Bladder Stones in Yorkie
Hi there, I'm hoping someone out there can help me!
My 6 year old Yorkie who has otherwise had no health problems started squatting very frequently about 3 weeks ago. I suspected it was a UTI as this began right after a grooming and the urine showed it was.
Puppy was put on 7 days of antibiotics. On night 5 she was up multiple times duirng the night urinating mostly blood. Got another urine sample and back to the vet for an Xray - turns out the urine was sterile but with lots of blood. Xray determined puppy has lots and lots of bladder stones. He suspects the stones are struvites based on the previous infection and urinalysis.
Otherwise, she is still ok - urinating in slightly smaller amounts but the vet does not seem too concerned as she is female. There's still definite action 4-5 times a day , blood work came back ok, no fever, she is eating, drinking, and otherwise her playful usual self. For this reason he suggested we try antibiotics/diet as opposed to going straight to surgery. He has her off antibiotics for 2 days and wants to do a needle to the bladder so he can get a 'super clean' sample of urine to determine the right longer-term antibiotic. She must also eat S/D ONLY for the next 6 weeks.
Two questions:
1.) Is there a holistic/natural diet alternative to the S/D? I have read not very good reviews on the ingredients/nutritional value. My vet (who is great) says this is the best alternative to dissolve them, but my dog loves a wide variety of natural foods and I doubt she will touch the S/D.
2.) If it comes down to surgery, is there a laser option?
Thanks very much!!
My 6 year old Yorkie who has otherwise had no health problems started squatting very frequently about 3 weeks ago. I suspected it was a UTI as this began right after a grooming and the urine showed it was.
Puppy was put on 7 days of antibiotics. On night 5 she was up multiple times duirng the night urinating mostly blood. Got another urine sample and back to the vet for an Xray - turns out the urine was sterile but with lots of blood. Xray determined puppy has lots and lots of bladder stones. He suspects the stones are struvites based on the previous infection and urinalysis.Otherwise, she is still ok - urinating in slightly smaller amounts but the vet does not seem too concerned as she is female. There's still definite action 4-5 times a day , blood work came back ok, no fever, she is eating, drinking, and otherwise her playful usual self. For this reason he suggested we try antibiotics/diet as opposed to going straight to surgery. He has her off antibiotics for 2 days and wants to do a needle to the bladder so he can get a 'super clean' sample of urine to determine the right longer-term antibiotic. She must also eat S/D ONLY for the next 6 weeks.
Two questions:
1.) Is there a holistic/natural diet alternative to the S/D? I have read not very good reviews on the ingredients/nutritional value. My vet (who is great) says this is the best alternative to dissolve them, but my dog loves a wide variety of natural foods and I doubt she will touch the S/D.
2.) If it comes down to surgery, is there a laser option?
Thanks very much!!
