Question:
I am writing here because I have two 7 month old that have a
problem that seems to be stumping their local vet as well as not clearly
apparent to the University of Minnesota Small Animal Veterinary Clinic.
At approximately 10 weeks of age these puppies began to have blood in their
urine. They were taken to the local Vet and diagnosed with UTIs (they were
one week apart in showing symptoms and so this was two separate visits).
Just prior to showing these symptoms they had been in a residential backyard
and managed to catch and consume most of a rabbit.
Their symptoms went away thru treatment with an antibiotic.
Over the course of the next 4 months one of the dogs exhibited the symptoms
4 more times and was treated with a different antibiotic each time. Each
time he was treated, he would no longer have accidents in the house and stop
having blood in the urine after approximately 3 pills (a day and a half).
The other puppy exhibited the symptoms 2 more times during the same 4 months
and was treated the same with the same results.
The local Vet was suggesting that we perform a dye test with injection into
their blood stream to identify twisted or incorrectly positioned Uritors
(sp). We decided to take the testing to the UofM.
Only one dog was put through any testing at this point since they are
litter-mates and exhibiting identical problems.
After a Blood Profile, urine samples and general inspection, all that was
determined is that the dog is 68 on the Von Willenbrand Factor scale. This
was determined through sending a blood sample to Cornell University. There
was no bacteria found in the bladder (extracted directly from the bladder
via syringe).
The diagnoses was to get the dogs neutered and watch them for any recurring
signs at which point they would want to test for bacteria again and perhaps
begin more testing.
The dog which did not receive a checkup at the UofM is now exhibiting blood
in the urine again. (He was just neutered yesterday). We did one neuter
each day with the other dog being neutered today. When going to pick up the
other dog (not the one with blood in the urine) we brought a urine sample in
from the dog exhibiting symptoms. It was tested and found to be free of
bacteria (a culture test was not done, just the more immediate form).
The local Vet has said this is out of his capacity and is now recommending
that we go back to the UofM with the dogs. The UofM is wanting to do a
Urine Culture of their own on the dog that has blood in the urine and is
expecting to also come up negative at which point further testing would be
slated.
Possible conditions which have been suggested at this point are not ones
which would strike both animals from a litter, but instead be more of
individual defects. My concern is this, I think something is being missed
and that it is going to become too costly to remedy these dogs.
They are fed Nutro Max Large Breed Puppy food. They had been receiving
Canola Oil mixed with their food (discontinued last week). They do not
receive 'treats'. They receive bones (Shank/Knuckle) from the local Butcher
which are roasted.
The UofM is not anticipating to find anything even when doing the two dye
tests since they say it would be so incredibly rare to find the same exact
problem in brothers.
If you have any other questions or would like me to expound on anything
further, I am definitely available for it. Please advise if you have any
ideas.
Answer:
Did you complete the antibiotic course completely each time? (gotta check).
A culture and sensitivity on urine taken via cystocentesis on a dog with
symptoms may be rewarding...and not too expensive
I think I agree that malformations would be rare as you describe it. Make
sure your vet at UofM explains the treatment options with all possible
outcomes of the tests. Get the attending to make a student explain in
detail...vet students love extra work.
