Hi- my 13 year old girl Sandy had a severe urinary track infection. We noticed that she had discolored blood in her urine on a Saturday evening. By Monday, She had a strong ammonia like odor, her urine was dark rust-colored, and she was in a lot of pain. The vet gave her a shot and put her on antibiotics. We finished everything- but a week later I began to notice the smell again. I brought her back, and the vet said yes-she has an ongoing problem. Her blood work is fine, though-no diabetes or kidney failure. They sent her home with 2 weeks worth of stronger antibiotics. We finished that about a week ago, but I think I am starting to smell the ammonia smell again. . Is there something I can do to prevent her from getting these? A supplement or something? This may be over the top, but we had another dog who always assisted in "grooming" her and he recently passed away. I wonder if that has anything to do with the infections. I want to make her as comfortable as possible. She has bad arthritis in her hips and all the trips to the vet is hard on her.
I'm really sorry to say that I can't help. I would be phoning the vet to discuss it further rather than taking her in again. I hope it all settles dwn soon. I'm sure some others may be able to offer you some advice.
Oh dear, so sorry to hear that for your poor girl. I think vet prescribed treatment is your best bet for something like this rather than supplements. You could ask to see a specialist if you feel your vet is not being effective in clearing things up quickly. Although specialists are expensive, I find you need fewer visits and you get a quicker solution (and it's often cheaper overall). Otherwise, see whether your vet will give you advice over the phone, or will allow you to collect urine samples etc yourself. He might not need to see her if it's not really necessary.
Yes- I was hoping there was something that might help in preventing the infection. I have read a few things like cranberry pills in her food or apple cider vinegar- or even garlic. The vet did say that cranberries will keep bacteria from staying in her bladder once the infection is gone. I just don't know. I don't know if we have a specialist nearby. I worry that her arthritis may be playing a part in this. For one, she hates to get up and go because she is uncomfortable. Secondly- and this is the worst one- she can't completely get her tail out of the way, so some of her waste stays in that area. We try our best to keep her clean. But I wonder if more bacteria is getting into her tract because of that. I'll call the vet again Monday. Between her and the new pup with itchy skin (plus my other dog who passed from cancer this summer), I feel like I'm moving in there!
Ah, you sound to be having a tough time of it. I bet it's a bit stressful caring for Sandy. Could you make it easier for her to get outside? You might be doing this already, but you can get hip slings to help them up, and maybe a ramp or two if there are any steps etc. Poor you, and Sandy. I hope you find a way to make her more comfy, and the infection clears up.
Did the vet take a sterile sample to send away to be tested ? My labs had ecoli in their bladders when they were pups. A normal course of antibiotics wasn't enough to get rid of it it kept reccuring it was only after the vet took a sterile sample and sent it to the lab they found ecoli. Ecoli requires a six week course of antibiotics. You can also get a veterinary diet food for urine tract problems which you could ask your vet about to see if it would be suitable for sandy. Otherwise lots of liquids. I was also reccommended to feed wet food before I started the urine diet or you could soak her kibble so her fluid intake is increased. Anything to help flush the system. I hope Sandy improves very soon fingers crossed.
Poor girl. Sounds like she's having a tough time with it . I would be calling the vet rather than visiting. Have a list of questions ready for when you call - supplements, sterile urine test etc. hope you manage to come to a solution soon.
I've never heard of a hip sling. Where would I find one of those? I know they took a urine sample, but I have no idea if it was sterile or not.-Oh, and I have been putting half kibble, half a can of wet food on top, and then putting enough water to make it all float. Her teeth are a little sensitive, too. It is horrible having a pet you've raised since she was a pup grow old and at the end of her life. She is already on 3 meds for her hip pain.
I have a sling for Charlie (he is a young dog, but had a cruciate op). You can also buy harnesses that allow you to give them a hand getting up or over steps etc. I have never used a harness though. I didn't really use it much though, as things turned out he didn't need it - I trained him to allow me to lift him like a sort of wheelbarrow though. You can also get more sophisticated arrangements - google "dog mobility harness" or "dog rear lifting harness" - depends what kind of thing might help her, really. Some go round the body and helps you lift the whole dog, others just go round the rear end if it's only the back legs that need a helping hand.
