Protein, blood and crystals in urine?

[sophiew]

My Tally had what we thought was a urine infection at Christmas and was put on antibiotics (Synolux) which she then reacted badly to, and was changed onto Baytril. Was drinking gallons and weeing everywhere.

Baytril course over, she was still drinking lots and peeing.. urine test revealed some blood and a trace of protein, which could show an infection on its way out. Blood tests all normal (liver, kidney etc).

2 weeks later, re-test of urine shows ++ protein, blood and some crystals (I can't remember what the vet said, but 6.5 - 7.5 is normal, Tally is 8.5). Vet wants to  do another course of Baytril and re-test in a few weeks.

Tally seems ok in herself now, but it has been a very stressful time lately - she stayed at my parents over Christmas while we were away, and then we lost our lovely black lab, who she has always lived with. Does anyone have any experience of stress related cystitis / infections?

Thanks

Sophie

[ollie nathan's mum]

I have never known stress to cause this problem, it's probably an unresolved infection. Hopefully it will clear with another course of medication and plenty of fluids

[KellyT]

aww poor little lady - hateful things urine infections

Not heard of stress related urine infections before, but with stress I have learnt anything is possible!

Might it be worth asking if another round of blood tests whilst she seems 'poorly' again to check for anything weird?

I hope she recovers with the 2nd round of ABs

xx

[bluegirl]

Haven't got any words of wisdom to give, but do hope things improve.

[stephremon]

Stress can trigger bouts of cystitis- mainly in cats. It cannot form
Or stimulate crystals to be produced. This is usually a dietary issue... See what the tests say in a couple of weeks. If there are still crystals the vet might recommend a prescription diet specific to the type of crystals Tally has.

Hope she feels better soon xxx

[Crystaltipps]

Maggie was diagnosed with Struvite crystals about 6 months ago after having similar symptoms. She is on a special diet to help her urine be more acidic and since then has had no more problems. Luckily she also likes the food (it comes in both cans and dry mix), although I must admit we dont stick to it religiously and she still gets the occasional treat.

Hope everything works out for Tally.

[sophiew]

Struvite, that was the word the vet used! Thanks. The vet did mention special diet but didn't want me to change her diet until she has had these antibiotics and a repeat test. But good to know that can work for some dogs.

Thanks for all the replies. Tally seems fine in herself, at least. Just a worry to know there is something odd going on.

Sophie
x

[MOO-MOO]

Moo-Moo was diagnosed with struvite crystals about 3 years ago (can't quite remember, could be longer) and he is on Hills c/d food.

Petpan was very good at the time and paid for ALL his food.
We gradually tried him back on the food he was eating prior to the crystals but they came back. This time Petplan paid for 60% and I paid the remaining 40% for 6 months...........better than nothing.


He is on both the kibble and tinned as he is quite partial to a bit of wet food!!

He has the kibble in his kong and as treats and touch wood, no more problems.

[ElaineH]

Morgan had problems last year and had to have an op to remove bladder stones after weeks of antibiotics led to no improvement. His urine readings were very similar to Tally's, (far too alkaline) but we gave him cranberry tablets to help acidify the urine and his PH readings are now about 6.5. We test his urine regularly now with urinalysis dipsticks and for our own peace of mind have decided to keep him on the cranberry.

He's not a great drinker so we have to encourage him to drink to help keep his bladder well-flushed and to stop his urine being too concentrated. At least once a day I give him about  a half-inch or so of water in his bowl with a drop or two of salmon oil. He loves his fishy water and laps it all up, then has a good pee about an hour or so later!

We've never given him any special food. At the time of his problem he was having Burns kibble which the vet said was good so he didn't try to sell me any of the Hills which they stock. We have however recently changed his diet and he only has kibble for breakfast now and gets raw for his tea.

[Linda B]

Emma had Struvite crystals last year, she didn't like either of the prescription diets the vets advised so we tried her with Burns food and she loves it and it got rid of the crystals as its low protein.

[sophiew]

Thank you. Tally is already on burns (fish and rice).... She is insured luckily but I know you still have to pay some of it. Not that we mind, but if she could be always on prescription diet... eeek. Let's hope this course of ABs shifts it. Thank you for replying all of you with your own experiences, it helps to know we're not alone!
Is it something cockers are prone to?

[Jessie_Pup]

Dylan had a urine infection peeing blood and struvite crystals years ago. Was on a special diet for a few months then put him back on his normal dried food Burns at that time.  Since then I have always given my two filtered water we live in a hard water area. He has had no urine infection since.  He is on BH dried food now which has cranberry in it.  Hope Tally feels better soon.

[sophiew]

Thank you - is that Barking Heads? Tally was on their 'Life's an itch' food and did really well on it,  but I had trouble finding a local stockist so went back to burns

Interesting about the water - we are in a hard water area too. I'll do that.

Thanks

Sophie

[Jessie_Pup]

Yep Barking Heads.     They do TLC  Bad Hair Day Salmon & Potato  My two are now on the Senior

[sophiew]

Thank you. Will go and look now!