E-Coli infection in 16.5 yr old Pekingese
-
JM
E-Coli infection in 16.5 yr old Pekingese
Although my girl has been on antibiotics for this infection, it keeps re-occurring. I am giving her a paste to increase the acid content in her urine. I do wipe her after she potties, but I am wondering if there is anything else I can do for her.
Re: E-Coli infection in 16.5 yr old Pekingese
What is the antibiotic you're using and have others been attempted? When was the last culture done to confirm and was this done after a course of antibiotics was finished? (if cultured during a course of antibiotics, this might produce a false-negative). Also, is there any other health condition evident or any other bacterial infections present? When was her last chemistry profile?
One thing, although maybe reaching, is consider dietary indescretions, i.e., overeating or abrupt changes in her eating routine, prolonged thirst, etc. If she is dehydrated perhaps, this could factor in, ask your vet about that. Did your vet suggest wiping her after she urinates? I wouldn't think this would be a good idea, a likely source of re-infection since the vagina and urethra are so sensitive to infection (unless you're using bacterial wipes?)
One thing, although maybe reaching, is consider dietary indescretions, i.e., overeating or abrupt changes in her eating routine, prolonged thirst, etc. If she is dehydrated perhaps, this could factor in, ask your vet about that. Did your vet suggest wiping her after she urinates? I wouldn't think this would be a good idea, a likely source of re-infection since the vagina and urethra are so sensitive to infection (unless you're using bacterial wipes?)
..........Traci
A few suggestions/ideas (all assume these are "simple" UTI's and there is no underlying structural abnormality):
If a culture and sensitivity has not been done, insist on one the next time this occurs to make sure it really is E.coli and that the Rx given will be effective.
How long does she have to "hold it"? Retaining urine in the bladder for prolonged periods increases the likelihood of infection. Is there any way she can go out more often and empty her bladder? Is there a chance that she is not completely emptying her bladder when she does go?
Related to the above. Try to increase the amount she drinks. The more she drinks, the more urine she will produce which will cause her to need to 'go' more often. This flushing action will help prevent further infections.
Does she have any vulvar irritation? This could be a breeding ground for bacteria that will work their way up to the bladder.
Does she have a problem with chronic diarrhea or soft stools? The intestinal tract is the most likely source of any urinary infectant. If she has diarrhea, it is likely that there will be contamination of the vulva and urethra with the intestinal bacteria.
Have you tried cranberry tablets? Cranberry helps prevent bacterial adhesion to the bladder wall.
When you give the antibiotics, make sure you give them correctly. If the Rx is for 'twice a day' - this means every 12 hours. 3 times a day - every 8 hours, etc.
There is also the possibility that these are not 'simple' UTI's - that there is something structurally wrong with the bladder, urethra, or some other part of the urinary tract which is predisposing her to the infections. Has a bladder ultrasound been performed? Have they checked for stones? Angel has her repeat bladder ultrasound on Monday. The vet thought he saw some type of mass when she was diagnosed with her last UTI. We're hoping whatever it is isn't there any more, but there may be a tumor or some type of abnormal growth. I certainly hope that isn't the case with your dog, but if your dog hasn't been checked for any type of abnormality, it might be a good idea to discuss it with your vet.
Good luck. I hope you figure out something that will help your pup.
If a culture and sensitivity has not been done, insist on one the next time this occurs to make sure it really is E.coli and that the Rx given will be effective.
How long does she have to "hold it"? Retaining urine in the bladder for prolonged periods increases the likelihood of infection. Is there any way she can go out more often and empty her bladder? Is there a chance that she is not completely emptying her bladder when she does go?
Related to the above. Try to increase the amount she drinks. The more she drinks, the more urine she will produce which will cause her to need to 'go' more often. This flushing action will help prevent further infections.
Does she have any vulvar irritation? This could be a breeding ground for bacteria that will work their way up to the bladder.
Does she have a problem with chronic diarrhea or soft stools? The intestinal tract is the most likely source of any urinary infectant. If she has diarrhea, it is likely that there will be contamination of the vulva and urethra with the intestinal bacteria.
Have you tried cranberry tablets? Cranberry helps prevent bacterial adhesion to the bladder wall.
When you give the antibiotics, make sure you give them correctly. If the Rx is for 'twice a day' - this means every 12 hours. 3 times a day - every 8 hours, etc.
There is also the possibility that these are not 'simple' UTI's - that there is something structurally wrong with the bladder, urethra, or some other part of the urinary tract which is predisposing her to the infections. Has a bladder ultrasound been performed? Have they checked for stones? Angel has her repeat bladder ultrasound on Monday. The vet thought he saw some type of mass when she was diagnosed with her last UTI. We're hoping whatever it is isn't there any more, but there may be a tumor or some type of abnormal growth. I certainly hope that isn't the case with your dog, but if your dog hasn't been checked for any type of abnormality, it might be a good idea to discuss it with your vet.
Good luck. I hope you figure out something that will help your pup.
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
-
JM
Re: E-Coli infection in 16.5 yr old Pekingese
She's had all the urine tests all along. She had bladder stones removed a year and a half ago. A large stone was stuck in her urethra and an emergency episiotomy was necessary to remove this stone. I'v tried cranberry pills, the concentrated liquid, but would like to find a powder, I'll have to check the local health food store.
She drinks plenty of water. Anti-bacterial wipes were suggested by her specialist.
She was on baytril, now the infection isn't sensitive to it, so now she is taking clavamox.
I am home, so she doesn't have to hold it very long at all. She is also fed high quality food and any treats she wants. This dog has overcome all obstacles and according to my vet "She'll outlive us all"
She drinks plenty of water. Anti-bacterial wipes were suggested by her specialist.
She was on baytril, now the infection isn't sensitive to it, so now she is taking clavamox.
I am home, so she doesn't have to hold it very long at all. She is also fed high quality food and any treats she wants. This dog has overcome all obstacles and according to my vet "She'll outlive us all"
Sounds like you've done everything! Some of the cranberry tablets come in a capsule form - most capsules can be easily opened to allow the use of the powder inside. Solid tablets can be crushed. (I use a hammer!) It could be that this "old girl" is like many older women who become susceptible to UTI's as they age. The normal aging changes to the body, which includes a weakening of the immune system, are usually to blame. If there are no conditions that predispose her to infections, I would guess that this is the most likely problem. It is also possible that her surgery for the stones left some scar tissue that isn't helping the situation. One last suggetion. I you haven't trimmed the hair around the vulva and anus, you may want to consider that. Keeping things dry "down there" may help.
Again - good luck. Sounds like you've got one tough pupper there!
Again - good luck. Sounds like you've got one tough pupper there!
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.