Dog Food : S. O.

[Moo]

Does anybody know anything about "S. O." dog food?

The vet send a swab to the lab, they called today... They said that something in Kirby's pee is crystalizing abnormally, giving him problems.

They think it's his food and they want me to try putting him on "S. O." for three weeks. I honestly don't think it's his food, he's been on it forever.... and I don't know how I feel about changing his diet... I have huge doubts that he would eat something different.

But can anybody tell me anything about "S. O."?

[tessa_s212]

If a vet is recommending it, I wouldn't put him on that. Vets have very little nutritional training.

What had Kirby been eating?

[Moo]

Kirby has been eating about half Innova - which is 2000 calories per cup, so I give about 50% of a local-made hypo-allergenic fish diet, it evens out to be a healthy combo with managable energy LOL.

When Kirby had dental surgery they wanted him to eat this stupid mild cat food for a week. Yeah right, it smelled disgusting and Kirby didn't want to touch it.

[Becky]

the only food I can think of for urinary tract problems science diet c/d and U/d never head of S O sorry

[tessa_s212]

I definitely would NOT change off Innova. That is basically the best quality(besides raw) you can get! Well, Unless they can prove that it is the food.

[Moo]

I think I found what they're talking about.

Proven to reduce urinary relative supersaturation (RSS) values for struvite, oxalate, and brushite. Reduced RRS values help decrease the risk of urolith formation. Both dry and canned versions undersaturate the urine for struvite, thereby promoting dissolution. In dogs with struvite, the diet should be used in conjunction with antibiotic therapy.

It's made by Royal Canin.

My problem is at this point that the vet hasn't told me exactly what the cause of the UTI is, so I can't do the research and say whether or not this is the right stuff. It also sounds like a thing for dogs with chronic urinary problems, not just a one time thing; a preventative, not a cure. Like a worm preventative doesn't kill worms, it prevents new ones from entering. Sounds a little extreme, I'd rather give him fruit, yoghourt and more water. I don't know, but as far as my mother's converned, the vet is always right.

Hm.

[mara]

Moo, you mentioned earlier that Kirby will need a follow-up urinalysis--at least I think you did---maybe it was Greta. Anyway, do the research but see what the follow up test results are. Maybe the crystals will be gone--maybe not--but 1 test seems pretty quick for such a diagnosis. With it being so hot lately maybe he is a bit dehydrated which can cause crystals. Please remember my experience with this stuff is with humans and may not be the same for canines. These are suggestions only--I'm sure others who work with animals will have suggestions for you. Is he any better after a couple doses of antibiotics? Was the uninalysis able to identify the make-up of the crystals?

[tessa_s212]

Royal Canin isn't as good as Innova. Too many grains, etc. ...'

Haha.. Moo, my mother is the EXACT same way! (you mentioned your mother...you still live with her? how old are you?...just curious)

[Moo]

Originally Posted by tessa_s212

Royal Canin isn't as good as Innova. Too many grains, etc. ...'

Haha.. Moo, my mother is the EXACT same way! (you mentioned your mother...you still live with her? how old are you?...just curious)

I was looking at Royal Canin, they have ground corn up near the top of their ingredients lists...

16, Tessa. I'm not far off of you. It's my dog, but if my parents want to make an executive decision, they will. And of course since the vet is a vet, he knows everything, right? Every time he get's something done, or something is a little off in his health, they want to put us on a new diet. Frankly, I don't like it, and I think we could do just fine without it.

Originally Posted by mara

With it being so hot lately maybe he is a bit dehydrated which can cause crystals. Please remember my experience with this stuff is with humans and may not be the same for canines. These are suggestions only--I'm sure others who work with animals will have suggestions for you.

That's exactly what I thought. You know how nasty and hot it's been recently, ESPECIALLY for BC weather LOL. Kirby's the kind of dog who needs to be reminded to do everything, that includes drinking on a hot day, he also prefers walking in the sun compared to the shade, and would rather roll in water than drink it.

[weezyNollie]

We sell the Urinary SO, it's a good product. Lots of our clients use it and like it.

Crystals are hard to get rid of, and the bigger problem is creating stones with those crystals. Then Kirby can get blocked and then you need surgery! Even more money then trying a urinary diet. Maybe if you don't like the SO product, you can try the Hills urinary diets. K/D is a kidney diet, and there are others. Ask the vet about your urinary diet options.

I wouldn't ignore the suggestion entirely though. Too bad I can't look at the UA for you and tell you the extent of the crystals. Maybe you can ask him, ask him for the values. Meaning is a 1+ situation of crystals.. or is it 4+. Which would mean they are all over the sediment of the UA.