When dogs pee blood

When dog's pee blood, or bloody drips, it is a common thing for owners to ring up and ask for a course of antibiotics. After all, that is what happens with us when we go to our own GP, isnt it?

The problem lies with our dogs, is that whilst they can get urinary tract infections (UTI's ) very easily, by the time their signs are seen by the pet owner,  it has become a little more complicated.

Kidney, ureter and/or bladder stones are all very likely complications.  Antibiotics will not help this at all.

Underlying causes such as kidney disease or diabetes are also possible, and will need to be screened for via urine tests. Again, antibiotics alone wont solve the problem.  We also need to eliminate other causes of bloody pee, such as prostatic infection in undesexed male dogs, and bladder cancers.

This post, however, is all about bladder stones. 

Bladder stones are still the most common urinary tract stone we see.  Whilst there are five main types of stones, the two most common ones we see are Struvite and Oxalate.

Struvite and Calcium Oxalate, and the uncommon Silicate stones will show up easily on radiographs, whereas the Urate and Cystine ones do require an ultrasound to visualise them.

Spun down urine -if you look closely, you will
see a touch of red, which is red blood cells.  The
white is the "sand" or "crystals"

What are the signs you'll notice?

• urinary incontinence
• frequent urination
• straining to urinate
• passing small volume (to sometimes none if they are obstructed)

The urine may be

• smelly
• cloudy yellow colour
• red or red tinged
• rarely see blood drops.

A urine sample is needed to check for blood, pH and the concentration.  We can often rule out kidney failure or diabetes at the same time too.

When we spin the urine down, we often see "sediment" which looks like white sand at the bottom.

We then examine the sediment under the microscope. The problem is, just because a dog is passing struvite crystals, and has bladder stones, does not mean that the stones will be struvite too. 

Struvite crystals from a cat.

So, let us work through a case (or two) together. We have Bipsy, a 3 year old female Yorkie, and Sulu, a 7 year old male Bichon

There are many factors that we, as vets, consider, when we have a dog with a bladder problem.  The two important things in the early stages are 1. pH of the urine  2. Radiographic appearance.

For example, Bipsy's urine had a pH of 9, with big white  marbles in the bladder - these are more likely going to be Struvite.

Radiograph of Bipsy - You can see the spine, the pelvis, and big
white things just in front of the legs -

And Sulu,  with a pH of 7 with a lot of little ones, are likely to be Calcium Oxalate.

This is a "double contrast" with air injected to surround the little
white stones in the bladder.

 Obviously, the next thing we do, after we collect a urine sample, is to perform an abdominal radiograph.

With Bipsy, you could feel the stones - it literally feels like a bag of marbles.  With Sulu, you can't feel them on palpation.

So, what are the options now?

We could hope for the best, and put them both onto a dissolving diet (hoping that they were struvite crystals).




I look so much better
gowned and gloved!

It would take many months for the stones to dissolve away, and the dog would need to be on antibiotics the entire time.  As the stone dissolves, any bacteria that was within it, also comes out and can cause ongoing problems.

The quickest and best solution is to perform a surgery to remove the bladder stones.  Whilst it does involve an anaesthetic, and the potential complications of surgery, it is the fastest way of getting both Bipsy and Sulu (and any pet with bladder stones) back to normal.

It means that we can collect the stones and send them away to be analysed.

These were some of the stones that Bipsy had. This is 100% struvite.

Both dogs have had surgery, and are now fully recovered. 

This was one of Sulu's stone!  Ugly! This is 100%
Calcium Oxalate

Now that we know what the stones are, we can recommend the ideal diet or medications to prevent recurrence. 

We thank both Bipsy and Sulu (not their real names) and their families, for trusting in us at Russell Vale Animal Clinic.

Any questions? You can always ask via email or comment below. 

I am Dr Liz, the mad vet from Bellambi.

Thanks to Lillie for my free face wash the other day!

Off Leash Exercise for Dogs - Beach Vs Off leash Park Areas Vs Dog Parks

There is a lot of confusion within the local community in Wollongong about off leash areas for our dogs. 

There is a myriad of personal opinions, and unfortunately a whole lot of opinion passed off as information.... aka misinformation!

What is being forgotton, either deliberately or through lack of knowledge, is how our dogs actually behave at the various off leash areas. Whilst they may be "off leash", what they actually do and how they behave differs from one to the next.

As a vet who has an interest in behaviour - how and why we do what we do, visiting the dog parks and beaches this year with Piper has proved inspirational.

One has to look at off leash activities as not  just about being allowed to run "off leash", but everything about what the dog does, and how they feel, when they are in the different areas.

It is only when you understand this, then you can truly appreciate the benefits (and disadvantages) of each of the "off leash" areas available for dogs.

The three types of available off leash areas are
1. Beach
2. Unfenced park
3. Fenced park

Wollongong does not have a fenced park that our dogs are able to run in and play in.  This is a travesty, which I hope that the Councillors have the good sense to rectify.

 I fully support the development of a fenced dog park, as the unfenced parks are potentially dangerous (next to busy roads).

If you want to gain an understanding, then you need to spend time (I mean real time) in the different off leash areas... sit and observe.  Like I have.

