UTI question & vet?

[Debidoozer]

Hi all...this is my third post today - our poor baby!!! I have read the other posts about UTI - thanks goodness so many of you respond. This is similar to the rest, but being a first time puppy owner, I would like some advice. Nina is 7 1/2 months, female Rott. She went to the vet Monday AM (May 3rd) and had a heart worm test - standard stuff for puppies. The vet assistant took Nina for about ten minutes, then brought her back to us in the waiting room. After a few more minutes, we went into the room where our regular vet clipped her nails, took her temp, checked her out, etc. We get home from work Monday afternoon and Nina starts up with the squatting with either a drip or nothing coming out. That's when I started reading the posts here. She is full of energy, jumping as always...but the squatting and house accidents have happened several times Tuesday and today. Tonight, she urinated on the kitchen floor and there was blood present. I immediately made an appointment with the vet for tomorrow AM (Thurs May 6th) and have already sterilized a container for a urine specimen to bring with me. I should have called the vet sooner, but was unsure as she was not showing any other signs (licking, discharge, etc). As I said, first time puppy owner. I guess my question is - how do UTI's come about and could she have possibly gotten this at the vet Monday morning when she was getting her heart worm test? Also, the fact that many of you have tried antibiotics several times and the UTI recurred, it concerns me a little - I do not want her to take all sorts of medication (not to mention the cost of this all) if it doesn't necessarily work. Of course I will do what the vet suggets tomororw, but if it doesn't work, should I try some of the suggestions on previous posts? I.e. Cranberry capsules, golden seal, etc? Any ideas?? Thanks again! Debi

[rottnkidd]

Try to catch the urine first thing in the morning. If your appt isn't until later in the day, refrigerate it, or if it's convenient drop it off at the vets in the a.m. Ask them to culture it to determine what TYPE of bacteria you're dealing with. Many UTI's can reoccur because a broad-spectrum antibiotic is often prescribed when a culture isn't done. Cranberry capsules will prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, but will not heal an already infected urinary tract. After the pup returns to health, cranberry can be used as a deterrent. One reason for a uti is the fact that the bladder is full and not being emptied often. Also, be sure the pup is drinking water, and be sure to have a fresh supply available at all times. Filtered water is ideal.
Best wishes -
kathy

[rottlove]

Hi -- Boy i went through a UTI ordeal with my girl, she was around the same age. You'll never know what caused it... they are very common. It's just bacteria somehow getting up inside from the vulva. I highly highly recommend getting a sterile sample taken at the vet, ideally from urine she has held a while, and having a culture done. They can target it precisely with the right antibiotic that way... and there are several!

Clavamox didn't work for us and we ended up using Baytril though it's not recommended for dogs under a year (because it can affect their cartilage, of all things).

Turned out my girl had a recessed vulva (trapping bacteria), and we had it surgically adjusted!

Good that you are catching it early and best of luck!

[Anne]

My vet advised NOT to put the urine sample in the fridge but to keep it at room temperature.

[Debidoozer]

Thanks all! My husband brought Nina tothe vet this AM and she does indeed have a UTI. She rec'd shots, antibiotics and pain killers (?) - not sure as I have not yet been home to see the bottles - I will follow up later. One thing at least is that she has not lost any energy over this (too bad! just kidding!!). The poor thing. This forum has really saved me because I learned about it so we could properly discuss it with the vet and bring in the urine sample with her when she went today. THANKS AGAIN!!!!