Urinary Track - "Abnormal Cells"

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I took Guinness to the Vet for a check-up that my Vet requested to be sure the Home Cooking was not resulting in any issues.  We got some great feedback on how well this new diet was agreeing with him.  I did mention during the visit that he seemed to be "peeing" more often and that he was licking himself immediately after going (or sometimes while he was going), and I was concerned that he might be licking because it was painful.  The Vet did the inhouse test for bacteria and assured me there was no UTI.  She did suggest that we send the sample out to determine if there could be any small stones or crystals that might have been caused by the calcium supplement I was giving him.  The results of that test have shown "abnormal cells" in his urine (but no crystals).  The next step is to do a cytology to further assess those cells and determine what might be causing them.  I pushed her on possible causes, and she said the "worst case" would be a bladder tumor (not necessarily malignant).  She also was quick to add that it could be nothing, and we just have to wait for the test results which will take three to five days.  I've been researching online, but there's not a lot out there.  There are breeds that are prone to bladder tumors, but Labradoodles (or poodles or Labs) are not on that high risk list.  So, I'm trying not to overreact, since this is probably nothing.  I am wondering if anyone else has had this experience when your dogs were tested for UTIs and what was the outcome.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Irritation or infection, which he could now be over could lead to abnormal cells. It could be lots of things so really, hard as it is, try not to worry until you have the cytology results.

[shelly]

Hoping all is well with Guinness!!! I would be doing the same thing as you... Seems when I don't have anything that I can do to help, I resort to searching the internet too. Waiting is the worse part... Positive thoughts coming your way!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I know it's scary, but I think it's smart not to overreact. Like F said, it could be anything.
Last year, Jack had a small growth near the base of his tail which was biopsied twice and removed. The biopsy showed "abnormal cells". I was a wreck for 2 weeks until the pathology report came back. It was some kind of mole, totally harmless.
I know it's going to be the longest 3-5 days of your life, but please try not to worry. Sending good thoughts and hugs to you & Guinness.

[Ron Carnes]

In humans those are called a typical cells. I tumor would more than likley show up as blood under the microscope from the urine sample.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

I just went through this Jane so I know how you are feeling......The infection could just be starting and causing him irritation and it may not be showing up in the urine (PS they look for blood protein only...A culture will determine exactly which bacteria he has in his system.).....UTI's are common this time of year with the amount of snow we have all had.....Does Guinness squat when he pees?.....All the more reason to consider starting him on antibiotics regardless of the negative for blood protein...If the snow is deep where you are and he has been squating, bacteria in the snow (from other dogs, other animals defecating) can be sucked back up into the urinary tract and cause infection...this is exacerbated further by the cold and the constant dampness of the hair in the surrounding area.


Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) 250mg twice a day for 7 days should clear up most common bacteria quickly. It must be given with food because it can cause tummy upset but other than that there are no other side effects..It certainly would not hurt to start him on it....

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, Jacquie. He does squat when he goes, but we've shoveling where he goes so he doesn't have to physically touch the snow.....I know, a bit obsessive. We also take him to a place to go where no other dogs could have been...since the giardia episode...also a little obsessive. I really don't think that my vet will prescribe the Cipro at this point since both the first and second urinalyses were negative. I will call the vet in the morning and see if she is willing to take that step as a precaution. I know there is something going on here, because this licking of his penis right after (or now during) urination just isn't a normal for him. He's into keeping himself very clean, but licking during the actual urination is something he has never done until the past few days. I'm also giving him dried cranberries as his "treats"...he loves them! I'm also encouraging him to drink his water. He's not a big water guy, but if I actually hold the water dish and encourage him, he'll drink. If I put my fingers in the water, he'll drink even more...oh, the things we do for our Doodles. LOL.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am sorry that Guinness appears ill. I hope it is nothing.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Why are you giving Guinness calcium supplements?

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Let us know when you get the results. Paws crossed, but I have a feeling it will all be just fine! I know how it can be scary - I hate waiting for blood/lab results for me, my family and of course my dogs =)