The Use of D-Mannose in Dogs and Cats

         

A dear dog is a family member.   (Photo: urinarytractinfectioncauses.net )

 

   Some time ago, I wrote a post which discussed the use of a simple sugar D-Mannose in the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia Coli (E-coli).    Since then, several people have written me privately asking whether d-Mannose could be used in their dogs.  I wrote them back giving them internet references which they likely could have searched themselves, but I declined to post on this with relation to dogs, thinking that veterinary sites probably made more sense for a post of this type.
               Since we are the caretakers of our animals, and our dogs in disasters and emergencies, I realize now that this might be an important subject I probably should place here.
               The science exists to tell us that d-mannose, which is sometimes marketed for humans as Clear Tract prevents the adherence of e-coli to the specialized cellular lining of the bladder and other urinary tract structures. This makes it difficult for an early urinary tract infection to establish and travel to all parts of the urinary tract. This can be a useful tool in early or milder urinary tract infections, or in ones that have been treated but don't feel resolved following completion of antibiotics.  Since e-coli is the most common organism in human beings, to cause urinary tract infection, this can be valuable information.  There is also a theory that even after an antibiotic, some e-coli strands can remain dormant in the urinary tract, and the patient can experience a recurrence.  D-mannose may either prevent that recurrence or work in tandem with the antibiotic to ensure a complete recovery.    However, no evidence exists which suggests that d-mannose has any effectiveness in treating urinary tract infections caused by any pathogenic organism. (This means it will not work for urinary tract infections caused by other urinary pathogens such as proteus mirabilis, klebsiella, enterobacter, staphylococcus saprophiticus, or citrobacter.)

The powder can also be a good way to administer this to animals in food or juice. 

              Since literature tells us that e-coli is also the most common pathogen to cause urinary tract infection in dogs, then it makes sense that there may be a use for it in dogs.  We need to be cautious here because although you and I know whether our urinary tract infection is improving, our dogs can't speak to us and tell us how our intervention has worked.  For this reason, I would urge people to have urinary tract infections treated by your vet and then ask the vet whether a maintenance dose of a small amount of d-mannose might be helpful in the prevention of recurrence.  This is also the best source of dosage instructions for your pet.  Remember that the urinary tract in many dogs is small, and that it's a short trip to the kidneys.  Infection of the kidneys themselves can be life threatening in our dogs, as it can be sometimes in human beings as well.  It's also important to include your vet in seeming urinary tract infections in dogs because sometimes these are not only urinary tract infections, but a sign of urinary tract stones as well.   
             Remember also that the above information applies to cats as well.  Cats can be especially challenging, and so make sure you speak with your vet to clear anything you want to give a cat. D-Mannose is also a treatment that you can only give to a cat who is still urinating.
             This said, there may be emergencies where you cannot reach your vet for a few hours.

    The following product is a d-mannose product which is chewable and especially designed for dogs and cats.  Please pay close attention to the dosage instructions by your pet's weight.

          Another very important point is that just as diabetic humans and animals may develop urinary tract infections a bit more readily than non-diabetic individuals, the particular simple sugar is not metabolized as sugar and therefore can be used in diabetic human beings, and in diabetic dogs and cats as an adjunct to prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections.  Again, speak to your vet about using this and any supplement, and for dose guidelines.   None of the references indicate that the practice of using d-mannose could be harmful for your pet, but the concern is missing a fulminant infection which is incompletely treated  which could later produce sepsis and later death, so staying in touch with your vet as soon as you can communicate would be the safest course of action.  Make sure your pets always have lots of clean and clear water available to them at all times.



        
  Entirely Pets D-Mannose





Important Background information to this post:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071217212223.htm

http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/urinary-tract-infection

http://www.bladder--infection.com/cystitis-treatment-method.htm


http://www.healingtherapies.info/D-Mannose.htm


http://www.d-mannose.com/manno-max-vet-prod.html

 http://tahomaclinicblog.com/d-mannose-for-bladder-and-kidney-infections/


Of interest:

 http://fosterdogblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/urinary-tract-infections-d-mannose.html




My prior blog post on the use of D-Mannose in human beings:

 http://rationalpreparedness.blogspot.com/2012/04/clear-tract-is-available-over-internet.html

Alternative Therapies for Early UTIs

"Clear Tract" is available over the internet, and is 100% D-Mannose formula.

  
       I still stand behind my contention that a deep seated fulminant urinary tract infection needs the attention of a licensed physician, but for the sake of completeness, both of my friends Kymber and Marion wish to have me place a post which includes more alternative information.   Those who are beginning a urinary tract infection or who have urethral irritation may benefit from a regime in which they use something called D-Mannose.     D-Mannose used for early bladder infection is urged by Jonathan Wright, who holds both an MD from Harvard, as well as an honorary degree in Naturopathy.   Dr. Wright practices medicine and also naturopathy in Renton, Washington.  He can be a controversial figure in medicine.     D-Mannose is a simple sugar, and therefore is harmless to us, in itself.  However, my main concern was and is, that incomplete treatment could allow a urinary tract infection to move higher toward the kidneys while we are using a less proven treatment, and this is why I decline to recommend it myself, without careful guidelines.  D-Mannose, according to pharmacists, can only improve urinary tract infections which are caused by E-Coli, and since most are, for some, this may be worth a trial of a couple of days.

