UTI question

[Marty]

Does the urine always look bloody, or can it look normal? One of the dogs has been using a corner of the dining room....think it's Biscotti because I saw her start to go in another room (thought it was a one time thing), but Louie visited last week....I saw him try to mark, but not like this. I'll have to watch Bisc closer. We'll get her to the Vet once I know it's her.

[Traci]

An infection doesn't always include hematuria (unless there is a reoccuring infection or an infection as a result of scar tissue, crystals, blockage or frequent catheterization, etc.)

Since you've already seen Biscotti attempting to urinate in an unusual area, I'd get her urine checked right away. If Louie's parents have noticed unusual marking or urinating, they should get him checked as well.

[Marty]

Thanks Traci! We'll get it checked out.

[davet]

i don't think you have time for this but sometimes when it is strictly innapropiriate urination, ie not caused by infection etc, you can get some sodium floride from your vet or a hobby shop and squirt a few drops into one of the anjmals mouth then if you see urine with n obvuous orange tint then the one that got the fluride is the culprit but i think you may have an infection so no time to fiddle with that fun thing

[Marty]

Now you have me confused...I know sodium chloride is salt...sodium floride...hubby just said it was in toothpaste....I'm not a chemist and hated it in school.

At any rate, Biscotti has a Vet appt tomorrow morning to check this out. And I have not seen any other accidents today. She likes to keep me on her toes! Or my toes...

[Traci]

Flourescene stain..a tablet that can be given to pets to change the color of the urine when trying to determine which pet in a household may be marking.

[Marty]

Hmm...that's interesting. I have never heard of doing that

Well, I guess it was Biscotti. The Vet said she has a slight bladder infection and the PH was slightly elevated. She said sometimes the urine burns and the dog just can't hold it. So we have ampicillin and an acidifier. Glad we had her looked at!

The Vet also gave us some clomipramine to help with her thunderstorm fear....doggy Paxil???? With hurricane season in gear, I feel so bad for her.

[Marty]

Well, the Antibiotics have been gone for 5 days or so, and she is still peeing in the house. Now, too, I think it is her who has diarreah. Sigh, I'm tired of cleaning... What are the chances the antibiotic didn't clear it up? And what are the chances that clomicalm is giving her the runs?

And I had to order a new belt for my steam cleaner over the net....none to be found here...sigh.

[Traci]

Your vet should have requested a followup urinalysis after the course of antibiotics..if he didn't, give him a call and try to get it rechecked, you'll then know if she still has an infection (or other type of infection that may not be responding to the current antibiotics) or something else (need to look at the urine sediment to rule out potential developing crystals, etc)

The antibiotics could have caused the diarrhea, ask your vet about that.

[Marty]

Thanks Traci...she has an appt in the morn.. They will check her urine and do Xrays.

Bisc is a difficult girl to do anything to, and she just hates my regular Vet (and he doesn't like her too much).. so I have been trying this one with her to reduce the stress., and Bisc seems to be OK with her for the most part. the one thing I am uncomfortable with, is the lack of followups. I am used to "bring her back in 3 weeks."

She had a bad experience with a tech who pulled on her Basset ear when she had an infection, so she is in hysteria going there.

Might be a male/female thing with the Vets....I'll be in contact tomorrow!