Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

[take4roll10]

It's so hard to tell with Bailey because she always drinks excessive water and is never lethargic. The only way I can tell is peeing more often than usual and not being able to hold it while I put my coat and shoes on. Also, peeing in her crate.

 

[Calliesmom]

Happy takes cranberry pills to keep crystals from forming in his urine. They are just cranberry extract and he's been taking them for probably 2 yrs now. last checkup- all was good. I've given them to Callie too- she's had a couple of UTIs- peed in the house which she never does so off to the vet. she's been pretty good for a while now.

 

[The Quahog]

Just a word of caution on the cranberry, Vit C recommendations. That's fine for most UTI's and struvite stones, but if your dog's problems are caused by oxalate stones and/or crystals (these are very common, and this is sometimes difficult to determine without a stone to analyze), then acidifying the urine will make the problem worse rather than better. - Dr. Mac

 

[Ann]

Thank you for sharing this information! It's so valuable to have a vet on the Forum.

 

[take4roll10]

Just a word of caution on the cranberry, Vit C recommendations. That's fine for most UTI's and struvite stones, but if your dog's problems are caused by oxalate stones and/or crystals (these are very common, and this is sometimes difficult to determine without a stone to analyze), then acidifying the urine will make the problem worse rather than better. - Dr. Mac

How do u know if ur dog has a stone? xray?

 

[The Quahog]

Well thank you for that.
I've been hanging around just getting a feel for the place, and see that the excellent veterinarians here offer occasional guidance but mostly lay low so as not to put a 'chill' on discussion, an approach which I wholeheartedly endorse.

My point on the oxalates was that its fine to use cranberry or vitamin C to 'promote urinary health' and such, but if your dog has straining, blood etc. of course get it checked out, but also make sure the veterinarian knows you are using the acidifier.

In general the dog with straining and blood in the urine runs about 90% infection, 10% stones and crystals, and less than 1% tumors, but in the older dog always a thought. Ways to look for stones include palpation, urinalysis, X-rays and sometimes ultrasound. - Dr. Mac

 

[OntarioSheltie]

Well thank you for that.
I've been hanging around just getting a feel for the place, and see that the excellent veterinarians here offer occasional guidance but mostly lay low so as not to put a 'chill' on discussion, an approach which I wholeheartedly endorse.

My point on the oxalates was that its fine to use cranberry or vitamin C to 'promote urinary health' and such, but if your dog has straining, blood etc. of course get it checked out, but also make sure the veterinarian knows you are using the acidifier.

In general the dog with straining and blood in the urine runs about 90% infection, 10% stones and crystals, and less than 1% tumors, but in the older dog always a thought. Ways to look for stones include palpation, urinalysis, X-rays and sometimes ultrasound. - Dr. Mac

Sadie isn't even 3 yet. She was never x-rayed. She had her first UTI last February. I think my vet may have palpated, but I can't be sure. She had a problem with major diarrhea and vomitting on and off for a year and was seen numerous time so I can't be sure. She had a a slew of blood work done, all of which came back inconclusive or normal. She was on hypoallergenic dog food for a long time which got the problem under control. She's on Wellness now (Crude analysis was close to the vet food) and I keep the problem at bay as long as I keep her fat levels low (I've wondered if she could have low grade chronic pancreatitis).

That being said, with Sadie's history, maybe its better not to give her cranberry extract or vitamin c? Maybe I should just stick with some plain yogurt?

 

[BarbV]

We really DO appreciate the feedback from the vets on the site!

I know none of you want to "diagnose" without seeing the pup, but just getting pointed in alternative directions is a huge help!

Thanks so much for your input!

 

[corbinam]

I think we discussed this on another thread, but I can't remember where it is. Anyways, just got back from the vet and Lexi does have a minor UTI. We now have her on amoxycillin. Anyways, apparently she has a deep vulva with a big flap so bacteria will always be prone to building up.

 

[danisgoat]

Anyways, apparently she has a deep vulva with a big flap so bacteria will always be prone to building up.

LOL....don't know what to say to that

Seriously though....I am glad to hear that you know what she has and she will be we on her way to recovery soon.