Cranberry Juice

[AgentF]

Someone mentioned in a thread relating to UTI's that Cranberry juice is not good for stone piggies.

Could anyone explain why that is and where the information came from.

Thanks

 

[AgentF]

Another Question

How do you test if there is blood in urine, someone mentioned they had tested their pigs urine.

I assume I could buy something at the chemist?

 

[Laura-CCC4]

I have not heard anything as to why cranberry juice would be unsuitable for pigs with stones, other than that there's less point to trying cranberry juice with stone pigs than those with cystitis. Products/foods containing sugar is likely to irritate cystitis-like symptoms so I'd be more inclined to question whether cranberry juice is suitable for pigs with chronic cystitis issues.

Testing the urine can be done at home or by the vets, the vets can do a more in depth urinalysis though and can spin the urine to check for crystals. For a basic indicator, urine test strips (such as Multistix Reagant strips) will give you an idea of whether the urine contains blood, glucose, protein, nitrites and also pH and specific gravity levels.

 

[pelicano]

Personally I think the 'problem' with the use of cranberry juice for urinary tract issues in piggies is that in some circles it seems to be seen as a treatment for all bladder issues. It only works on bacteria, and only E-Coli bacteria at that - it helps prevent it from sticking to the bladder walls or something, so it flushes out. As far as I am aware (and from experience), it doesn't work on other bacteria.

Therefore I don't see that it could be any use for stones. I'm not aware of any contraindications for using it with bladder stone pigs though, unless the calcium/phosphorus content is bad. :{