The ideal urine pH should be 7.0–7.5 in dogs and 6.3–6.6 in cats. If the urine pH remains below these values after diet modification, potassium citrate at 80–150 mg/kg/day, PO, divided bid-tid, can be given to increase the pH. Ammonium chloride (200 mg/kg/day, PO, divided tid) and dl-methionine (1,000–1,500 mg/cat/day, PO) are the urinary acidifiers of choice. Chronic urine acidification, and ensuing acidosis, can be harmful and should not be instituted without complete evaluation of the animal.
OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER
Systemic Pharmacotherapeutics of the Urinary System
Overview of Systemic Pharmacotherapeutics of the Urinary System
Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections
Fungal Urinary Tract Infections
Bacterial Prostatitis
Diuretics
Dopamine in Urinary Disease
Glomerular Disease
Diabetes Insipidus
Controlling Urine pH
Cystine-binding Agents in Urinary Disease
Urinary Incontinence
Urine Retention