Berna (04-14-2019), SamsonsMom (04-13-2019)
Hi. I thought I might offer some information about UTIs in dogs. You didn't mention your Labs age and that would certainly be a consideration when trying to ascertain the source of the problem. When we think of UTIs in dogs, we usually think of a bacterial cystitis (bladder infection) as it is by far the most common problem of the lower urinary tract. However, if you look at dogs that have UTIs, then, by far, most of them are females. Why? Because they have very short urethras and it is very common for contaminant bacteria from the vulva area to migrate upwards into the bladder. Same goes for humans. It is very, very rare for a male dog to have a primary bacterial cystitis. Why? Because their urethra is very long and any bacteria around the prepuce that attempted to migrate upstream into the bladder would get flushed out each time he urinated. Then, how can a male dog end up with a UTI? Because the bacteria are secondary to another problem. In intact males, it is almost always associated with the prostate. In neutered males it could be secondary to crystals, stones, bladder tumors, infections coming from upstream (kidney infection, infections in the blood that originated from bad teeth, anal sac infections and others). The point that I am trying to make is the wise vet knows that primary UTIs in males is very rare and should be focusing on the underlying problem. It starts with the urinalysis (urine ph, crystals, USG, etc) and then moving from there. Keep this in mind as you move forward. The antibiotics will likely take care of the symptoms, but if they return, they need to find the source of the problem. Good luck.
Berna (04-14-2019), SamsonsMom (04-13-2019)
Thank you for the reply. The meds kicked in within about 5 days.
Asher is 29 months old and is neutered now. He has bilateral ED. He takes gabapentin x2 a day, rimadyl x2 a day, apoquel 1 a day, and adequan 1 shot a month. He started having skin issues about a month ago. Lesions on his belly, thighs, and near his penis. Since they were healing, we opted not to do antibiotics and started him on apoquel. I did question if bacteria from one of the lesions could have caused the UTI. As supplements, he takes 3000 mg of fish oil, 1000 mg ester C, and Glycoflex III. He swims in a salt water pool once a week and does the water treadmill once a week. I questioned this as a possible cause as well -- picking up bacteria in the water. Again, was told doubtful. The vet did say that UTI's for males was rare. We did the xrays for the bladder to rule out stones. If it does come back, we will do a sonogram. My fingers are crossed it does not come back. He did have a UTI when he was 10 to 14 weeks old (can't completely remember).
We head out on vacation on Weds next week so my fingers are crossed he does well. The boy deserves a break. Just too much in his young life.
Oban had his spring physical last week and his first thing in the morning urine sample shows a small amount of blood. Oban is intact and has had a few prostate issues, all resolved with TCM, even to the point of shrinking the prostate. My point here is, he is my Holistic/Intergrative Vets first intact male dog with prostate issues. All the others have been neutered. He is much older, 11, but something to ask your Vet about?
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Castilleja's Dubhgall Oban, the Black Stranger of The Little Bay
Oct. 15, 2007 - June 13, 2021
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SamsonsMom (04-15-2019)
Snowshoe, if you are talking about enlarged prostate, it happens in intact males. Enlarged prostates are actually being "healed" by neutering.
SamsonsMom, so happy to hear that Asher is doing better and that the antibiotics did the trick. Enlarged prostate is unlikely, but other prostate issues do happen and are more common in neutered males.
Cookie Black Snowflake
July 12th, 2006. - May 25th, 2023.
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SamsonsMom (04-15-2019)
Yes, it's a possibility though not as common as with intact males. It's more likely in a male dog neutered after puberty, enlargement and other prostate issues. With intact males you sort of expect enlargement with age. Other prostate issues are MORE likely in neutered males, especially if neutered before puberty. This risk of prostate cancer can increase up to +4 x with neutering but it's a very low risk to begin with. This stat from the second link here:
https://www.lab-retriever.net/board/d...cle-links.html
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Castilleja's Dubhgall Oban, the Black Stranger of The Little Bay
Oct. 15, 2007 - June 13, 2021
Oxtongue Rapids Park. Oct. 2019 Hidden Content
SamsonsMom (04-15-2019)
Thanks for the info. Right now, I'm going to close my mind to the nasty C word. I don't even wanna read about it at this point. It just worries me too much. With that being said, first sign of any straining or dribbles we will be back in the vets office and I will then put my research cap on and seek all the advice I can get. I am thankful I have this group to lean on!
2.5 days til we hit the road for the beach! Got the suitcase out (a little too early) and Samson knows. Poor guy.
Have a great trip! How long will you be there? Isn't it funny how they do sense when a trip is coming up? Henry hasn't figured it out but Lark certainly knows and barely lets you out of her sight, especially once she sees a suitcase!
SamsonsMom (04-15-2019)
Thank you!! We will stay in Kitty Hawk for 2 nights and then head down to Frisco for 7 nights. Samson has a sense about many things. When company comes over, he picks up on it well before they arrive. He will jump up run over to the kitchen window and look out and whine.....over and over again until they pull in the drive. The suitcase --- he knows something is up. Asher is beginning to pick up on the suitcase as well. It's cute.
coopersmom (04-16-2019), Jollymolly (04-15-2019)
Have a great vacation with your boys!!
SamsonsMom (04-17-2019)
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