I'm feeling pretty anxious right now and could really use some advice from those who have been through similar situations. My cat, Whiskers, has been acting a bit off lately, so we took him to the vet for a check-up. They did some tests and the results came back showing "2-3" for struvite crystals. I'm not really sure what this means and I'm kinda freaking out. Is this considered a positive result? Should I be worried about his health? The vet is closed for the weekend, and I'm stuck here feeling helpless. Has anyone dealt with this before? I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to keep him healthy and comfortable, but I'm not sure what steps to take next. Thanks in advance for any guidance you can offer.
Hello! Thanks for reaching out. When it comes to struvite crystals in your pet's urine, the numbers you're seeing refer to the average count of crystals per field on a microscope slide. In most cases, "2-3" indicates a small number of crystals, which might not be unusual and can sometimes appear in healthy pets. However, in some pets, these crystals can be a sign of struvite stones or urinary issues, especially if other symptoms are present.
Possible causes for the presence of these crystals include urinary tract infections, dietary imbalances, or an overly alkaline urine pH.
At home, ensure your pet is drinking plenty of water to help flush out their urinary system. You might even encourage more fluid intake by adding water to their food. Monitoring your pet’s diet can help maintain an optimal urine pH, but be careful not to make any drastic changes without consulting a vet.
Watch for any signs of distress your pet might show, such as straining to urinate, frequent attempts to urinate, blood in urine, or showing pain while urinating. These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring prompt medical attention.
If you have any concerns, booking a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet can provide the expert guidance you and your furry friend need.
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