Crystals in Penny's urine (update)

[pjcarbone]

Thought I would see how Penny's urine was doing, so I got my trusty ladle & sterile bottle & collected a sample. Took the sample to my vet & he said that there were many crystals, some clumping, and was concerned about kidney stones. Long story short he recommended a vet in Dallas/Plano/Mesquite (where his offices are). He is associated with the Animal Diagnostic Clinic - Dr Douglas Branstad.
Roger took Penny there yesterday, they did an x-ray, ultrasound and a suprapubic tap urine sample. She's clear. He said that she did have a "hooded vulva" which causes urine to pool. He claims that it is caused by spaying young, but the offset of that is possible mammary cancer if you spay older (so he says). His recommendation is antibiotic Rx when needed. I'm so relieved that there is relatively nothing to worry about.

 

[camel24j]

glad to hear that she is fine. i know with cats they say diet can help with that kinda stuff i don't know if it is the same for dogs thou. i know some more knowledgeable people will chime in.

 

[Ginny]

I'd be concerned about the crystals your vet found. Is Penny cystinuria clear? I had a bitch about 15 years ago with cystinuria - an unknown condition in Newfs at the time, urine samples showed crystals. If i were you, I'd have her urine rechecked in a month or so.

 

[Annie Milliron]

I agree with Ginny... and I'd specifically ask her to be tested for cystinuria

Click on the word "cystinuria" above.. it's a link to a site about canine cystinuria.

[ 06-01-2007, 09:18 PM: Message edited by: Annie Milliron ]

 

[janices]

Previous note I remember she's clear for cystinuria.

 

[Bluedog]

There are other crystals that can pop up in the urine other than cystine, like acid urine crystals, ammonium, bilirubin, amorphous, cholesterol (unlikely in dogs), leucine, tyrocine, calcium, etc, for different reasons. If they are on medication that passes through the liver for example, like prednisone, or Nsaids, they may have bilirubin crystals present. Also if the sire and dam are clear of cystinuria, then Penny should be clear.

[ 06-01-2007, 09:57 PM: Message edited by: Bluedog ]

 

[pjcarbone]

The crystals are struvite. Urine from needle tap was clear of everything, and pH was normal. The urine I took to my vet (immediately) had the struvite crystals, the specialist said that this specimen was from pooling. Both her parents are cystinuria clear. Her official diagnosis is Follicular Vaginitis. I am feeding Orijen (no grain products), giving cranberry capsules. I'm just very relieved that there are no stones.

 

[Bluedog]

Well that makes sense then if the vet was concerned about stones. Hugs to Penny, and hope she gets some relief with the diet change and cranberry pills. Keep us posted when you can.

 

[Annie Milliron]

That is great Penny. Alot of Vets wouldn't even think about it... But yours' sounds very thorough which is awesome.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

That is great news, Pat! I hope Penny is feeling better soon!

 

[Ginny]

So glad to hear Penny has no kidney stones - I've been there and done that and they are NO FUN!