Frankly, for me, it isn't about making people happy or unhappy, but in doing the right thing.   Sure, our dogs don't vote, and yes, they can be a public nuisance.

Maybe Council would prefer we got this type of dog!

The reality is, our dogs are part of our community.  Our modern Australian society recognises and accepts dogs (as we do other animals).  Until the day that changes, we need to accept that huge responsibility.

Dogs do not have more rights than people, but it is arrogant to say that we have more rights than them, or any other living creature.  There are societies where animals have no rights, are perhaps a source of food, or , but we don't have that here in Wollongong, or even Australia.

The fact that Australia is a tolerant, animal loving society is one of the many reasons I am proud to call this place home.

Dog's form a big part of every family.

 If we are going to accept them as part of our general community, we also have to accept responsibility for their overall wellbeing.  Those who do not like dogs in our society don't have to like this fact, but they should be mature enough to accept it.

Did you know that there are communities where all pets are banned?  I have visited several suburbs or developments where the residents are unable to keep dogs and cats as pets.

Wollongong is not one of them. You should not create retrograde legislation to make Wollongong an unpleasant place to live with a dog or cat.

Let us talk about exercise and our dogs. 

 Some dogs do not need leash or off leash exercise.  These are the anxious, worried dogs or those who are naturally sedentary.

"It's a big scary world out there, so I'll just stay under my blankee"

Let us talk about "leash " exercise first.  

For most people who walk their dogs on the leash, the dog is either beside them or in front, the walk may be brisk, likely to go on for 20 minutes to an hour.   The dog may be physically tired, but not mentally tired.   Some of these dogs are still bored and continue to do destructive behaviours at home, such as digging, whining, escaping.

I know, we have one ourselves... her name is Piper.  She could go for several leash walks a day, but still have "energy to burn".

 

These are the dogs whose owners ring me up, frustrated that their dogs are still wanting to escape even though they have been for two walks that day.

There are of course, many other dogs who find this is just their type of exercise, and are happy with that. As a pet owner, you need to know what is the right thing for your pet.

Now, let us talk about "off leash areas". 

I'll start with the off leash parks first.  For those who are not from Wollongong, we do not have fenced dog parks as they have in other areas.  For the locals, you need to visit some of the Sydney dog parks, or read my blog about them, to appreciate what they really are. 

Our off leash parks are not fenced, and are usually large open fields with trees on one boundary, and usually a creek or busy road on the other 2-3 sides. 

But what can a dog do when they get there?

Eleebana Park - a big area, but boundary is a creek and a busy road.
And no other dogs - no surprise.

Well, dogs like to use their noses, and go exploring. They like to investigate, and nosey about.  If there are other dogs, they often like to go up to see who wants to play tag, or run around the place.

Very few are questioning the functionality of our existing off leash park areas.  Whilst I have to be thankful that at least we have some, for day to day "off leash" exercise, I question whether they are truly appropriate or well thought out.

Even so,  the ones we have should still continue to exist... I can't advocate closing what limited off leash parks we do have.

Sadly, Wollongong does not have any "fenced" off leash dog park, in fact, its overall animal management plan is appalling.

Fenced dog park exercise

A true dog park has several features which I have written about before. But what does a dog do there?  

I have observed dog-dog and human - human interactions at dog parks, that I have not observed elsewhere.  As the pet owners are more relaxed knowing that their dog is not going to go chasing something down a busy road, they are more likely to approach and be approached to start up a discussion. 

A local hub or community is formed.  Often people will arrange to go at the same time so their dogs will have a fun time, and they do too.

Paige(my youngest) is sitting whilst Piper (the kelpie)

and her new friends are playing

  It is a way of bringing people who may not know other people together - through the communal love of their animals, as well as wanting to give them a change of scenery.

Dogs can stretch out and run safely.  They may reach out to other dogs to see if they want to play, and if not, go and find another one that does.  Games of "tag, you're it" are common place, with both parties willing participants in this chasing and tagging game.


But the single most important that that I was struck by, and pleasantly surprised too  - the dog parks aren't just for dogs, they are for people.  People who only have their pets as companions, will speak with other people at the dog park (whereas they are unlikely to at other places). 

It is a dog centred community facility, that everyone benefits by.

 And that is what our community needs!

Let us get onto our beaches.

Have you sat and watched what a dog does at the beach?  They will run around, investigate the waves as they ebb in and out, perhaps go for a little swim. Owners will often throw a stick or a ball.

The beach is often full of amazing sea smells, the sand is perfect for dogs to stretch out their muscles and joints.

When we had a couple of busy days at home, and the best we could do was walk Piper around the block, Tegan made the point that she was going to take Piper to the beach so she could get "worn out".   How many other dog owners find the same thing with their dog?

Quite a few, I suspect.

It is inappropriate to say that the "off leash" exercise a dog gets at the beach, is the same as it could get at a fenced dog park, and therefore, you could legitimately swap one for the other. You can't!

Our off leash beaches need to stay as they are (in fact, you need to increase the space available), BUT we still do need a suitably sized, suitably fenced off leash dog park with no need for fancy agility equipment.

