Effects of choreito and takushya consumption on in vitro and in vivo struvite solubility in cat urine.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of the takushya portion of choreito, a traditional Chinese treatment for urolithiasis, on urine and struvite crystal variables in cats fed diets containing takushya.

SAMPLE POPULATION

6 male and 6 female adult cats, all considered to be clinically normal on the basis of physical examination findings, results of CBC, serum biochemical analyses, urinalyses, and urine cultures; and freedom from urolithiasis on the basis of urethrocystoscopic (females) or urethrocystographic (males) findings.

PROCEDURE

Cats were fed a commercial canned diet supplemented with 0.1-mg of takushya/kg of body weight, or with 0.5 mg of choreito/kg. Diets were fed, using a Latin-square design, to 3 groups of 4 cats (2 male, 2 female) each for 2 weeks, followed by blood and 24-hour urine sample collections.

RESULTS

Consumption of takushya, which comprises 20% by weight of choreito, was not associated with adverse effects in cats at the amounts provided during the period of study. Moreover, takushya was responsible for most of the effect of choreito consumption on reduction of urine pH, and approximately half its ability to reduce struvite crystal formation in cat urine.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Alternative treatments for struvite urolithiasis in cats may be feasible.