How fascinating that such a simple chemical formula impedes the ability of the bacteria E-coli to adhere to certain internal areas of the urinary tract.

 

     Here is the information from:  


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 Cate Sibley, Pharm.D.

February 23, 2010

I am super stoked to be sharing this particular post with you!  Not only does it fall into our natural/home remedies series, but it provides information about an OTC treatment option for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
I cannot begin to tell you how many patients approach me with discomfort written all over their faces, looking for a way to rid their bodies of the classic symptoms of a UTI.  Upon conversation with a good friend of mine, I became introduced to a very decent natural remedy that helps prevent AND treat UTIs.
The natural supplement name: D-Mannose!
What is D-Mannose?
It’s simply a sugar that is similar to glucose (a component of table sugar) and a natural substance found in our bodies, particularly in the urine.
How does D-Mannose work to treat or prevent UTIs?
D-Mannose passes through our bodies mostly unchanged, with the rest being excreted into the urine.  When it reaches the walls of the urinary tract, the D-Mannose molecules attach to certain target spots that would normally be occupied by the bacteria causing the UTI.  In other words, the D-Mannose molecules remove the bacteria from their target spots, which helps clear up the bacterial infection.  The displaced bacteria is washed out of the body by our urine.  
D-Mannose also appears to prevent the bacteria from attaching to their targets, which in turn, helps to keep the infection from occurring in the first place.
The catch is that D-Mannose seems to only work for the E. coli bacteria; there are several types of bacteria that cause a UTI.  The good news is that E. coli causes a majority (about 80-85%) of the cases of urinary tract infections.  If D-Mannose does not seem to be working for you, then you can assume that your UTI may be caused by a non-E. coli bacteria and an alternative treatment option should be considered.
What is the recommended dosage for D-Mannose?
The simple sugar is available on the market as a capsule and powder.
A typcial dosing regimen to treat a UTI using the powder would be one teaspoon dissolved in a liquid and taken every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days.
To prevent a UTI, a common guideline is to dissolve one teaspoon of powder in a liquid and drink it up once a day!   
The capsule form may have directions like: take one to two capsules by mouth twice a day with water.
NOTE: These directions are going to vary from person to person and on the product that is purchased!
Is it okay to take D-Mannose if you have diabetes?
It sure is!  I know, sounds funny because it is a natural sugar, but because D-Mannose pretty much goes straight to your urinary tract (unlike glucose, which is metabolized), it will not affect your blood sugar levels.
Since D-Mannose is not regulated by the FDA, is it safe to take?
So far, it appears that D-Mannose is a safe alternative to your traditional antibiotics.  A couple of side effects include loose stools and bloating.
Please do remember that since it is a supplement and not regulated by the FDA, the product may contain significantly more or less of the active ingredient per dose than what is listed on the product label!
Where can I find D-Mannose?
Since D-Mannose is pretty much an unknown entity in the world of pharmacy or traditional medicine, it may be difficult to find.  If you’re lucky, you may find it at a health food store, but your best bet is to locate it online!
That just about wraps it up!  Just be cautious when trying to self-treat a UTI.  It may still be in your best interest to take a trip to your doctor’s office -keep that in mind anyway.
I would love to hear about your experience with D-Mannose.  Definitely leave a comment below to share your thoughts!  Yup, you can always e-mail me at Cate@getpharmacyadvice.com too!
http://www.getpharmacyadvice.com/d-mannose-for-uti-prevention-and-treatment/

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(The work inside the undulating double lines in the sole work product of Cate Sibley, PharmD )
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             Adding lactobacillus acidophilus to your regime is also beneficial, in this case helping to restore bacterial balance.

Other authoritative information regarding the use of D- Mannose in uncomplicated urinary tract infectiion is available by:  Dr. James Pendleton at:

  http://jamespendleton.suite101.com/d-mannose--uncomplicated-urinary-tract-infections-a334901



Ordering D-Mannose can be done by going to:

http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Tract-Capsules-60/dp/B0007DHM9M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335362525&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Tract-Powder-50-gms/dp/B005P0SZHK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1335362525&sr=8-2

http://www.fubaohealthstore.com/DiscoverNutrition.html

or many other sources.

This is an enlargement of one variety of Escherichia Coli (E-coli) which is most often the causative organism in urinary tract infections.  D-Mannose will only aid in the urinary tract infections caused by E-coli.        Urinary tract infections can also be caused by Proteus mirabilis,  Klebsiella, Pseudomanas sp., Mycoplasma, Staphylococcus, Chlamydia, Neisseria sp,  Serratia sp. and many others.  Urinary tract infections which are caused by organisms other than E-coli comprise 20% of such infections.

UPDATE:      I wish to reiterate this point, since I get a lot of questions about this.Although most urinary tract infections are in fact,  caused by E-Coli.,   D-Mannose may be effective in early treatment of this, prior to an antibiotic being required.     HOWEVER: D-Mannose has been studied and WILL NOT aid in urinary tract infections caused by any other organisms.  This is an important distinction.
                     See your physician quickly for urinary tract infections that do not respond to an increase in fluids, or D-Mannose.