Sick Rottie

[DeniseS]

I am bringing Deuce (2-1/2 yrs) to the vet tomorrow morning, but would like to know if anyone else's dog has experienced these symptoms. She has blood in her urine (she has been spayed), which the vet says is most likely a urinary tract/bladder infection. Last night she had vomited up all of her dinner. After that I made her some ground beef and rice and she seemed to keep that down ok until this morning, when she threw up all the water she had drank (with a little undigested rice in it). I again fed her ground beef this morning, she had kept it down so far (I had to leave for work, but was there for about an hour before I left). Also, last night she began licking and scratching everywhere (mostly her legs & feet), very insistently. Not to the point where she was chewing herself, but she seems to be very irritated by something. I checked over her skin and did not see anything abnormal. She has also had a couple of episodes over the last month or so where she seems very confused. This seems to always happen at night after a nap. I don't know if she could possibly be having mild seizures, or is waking up from a bad dream or something. I will obviously speak to the vet about this also. Another symptom she is experiencing over the last month is she gets very stiff after we bring her swimming. She will whine a bit when she gets up, usually an aspirin will help this. It does not seem to be her back end bothering her, but maybe her shoulder.
Sorry for such a long post, but any insights before my vet appt would be greatly appreciated.

[brunie's mom]

WOW!!!
Your poor girl seems to have alot going on.
For the blood in the urine, it does sound like it could be a bladder infection or it could be crystals in the urine. Your vet will check a urine sample and be able to tell what is going on.

As far as the biting at herself and itching...is she on a flea peventative? What food do you feed her? It could be sensitivites or allergies to ingredients in her dog food. Most often dogs are sensitive to corn, wheat, and soya.

As far as waking up and being confused...it could be some type of seizure.

When she get's up and is stiff after swimming or other exercise, I would be worried about her hips. Very common in our breed is hip dysplasia. Has she ever had her hips x-rayed??

This are all things that you should be mentioning to your vet and hopefully you will get some answers.
Good-luck!

Gina

[DeniseS]

Hi Gina,
Thanks for the reply. I've gotten some of the test results back today. She does have a urinary tract infection, she is already on antibiotics, but may need to switch once we know what type of bacteria it is. She is feeling better, no more insistent scratching. She has a hot spot on her face, which the vet thinks is a bite or allergic reaction that could of caused the itchy episode. Her blood work came back excellent, so nothing serious going on there.
She is on flea preventive, so hopefully that was a one time deal.
We are going to get this problem cleared up 1st & then get the x-rays done.
The allergies is a good possibility, we did just get a puppy & caught her eating the puppy food(oops, forgot to pick it up). So I believe that's what caused some of her stomach issues. She's on pedigree right now.
I think I have finally found a very good vet, she will be working with me to get everything squared away.

Thanks

[brunie's mom]

Glad to hear that you know what is going on with her health. Hope she feels better soon.
I would suggest you get her off of the Pedigree food (Pedicrap) ...these may be the reason for the hotspot and the itching and her general poor health. The food is full of corn, fillers and generally very poor ingredients. Take a look at the Nutrition & Grooming forum for some suggestions on much better food choices.

You will spend more money on a good quality food...but you will need to feed much less, have way smaller bowel movements and save money in the long run by not having any vet bills. I would rather put my money into my dog's food, then give it to the vet.

Foods like Canidae, Innova, Natural Balance, Wellness are not found in grocery stores, or big box stores...they are generally found at pet boutique type of stores or even farm feed stores or grooming shops sell them.

With the improvement in food you should find her health improving too.

Gina

[luv2beanurse]

Gina is correct, it could be food related. If you want to do some good reading before venturing out and trying a new dog food, the book "Home Prepared Dog and Cat Diets" by Dr. Strombeck is excellent and could help put you in the right direction. This book does have receipes for home prepared diets in it, but the first five or so chapters discuss what a dog's diet should consist of and gives VERY interesting info on commercial dog foods. Later chapters relate diseases/disorders, ie food allergies, to certain diets (the dos and don't to be feed with that particular disorder. I encourage this book. Also I haven't read it but heard good things about it, "Four Paws in Five Directions." Just food for thought. Good luck with your girl and hope she feels better! Keep us updated!