pigbaxterboo
New member
I did a search before posting and although I know it's a rare disease, (though thankfully) I'm struggling to find others suffering with it.
My George is 14 months, he's been treated on and off over the last 3-4 months with what the vet suspected was cystitis. When it kept re-occurring he decided George needed an x-ray and samples sending off. Found out last week that the high level of cystine crystals are a big concern. I've been told that cystine stones are opaque so unlikely to have been picked up on the x-ray and that if he has crystals it is likely that he has stones too.
I know there's no cure, and only some say that a diet can help with reducing crystals, reading up there is so much conflicting information. Some say that a low-protein diet is a myth, others say it's all about the quality of the protein not necessarily the protein level.
I've sent an email to Dr Paula Henthorn in Philadelphia who has a research program ongoing, into finding a DNA test for cystinuria, I'm not sure if she has any bulldogs on the program or if she'll want George on it...or what it entails for us!
It does seem that the US has better food options for dogs with urinary problems, than what's available in the UK. I'm still searching for a suitable alternative to the vets recommendation of Hills U/D which is not what I want him on long term, or at all!
I'm watching him like a hawk, to make sure he's drinking lots and his urine has good flow.
I have read that other breeds are getting good results from neutering.
Sorry for my long post! Just wondered if other members had any experience in coping with this dreadful disease??!
My George is 14 months, he's been treated on and off over the last 3-4 months with what the vet suspected was cystitis. When it kept re-occurring he decided George needed an x-ray and samples sending off. Found out last week that the high level of cystine crystals are a big concern. I've been told that cystine stones are opaque so unlikely to have been picked up on the x-ray and that if he has crystals it is likely that he has stones too.
I know there's no cure, and only some say that a diet can help with reducing crystals, reading up there is so much conflicting information. Some say that a low-protein diet is a myth, others say it's all about the quality of the protein not necessarily the protein level.
I've sent an email to Dr Paula Henthorn in Philadelphia who has a research program ongoing, into finding a DNA test for cystinuria, I'm not sure if she has any bulldogs on the program or if she'll want George on it...or what it entails for us!
It does seem that the US has better food options for dogs with urinary problems, than what's available in the UK. I'm still searching for a suitable alternative to the vets recommendation of Hills U/D which is not what I want him on long term, or at all!
I'm watching him like a hawk, to make sure he's drinking lots and his urine has good flow.
I have read that other breeds are getting good results from neutering.
Sorry for my long post! Just wondered if other members had any experience in coping with this dreadful disease??!