Should I Question the Vet?

[Chelsea and Bailey]

Hi All, thanks for all the input on my previous crate training issues with Bailey, my 10 week old goldendoodle.  I just wanted to get input from anyone who has gone through experience with a medical condition or UTI.  When we took her to the vet they did a urinalysis on her, and instead of taking a midstream urine sample they suggested doing it through a needle which goes right into the bladder.  The first time we agreed, although I have to say I was a bit skeptical as all the research I have done just said to try to catch some pee in a sterile cup. When they did the procedure they got the needle in but poor Bailey squirmed and pee'd on the table. They tried again 2 hrs later but to no success. So they just used the pee off the table to see if they could see anything. It came back with "possibility of crystals". That was a whopping $80 just for the procedure that didnt work.  They said after the antibiotics are done (they are trialing her on Clavamox) she should come back for her 2nd shots and they will do another one to see if it is gone. 

 

I am also a nurse and with humans we just take midstream urine, yes straight from the bladder is ideal but not always necessary, and I know it is different with dogs but in anticipation of needing to take pee in before her previous vet app. I caught some myself, and it was easy.  So after all that information, what do you guys think, should I question the vet and just ask to take a midstream urine with a sterile container? I dont want to sound cheap but by the time that vet check was done it was $200 and nothing was conclusive.  Obviously if I still feel she has not improved after the 10 days I will be more inclined to do the needle one but otherwise I know results can be found the other way.  Any thoughts would help me out. 

 

As an update shes been on for 3 days, no messes in kennel, is much more comfortable when left alone in there, and seems able to hold it for longer, however she still squats at least 2 times with each pee and has dribbles.. so we'll see.  Fingers crossed it wont be an ongoing problem!

[Lauria Orr]

I have also been told that getting the urine sample through a needle into the bladder is the best way, as there would be potential contamination in trying to catch a mid stream UA. My Beagle,Lucy had chronic UTI's and we needed to do frequent UA's.  There were times I just took a mid stream urine specimen in a sterile container into the Vet., and they accepted that.  I think that would be a cleaner specimen than trying to get it off a table.  They got the information they needed and were able to send it on for culture with no problem.  I think the needle is preferable for them, but not necessary.

[Lori]

I think you should be able to collect it yourself also - you are a NURSE! My old dog used to have frequent UTI's & was on Clavamox for months...the vet would give me a big spoon on a stick for easy urine catching! And I trust this vet completely!! Anyway good luck with Bailey - I hope she feels better soon!!!! Keep us posted, ok?

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

I question the fact that the vet thinks the table sample is sterile. Wouldn't the results be compromised?.

[Lauria Orr]

The table would not be sterile.  Hopefully it gets wiped down with an antimicrobial cleaner in between patients, but that is no guarantee,really.  I don't know that they could pick up crystals, but they could pick up bacteria and blood cells off a table that may belong to another animal.  It would be so much better to take your own sample in!  I sure hope Bailey is feeling better soon.  I sure wish they could tell us in words when they are not feeling well.  Keep us posted, Chelsea!

[Carol]

Chelsea I would say follow your instincts! As a nurse I think you have some credibility so take the sample in. Moreover, as the customer you should be able to say what you will and won't accept. You may also want to call around to other Vets and get their opinion of how they take urine samples. I also saw this on the website and can not attest to it AT ALL, but it looked interesting considering our conversations.

http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/uti-free-cat-dog-urinary-tra...

[Chelsea and Bailey]

This is hopefully my final post on this subject so I just thought I'd give all those that helped me an update. Started back into a routine at work and bailey lasted for the first time today in the kennel with no PEE! So proud of my girl. Last day of antibiotics for her too so fingers crossed it will be all gone and no regressing. She still sometimes double squats. I'm wondering if its now a behavioural thing since she started at a young age? Anyways, I'm on lunch at work right now and I'm exstatic! Thanks all for the great advice!