Hi Traci

[Mou Chat]

I hope you had a nice 4th. We played "old" and went to a private spot

in the mountains and just got away from it all.

I have a question...

The little yorkie girl that was so ill last year and is on 5mg of pred
every other day is leaking urine. My vet has sold out and retired!!
and the new one may be smart, but she is far from warm and fuzzy.
I could call him at home....but I don't want to start that. I must
pick a new vet!! What would you reccommend for the doggie?

[k9Karen]

A couple of things on the prednisone - increased thirst, and therefore increased urination are common side effects with this drug. The little girl may just be struggling to hold it in and needs to be let out more often. Leaking urine can also be a sign of a bladder infection. The pred also suppresses the immune system, so infections often occur while taking it. If the little dog hasn't been evaluated for a urinary tract infection, I'd suggest having, at minimum, a urinalysis done. I'd also recommend having a urine culture done at the same time since the pred may lessen the inflammatory response and thereby cause the urninalysis to appear to be "normal" when there really is an infection.

Allie was placed on prednisone recently because her ear canal was so swollen. She was extremely thirsty while on it and had more "accidents" than normal and also had some leakage when she was sleeping. Both ceased as soon as she completed the medicine, so, I'm sure that's what caused it.

[Traci]

Hi Mou,

Along with Karen's advice, I'd suggest a urinalysis to start.

Unfortunately, I realize the importance of the pred right now, but perhaps the vet could adjust it slightly - maybe like 2.5 mg every other day or close to that - I would just suggest that bloodwork be done after a couple weeks to a month of any adjustment of pred is done.

If you know your old vet really well and had a good relationship, no harm in calling him to get a referral to a vet he is familiar with or can recommend.

[Mou Chat]

Thank you Karen. Yes, she does drink a lot, but she can go out
by herself anytime through a pet door. I don't see any symptoms
of a bladder infection. She does leak at night/when sleeping.

[Traci]

Mou, what Karen means, is that while on pred, it can suppress the immune system and make it susceptible to infections. Not saying your little one actually has one, it would just be advisable to test to make sure one isn't developing - sometimes the pet can be asymptomatic but in fact, have an infection brewing.

Too bad the old vet isn't still in practice, he'd probably allow you to just bring in a urine sample for testing. It wouldn't hurt to ask the new vet if you can do so, but you still should talk about adjusting the pred. I don't know if the new vet would even recommend adjusting the dosage, just worth it to talk about it.

[k9Karen]

Allie had a UTI when I took her in for her annual checkup. She had absolutely no obvious symptoms, and if I hadn't opted for the "senior panel" of bloodwork and urinalysis, I would never have known - and this was before she went on the prednisone. I'm a microbiologist who has had them herself and also had 3 dogs who had them, so if I couldn't recognize the signs of a bladder infection, anyone could miss it. Animals are incredible at hiding their pain and the symptoms may not be obvious. I have a new-found respect for my "little bit" Allie. I always thought she was a wimp, but by showing no symptoms of this infection, she obviously isn't one.

[Mou Chat]

Thank you to both of you. I have an appointment for the morning
to get all this done. I talked to "her" emergency vet of a year ago
and he wants the pred lowered....slowly as we know. I will take her
in tonight if she acts any different.

Thanks

[Traci]

I'm glad you have an appointment, it's always best to play it safe.

Please let us know how the appt goes, and if the vet lowers the pred dose. Make sure you talk about a future appt to check bloodwork if the pred is adjusted.

[Mou Chat]

She vomited water and mucus last night and wouldn't eat. Today
she is eating good and no vomit, but is off. Today was her day
for pred so she had it this morning...darn. I will take her in very
early in the morning.

Hugs, Mou

[Traci]

Hopefully, nothing serious. One of my diabetics does that occasionally, but then he waterlogs himself if I'm not watching, then vomits it up, right along with mucous

Keep us posted, Mou, and here's sending healthy vibes to your little girl!