Persistent UTI in 14-week-old puppy

Jennyfur · 10-21-2009, 02:14 AM

My puppy has had a persistent UTI from age 1 month until today (14 weeks). We've done cystocenteses to determine the source and sensitivity of the infection, and the infection is both common (E. coli) and sensitive to all antibiotics. However, after months on Clavamox and lots of bloodwork, Tana still has the UTI (greater than 100,000 bacterial organisms per million) per last week's cystocentesis.

Our immediate treatment plan going forward is changing the antibiotic to Cephalexin (3x/day for 30 days), conducting a non-contrast X-ray to look at her anatomy (ureter, bladder, etc.), conducting a blood screening to check the function of her liver and kidneys, and finally rechecking her urine in 2 and 4 weeks with more cystocenteses.

If, after all that, she still has the UTI in 30 days, she'll be referred to an internal medicine specialist, who will perform an abdominal ultrasound. Following that, Tana could have procedures including but not limited to having her urethra scoped, having a CAT scan, and having contrast (dye) X-rays done.

The vet is worried that something is anatomically wrong, because the UTI "should have cleared up." Is there an ectopic ureter? Unusual positioning of the bladder within the abdomen? And so on and so forth.

I know that it is not uncommon for puppies to have UTIs. The breeder is paying for all of the UTI treatment expenses, since the UTI was a pre-existing condition when I purchased my puppy, so the cost is not prohibitive (for me!).

However, obviously I want Tana to be clear of infection. She is not in any pain, but I think the UTI is undermining potty training, and being on constant antibiotics is messing with her immune system a bit (I think it's why she had a rash a few weeks ago that we treated with steroids and chlorhexidine shampoo--thankfully, that's resolved).

What can you tell me about your dog/pup that's had persistent or recurring UTIs? I appreciate any advice and input. Thanks!

dakotajo · 10-21-2009, 02:45 AM

My female also had UTI problems from the age of 10 weeks and no antibiotic they gave me worked. We tried i think about 3 times, 2 different kinds of meds. When she went in to get spayed she had crystals in her urine, after being spayed they sent a urine sample away to be tested which medication would work for her but when they tested it again it was all gone! She cleared up after being spayed. That may be the trouble your having also? I still have to get her tested again just to make sure it has never come back

Jennyfur · 10-21-2009, 02:47 AM

At what age was your female spayed? I can't get my pup spayed until after her first heat, because she has a recessed vulva and needs to go through heat in the hopes her vulva will correct itself. Her breed tends to go into heat around 9-12 months.

I'm glad your pup's UTI cleared up. That must have been a great relief! I'm worried about Tana all the time (this is as bad as when my kids were little).

Cracker · 10-21-2009, 08:58 AM

I had never heard of recessed vulva..so I did a search. I can see how this could contribute to recurrent UTI's...sometimes not all the urine gets OUT of the body and gets trapped in the excess skin, urine is only sterile until it is out of the urinary tract. Does your vet have any suggestions on ways to clean the vulvar area? Would manual wiping with a safe type of wipe help?

dakotajo · 10-21-2009, 12:02 PM

She was 7 months when spayed. I didn't even know she had infection since she showed no pain but finally I took her in because she was terribly hard to housebreak and peed every ten minutes. So far she seems fine but sometimes I notice she squats more than usual like she has to go but nothing comes out, I'm just hoping it's not back

Labsnothers · 10-21-2009, 08:04 PM

The vet hasn't mentioned diet? After Tulip's second UTI, the vet put her on Science Diet C/D. There wasn't any third UTI.

Jennyfur · 10-22-2009, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cracker

I had never heard of recessed vulva..so I did a search. I can see how this could contribute to recurrent UTI's...sometimes not all the urine gets OUT of the body and gets trapped in the excess skin, urine is only sterile until it is out of the urinary tract. Does your vet have any suggestions on ways to clean the vulvar area? Would manual wiping with a safe type of wipe help?

Yes--the vet recommended we use Malaseb Pledgets wipes.
http://www.myitchydog.com/mapl60wi.html

I wipe her with those on a regular basis, which is supposed to help. The vet said her vulva looked very clean. :lol:

Quote:

Originally Posted by dakotajo

She was 7 months when spayed. I didn't even know she had infection since she showed no pain but finally I took her in because she was terribly hard to housebreak and peed every ten minutes. So far she seems fine but sometimes I notice she squats more than usual like she has to go but nothing comes out, I'm just hoping it's not back

I hope she's okay!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Labsnothers

The vet hasn't mentioned diet? After Tulip's second UTI, the vet put her on Science Diet C/D. There wasn't any third UTI.

The vet has approved of Tana's current diet. Tana is on a very good diet already, one that's hypoallergenic. I am not a fan of Science Diet. Tana eats California Natural Chicken Meal & Rice dry puppy food. When she moves on to adult food, I will move her to EVO (grain-free diet). She came from the breeder eating California Natural and has been doing well on it, so I don't plan on switching her out. I'm satisfied with its quality, and we'll have her on adult food within the next couple of months.

Labsnothers · 10-22-2009, 08:06 AM

Maybe it is time to talk to another vet. Lowering the pH of the urine is a common technique to control UTI's. There are other ways besides the Science C/D if you accept the alleged problems with the common brands.