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My 5 year old female Shih tzu has had a small amount of blood inthe urine twice in the last 3 months. The first episode my vet took an ultrasound and several other expensive tests and told me she has some small crystals and gave her an antibiotic. That was in June. Last week the same thing happened and the vet again did an ultra sound which was clear and said he thought she had an infection. He did a urine culture and mic and again gave her antibiotics. A few days later he called me and said the culture was negative and she had no infection but go ahead and finish the antibiotics. When asked what was causing the blood he said she may just be prone to crystals and then passes them causing a little blood. He also never tells me what I can do to help prevent this from happening again. I have spent $1500 on my dog since June and know nothing. Please help.
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Shih tzuGender: FemaleAge: 5 yrs
Hello there,What type of crystals does the dog have?Was a special diet recommended?Dr. Scott
I do not know the type of crystals. The vet had prescribed Hills WD. But that is what she has been eating all along.
Some crystals are related to infection. If you get rid of the infection, the crystals will dissolve using a special diet. Other crystals form due to a metabolic problem. These will not dissolve. The w/d is usually used for calcium oxalate crystals, but the diet will not dissolve them. If you now have no crystals and no bacteria, you may have sterile cystitis. This is treated with anti-inflammatories during flare ups. There is a diet designed to help with all 3 problems. It is Royal Canin s/o diet. You need to find out what crystal type you are dealing with to determine the best prevention.
What is a metobolic problem? What is sterile cystitis? Where do I find out what the Royal Canine s/o diet is? Is that just a type of dog food?
An abnormal metabolism can cause bladder stones to form in some dogs. Sterile cystitis is an inflamed bladder due to an immune system problem in the dog. The s/o diet is a dog food to aid in bladder problem dogs. It is prescription diet. Here is their link:http://www.royalcanin.us/products/productdetail.aspx?ID=86
Experience: 12 years of small animal, equine and pocket pet experience in medicine and surgery.