Lexi has another UTI

[Lee Seidman]

Help,

I was taking Lexi our 2 1/2 year old Goldendoodle, for a walk tonight and noticed that for the third time in six months she had a clear vaginal discharge which I assume is another UTI. Every time we take her to the vet he gives her Clomax for one or two weeks. I am thinking she will develop a resistence to this medication and trying to research why she might have this re-occurring problem. I could not find anything specific in a search of the health group and you always seem to be able to point us in the right direction for a solution. Any ideas on treatment?

I will of course take her to the Vet in the morning, but really do not like putting her on antibiotics a third time. Other then that she seems to be drinking and urinating normally, is even more playful and active then usual.

[Lee Seidman]

Lexi was spayed so her heat should not be the problem. I guess we will find out when the cultures come back Monday. I read that some give their dogs Cran Mac from the health food store. Does anyone know by weight how much is recommended for their diet? Lexi weighs 37 lbs, is full grown.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/ins-outs.html
I don't know the source but this explains the connection between recessed vulva and infections.

[HeatherA]

Violet had a UTI and vaginitis. Our vet said her dog had these perpetually until her first heat, did Lexi get to go through her first heat? She said usually the first heat will change the hormonal balance and the infections will stop. Also my vet recommended adding a Vitamin C chewable to Violet's diet to make her urine more acidic and help kill bacteria in the urinary tract. It's likely weight based so I would get dosage from your vet.

[Lee Seidman]

Tried that, bought them at Costco and tried to give to Ms. fusspot Lexi. She turned her head and walked away. I asked the vet about Cran Mac, it is in powder form, available at vitamin shops, it is a Holistic treatment. We are going to try and sprinkle it on her food. Thank you for the suggestion.....Vet said urine came back with crystals indicating vaginitus. Other test and culture will not be back until Monday. Meanwhile, we have a douche and pills for her. She is acting totally normal tho.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

How about adding craisins to her dinner? I give both girls a small handful at least 3 times a week with dinner. Can't say they keep the UTIs away but Charli hasn't had one in almost 9 months.

[Lee Seidman]

Kathy and Bella
He did mention an inverted or recessed vulva, and gave her some kind of internal exam, I assume he checked on that. He seemed to think that the Clavax might not have been the correct antibiotic for the tybe of infection she had and it never fully cleared up. He wanted to wait until the culture came back to pinpoint the exact source of the problem. He gave her a different antibiotic until Monday when he received the results back from the lab. I hope we will know something by then.

[Kathy & Bella]

Did your vet mention anything about an inverted or recessed vulva? I know that this can cause recurrent UTI's and vaginitis. There are folds of skin around the vulva where bacteria can collect and cause these problems.

[Lee Seidman]

Well $500.00 later we are back from the Vet. She had anal Glands drained, Blood Work, Fecal test, cultures taken,vaginal flush, ears cleaned, full examination and anything else that you can imagine. We were given a different anti biotic for her to take until the cultures come back, told to feed once a day with a second feeding of apples and carrots at night. As long as I had the credit card out she received her 2011 Rabies tag, her Bordella and some other shots and a fecal test.....and some meds.
My kids never got such treatment...these dogs are more cared for then humans. Almost forgot, while we were there Billabong got his ears cleaned and shaved, and anals drained. I almost had a heart attack when the bill popped out of the computer. I hope Vet Pet Insurance takes care of some of this one.....Anyway, we should know whats causing our baby problems in a day or two. That is most important!

[Lee Seidman]

Lexi is only 2 1/2 and has had her teeth brushed twice a week and a dental last month. I am taking her to the vet this morning and will ask him, however I doubt it is from her teeth. Thank you for the suggestion tho. I hope we get to the bottom of it. SShe shows no symptoms other then the discharge but we feel so bad for her. Wish they could speak!

[Frannie & Callie]

My previous dog had chronic UTIs in her older age. The vet told me it stemmed from her teeth (it was a catch-22...she was too old and not healthy enough to get her teeth cleaned but the bacteria in her mouth created the UTIs. Not sure if Lexi needs to have her teeth cleaned or not, but it may be something to explore.