. In addition to chronic arthritis, anticipated future uses for stem cell therapy could include autoimmune disease, liver disease, neurological disease, and kidney disease.

You may have heard about some of the scientific breakthroughs regarding the use of human stem cells. Stem cells are the “ancestral” cells that have the “programming” to turn into the specialized cells where ever they are needed in the body. But harvesting them has been difficult. One promising source of stem cells, human embryos, raises moral objections from those who consider the embryos human individuals. This has raised a lot of controversy and politics surrounding the collection of these EMBRYONIC stem cells. The beauty of pet stem cell therapy is that we are using the pet’s own adult body cells, or MESENCHYMAL CELLS, to collect the stem cells. Regulators don't allow stem cell therapies to be tried in humans until they are shown to be safe in animals. And animal treatments are not subject to the extensive regulation required for humans.

How is this done? A small quantity of fat is collected from the pet and the sample is shipped priority Fed Ex to the Vet Stem laboratory. Fat is utilized because it is readily available, easy to harvest, and rich with stem cells. Within 48 hours of collection, the patient’s own regenerative stem cells are returned for injection into the affected joint or bloodstream. The beauty of this process is that we are dealing with the pet’s pain in a very holistic manner, utilizing the pet’s own body to heal itself. There may be no lifetime drugs to take and, best of all, there are very few, if any, side effects.

This process has been used in clinical trials for the past three years, and the results have been extremely promising. Over 2500 horses and 200 dogs have been successfully treated.
I am hoping that stem cell therapy will prove to be “the answer” for pet’s in chronic pain from osteoarthritis that do not seem to respond well to our normal protocols for pain relief.

Toxoplasmosis and Cats

Dear Dr. Gordon: My doctor has recommended I be extremely careful around my 2 cats. I have just found out that I am pregnant and he is concerned that I could become infected with Toxoplasmosis. Now I am worried that I could become infected and am thinking of finding homes for my cats. Is there any way I can keep my cats? PB

Dear PB: Your OB-GYN is being conscientious about warning you regarding the risks involved with cats and Toxoplasmosis. That being said, I see no reason for you to adopt out your cats if you take some simple precautions around the house.

First, let’s give you some background on this disease, which has been poorly understood for years. It was not uncommon, just a few years ago, that human medical doctors were insisting that cat owners rid themselves of their cats to avoid this disease. Fortunately, they know better now.

Toxoplasma infects virtually all warm-blooded mammals and birds, including about 50% of people worldwide. Transmission from cats to humans can occur if cat owners contaminate their hands while cleaning the litter box and accidentally swallow infectious cysts before washing their hands. Other more likely routes of transmission are underrecognized and include ingestion of contaminated soil or water, eating inadequately washed raw vegetables or fruit and consuming raw or undercooked meat and shellfish

It is true that infection by the protozoan organism, Toxoplasma gondii, can cause a variety of birth defects, especially if the mother is infected in the first trimester. However, avoiding infection throughout the pregnancy is very important because the probability of transplacental transmission increases as the pregnancy progresses.

Pregnant women are not the only individuals who are at risk. Most infected individuals have no clinical disease or only flu like symptoms. But, immuno-compromised individuals may suffer from severe, sometimes, fatal, toxoplasmosis when parasites are released from latent tissue cysts and travel to the brain.

So, how can you avoid being infected? Some of the recommendations require just good hygiene and common sense. You should wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. You should never eat raw or undercooked meat , poultry, or fish. Restricting access to the outdoors is a key strategy to prevent cats from acquiring T. gondii and serving as a source of infection for people.

Cats that have access to the outdoors typically hunt and eat small mammals and birds which are the intermediate hosts for this parasite. Domestic cats begin shedding the eggs 3-5 days after ingestion of infected animal tissues, and the shedding period lasts about 8 days but may continue up to 3 weeks.

Another important strategy in minimizing exposure is how you deal with the cat’s feces. First and foremost, have your husband clean the litter box. He may not like doing this but when faced with the possibility of congenital birth defects in his first-born, I bet he will comply. If you must deal with the cat’s feces yourself, be extra careful. Changing the cat’s litter boxes daily as well as wearing disposable plastic gloves and washing hands after cleanup, considerably reduce the risk of contracting the disease from cat litter. Cat litter and feces should not be deposited in toilets or recycled into the soil around the home but instead should be deposited in garbage containers in tightly sealed bags. Proper disposal reduces the risk of ingestion and inhalation by other animals and people.

