Evaluation of three herbal compounds used for the management of lower urinary tract disease in healthy cats: a pilot study.

J Feline Med Surg. 2017 Dec 1:1098612X17748241. doi: 10.1177/1098612X17748241. [Epub ahead of print] Daniels M1, Bartges JW2, Raditic DM3, Marsden S4, Cox SK5, Callens AJ6. Author information 1 1 Banfield Animal Hospital, Clarksville, TN, USA. 2 2 Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA. 3 3 Veterinary Consultant in Nutrition, Athens, GA, USA. 4 4 Edmonton Holistic Clinic, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 5 5 Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Services, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA. 6 6 Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Seattle and Renton, Seattle, WA, USA. Abstract Objectives Lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) occurs commonly in cats, and idiopathic cystitis (FIC) and urolithiasis account for >80% of cases in cats <10 years of age. Although several strategies have been recommended, a common recommendation is to induce dilute urine resulting in more frequent urination and to dilute calculogenic constituents. In addition to conventional therapy using modified diets, traditional Chinese and Western herbs have been recommended, although only one - choreito - has published data available. We evaluated three commonly used herbal treatments recommended for use in cats with LUTD: San Ren Tang, Wei Ling Tang and Alisma. We hypothesized that these three Chinese herbal preparations would induce increased urine volume, decreased urine saturation for calcium oxalate and struvite, and differences in mineral and electrolyte excretions in healthy cats. Methods Six healthy, spayed female adult cats were evaluated in a placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover design study. Cats were randomized to one of four treatments, including placebo, San Ren Tang, Wei Ling Tang or Alisma. Treatment was for 2 weeks each with a 1 week washout period between treatments. At the end of each treatment period, a 24 h urine sample was collected using modified litter boxes. Results Body weights were not different between treatments. No differences were found in 24 h urinary analyte excretions, urine volume, urine pH or urinary saturation for calcium oxalate or struvite between treatments. Conclusions and relevance The results of this study do not support the hypothesis; however, evaluation of longer-term and different dosage studies in cats with LUTD is warranted.