Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 11/3/2008

Question
i have been having a problem with these crystals... my cat was on s/d and he stopped bleeding and then went to c/d.. he started bleeding again and went back on s/d.. he was bleeding again and now he is on c/d again for 5 days and he is still peeing blood..... what more can i do..... why aren't the crystals dissolving??? is there other medicines he can take with this to get rid of the crystals..???? i am at a total loss and cannot keep up this regimine it is costing me more money than i make I am literally down to no money to keep going to the vet or buying all this food.... I love this cat so-o-o much and will sell everything  I own to keep this guy alive........ I am stressed out all day everyday on whether he will get better and live long or get a blockage and die... HELP! HELP! HELP!

Answer
I hope that you are using the canned s/d or c/d.  One of the reasons that cats make crystals is because of the high concentration of minerals in the urine.  So by using a canned food with water added, you can help dilute the urine and prevent crystals from forming.  Has your vet taken X-rays, even with dye put into the bladder?  That may show a defect inthe bladder wall that may explain the bleeding.