The domestic cat remains the most important vector in spreading the disease into the environment. Cats rarely exhibit clinical disease as a result of T. gondii infection but are implicated in human outbreaks as well as disease in food and zoo animals. Most cat owners probably do not recognize the potential risks to human and animal health posed by feral and owned cats that roam outdoors.

Until a vaccine is developed to prevent cats from shedding the eggs, the challenge for veterinarians is to educate cat owners about environmentally friendly cat management and safe methods for collection and disposal of cat litter. Strategies to manage feral cat populations, which may include adoption, sterilization, relocation, removal, and/or provision of indoor housing, also are needed. David Gordon, DVM

14 1/2 Year Old Dog With Arthritis Goes Hiking Now!

"I attribute the happy, active life that my age 14½ Lab/Shepherd mix, Kona (photo attached), enjoys today to the compassionate and professional assistance that Susan Blake Davis and Ask Ariel have provided over the last four years. I came to Susan in 2005 because my then-age-ten 80 lb. pet seemed like he was fading and even "on his way out". He couldn't jump up onto the back seat of my SUV and was taking Rimadyl for his hip pain/degeneration. He had become increasingly listless and just moving around seemed too much for him to bear.

The fantastic suggestions that Susan provided began showing results right away and Kona started a steady path towards a fuller, happier expression of himself. I have used the products she recommended (ArthroStride, K9 CurcuMagic) every day for the last four years and just placed another order so Kona does not run out. I believe in these products and couldn't imagine being without them.

Today, we go on very aggressive uphill hikes three times weekly. Kona always brings up the rear on the way up and is in pain with every step, but he wouldn't miss a single step for the world! He studies my every move when he thinks I'm putting my hiking clothes on and once I go for my hiking shoes (the final clue!), he goes ballistic. His excitement is more than he can contain and is ecstatic all the way up the trail and back.

I am so grateful to Susan and Ask Ariel for giving me my beloved Kona's life force back and all the comfort we have given each other during the last four years. Thank you so much, Susan. What you gave us is precious and irreplaceable."

Guy Richardson, Los Angeles, CA

Beloved Ariel--The Dog Who Taught Me So Much

Pictured above are two special shots of Ariel larger than life. In the lefthand picture, Ariel turns 14 and is blowing out her birthday candles at her party. On the right, she is wearing a T-shirt in front of PETsMART at age 13 trying to help homeless dogs get adopted.

Yesterday was the 4th anniversary of Ariel's death. Ariel was so much more than "just a dog". She was the love of my life. She was such an incredible inspiration that our rescue and my business is named after her. For 6 years, she sat in front of PETsMART helping homeless dogs find their families at last. She greeted everyone in front of the store and had her own special friends that I later discovered after she died. Ariel was one of those one in a million dogs who taught me so much and showed me how wonderful life really is. No matter how sick she was, no matter what happened, my beautiful girl was always on the go, tail wagging, joyously greeting the day. She was such a happy creature.

Even as 4 years have passed, it still hurts so much to be without my special girl. I know there are many, many of you who have lost your beloved pets and my heart goes out to all of you. I wish there was something that could really make the hurt go away but what I found was that the best way to get through it is to honor them each day so that you will always feel they are with you. And so, with that, here is my tribute to my beloved angel who taught me so much---I love you Ariel and miss you so much. You are forever with us and we will never forget you! Your Mom and Dad

Cat Upper Respiratory Infections--Feline URI

Dear Dr. Gordon: My cat must have the worst cold of all time. She has been sneezing with a runny nose for well over 3 months now. The antibiotics the vet prescribed did not work. What can I do to stop it? I have tried everything. TB

Dear TB: First and foremost, any cat that has chronic "cold symptoms" should be evaluated by your veterinarian again. It is very likely something other than a "common cold."

Upper Respiratory Infections In Cats and Dogs

Think about it. Pets get colds just like people do and exhibit many of the same symptoms. Colds are caused by upper respiratory viruses that we contract through exposure when these viruses are expelled by others when they cough and/or sneeze. We currently do not believe that human cold viruses can cause upper respiratory illness in dogs and cats (and vice versa). The signs and duration of cold symptoms are fairly classic: first, there is the scratchy throat which then progresses to the stuffy nose, sneezing, and (sometimes) coughing phase. The good news is that most cold symptoms are gone within a couple of weeks (at the most). This holds true for our pets as well.

Occasionally, in weakened, geriatric or debilitated people and pets, an upper respiratory illness can progress into the lower respiratory tree and create pneumonia. Pneumonia is sometimes very difficult to detect (evidenced by people who sometimes carry out their normal activities despite having "walking pneumonia"). Usually, however, pneumonia presents with a deep, productive (or wet) cough, sometimes with fever, and usually with lethargy and lack of appetite. All pneumonia is serious and requires long-term care and physician follow-up. Although the doctor is sometimes able to detect changes in the lung fields when listening to the patient breathing with a stethoscope, this is sometimes very difficult to detect. After all, I can't tell my patients to "take a deep breath and hold it" like our human counterparts can. The best way to determine if pneumonia is present is to take x-rays of the chest. Bacterial pneumonia usually responds to long-term antibiotic therapy, but follow-up x-rays are essential in following the course of the pneumonia.

What If Your Pet Is Not Responding To Antibiotics?

If the pneumonia is not responding to antibiotics, there is probably another cause for the pneumonia. Through sophisticated testing, the veterinarian hopefully will be able to determine the cause. Sometimes, allergies, fungi, inflammation, or cancer can cause pneumonia. The doctor may recommend diagnostic procedures like bronchoscopy or a "tracheal wash". This requires that the patient be sedated and a flexible endoscope in placed into the respiratory tree to obtain samples for analysis. This procedure is usually done if symptoms of pneumonia persist, without improvement or resolution.

The pet with chronic "cold symptoms" ( sneezing, nasal discharge, and coughing) that is unresponsive to medical management, presents a huge challenge for the veterinarian. In recommending more sophisticated diagnostic procedures, the doctor is hoping to find a cause to the problem that can be cured. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as cancer becomes more and more prevalent in older pets with unresolved or chronic nasal discharge.

Is It A Cold or Allergies?

One additional possibility for the "cold symptoms" could be a food or environmental allergy. This can be a likely cause if your cat is young and displays gastrointestinal issues as well (diarrhea, for example). Work with your veterinarian or seek the advice of a holistic veterinary professional to develop a hypoallergenic diet for your cat. In addition, you can try using immune support supplements available at AskAriel.com to see if they will help.

Author: Dr. David Gordon

Arch Beach Veterinary Clinic

Orignal post: 3/6/09

Updated: 4/29/24

Question Regarding Canine Kidney Disease Diet

Q: Thank you for the very informative article. You mentioned that the pet should have a high quality, low protein phosphorous diet, do you suggest any particular dog food? My current vet has her on Hill's k/d diet which I have heard some negative things about. Thank you again.
~One nervous pet owner

A: Thank you for submitting a question about such an important topic. You are correct--when a dog or cat has kidney disease, the diet is of utmost importance. Giving too much protein at any one meal can elevate the phosphorous and BUN levels in the blood and make the dog or cat feel sick. Symptoms of canine and feline kidney disease can include excessive thirst, excessive urination, lethargy, inappetance, nausea, etc. So to keep your pet's phosphorous and BUN levels as regulated as possible, the diet needs to regulated too.

Several considerations regarding diets for dogs and cats with kidney disease: pets often become inappetant and need variety; avoid using any type of treat or food that contains preservatives or chemicals, try to use a homemade diet if at all possible and avoid giving the pet high protein/high phosphorous foods such as milk products and fish.

There is no "canned" recipe or commercial dog food that works for every dog or cat with kidney disease. The reason for this, is that kidney disease is often accompanied by other health conditions. These can include pancreatitis, anemia, heart disease, liver issues, allergies, etc. It is not advisable to use a recipe or commercial diet intended for any pet with kidney disease because it may not be the right one for your pet. I have seen many dogs with kidney disease get worse from being on so called "homemade canine kidney disease diets" because they are too high in fat. Your best bet would be to seek out the advice of a veterinary professional and get a custom-tailored diet specifically for your dog. We offer this service through Ask Ariel and there are other pet nutritionist services available online.