The reality, which seems to escape many, is.... our dogs are part of our community.  For good, for bad. It is what it is. Everyone in the community, whether they like it or not, need to understand and accept this. 

Dogs may not vote, but they are still an important part of our
community.

Banning or restricting the available activity areas of our dogs is not only unfair but is totally unreasonable. 

Of course, I am preaching to the converted here. 

Those who have the power to make the decision, are unlikely to read this, or even get off their butts and watch for themselves. Those who have the power, and are reading this,  congratulations and thank you.

I hope you brought an open mind when you visited the dog beaches and park areas,  and not just see the little bags of poo tied up neatly on the foreshore, or hear the abuse hurled at you by nasty dog owners.  

If you opened your eyes and ears, you will see positive human - pet- human interactions being the more common experience, not the dog attacks that make the headlines.

I am Dr Liz, the mad vet from Bellambi. I hope that a shred of common sense walks the halls of our local Council, and those with the power to do so, review sensibly their Animal Management programs.

Impossible veterinary questions to answer with a straight face

Many vets in the world can testify to this simple fact - that many of us like our animals more than we like most people.

Many vets in general practice, like me, often come across questions from the owners of these animals, that are impossible to answer simply, or in many cases, absolutely impossible to answer without being rude or insensitive to the feelings of the owner.


Other times, it is hard to answer without bursting out with a hearty laugh.  And then there are the times, where you have to leave the room, and shake your head, try to find a brick wall, and go ... "really, are they for real?"

Want a hint on how to deal with this?
Count to ten and smile!
 

One of my many flaws is that I often can't hide many of these "looks" ... such as contempt, anger, frustration, sadness.... when the only expression I  should  be wearing, and like to wear is a genuine smile, greeting a beautiful pet, and meeting the ones who love them so much. 

It has taken me 25 years to compile this list, and some are borrowed from the experiences of my colleagues.  So here are some impossible,  some funny, some embarrassing questions vets often get asked.
(Be warned, there are some sexual references)

I don't know how she got pregnant.  She doesn't see any other male dogs, except her brother.

        This is a common one in many vet hospitals, as I have heard this comment myself, and it comes up on vet forums too.   Some people genuinely believe, or perhaps, refuse to understand, that our pets will "do the deed" with siblings when the urge arises. 

So, if you own a female and male, whether related or not, and you DO NOT want offspring, then you either need to separate them when the female is in heat (about 4 weeks to be safe)  or get one of them permanently desexed.

How do I get rid of grass fleas?

     Another variation of this is "My dog/cat does not have fleas, we only have grass fleas".   Obviously, related to the lino and carpet fleas too - strange that they all look alike.

I can't get rid of the laminate fleas that jumped into my ear!

I have experienced the wall of jumping baby fleas that seem to fly out of the grass too when I have entered a heavily infested property (my fathers' house after my bad  tenant moved out springs to mind).

I don't think I have ever succeeded in convincing the pet owners that "grass fleas" do not exist as a species, but are actually cat flea eggs which are hatching all at once.

Old George- well, he came in as a stray,
but still, he was neglected by so many
until he was found on the side of the road
 

My pet didn't need a vet until now,  (16 years later) it's been perfectly healthy

    This kind of statement makes me very angry, not only at the owner, but at  myself as a vet.  My profession (or me, if I was the last vet this pet saw), failed to educate the owner of the importance of regular check ups for their pet. Animals are very effective at hiding their diseases.  They will still eat with infected,  rotting teeth, they will still walk even though their joints ache.

 There are so many pets who are euthenased at old age, who have suffered from many skin, joints and dental problems, that were easily treatable and manageable if identified early, and treated regularly.

 

How did my dog get dental disease/brown teeth/broken tooth?

It is a sad fact that 85% of pets, three years of age or older, will have some form of dental disease.

But the people who ask this question, often don't do any dental care for their pets at all, other than the occasional bone for the dog. And then they are surprised, even though they do nothing to prevent disease, that their pet is diagnosed with this very common problem.

A puppy with a broken baby tooth as a result of
chewing bones.

Brushing a pet's teeth is still the gold standard of home care, yet some pet owners are dumbfounded that our pet's teeth need to be brushed.  Last time I went to the dentist, he didn't ask me to chew on a bone to keep them healthy, so I don't ask my dog's to do that either.

As I said earlier, 85% of our older pets will get dental disease, so active steps need to be taken to slow the disease progression. 

Why many pet  suffer from  dental disease,  depends on their genetics, their immune system, their diet (to a degree), and of course, what home care you are giving them.  You can't control some of these factors, but you can control what you are doing.

If you need some advice or help on how to keep your pet's mouth healthy, we offer FREE dental checks all year round, but if you are elsewhere ask your local vet. I am sure they will be very willing to help you.

I feed it (this much) of the purple bag that is on the top shelf in the supermarket - is that enough? Its the expensive/cheap one the only one they like.

    This happens commonly enough to make me realise something.  Some people think that all pet foods are the same, as they think all spot ons are the same.  So, they then hunt around for the cheapest price of one or the other. 

A typical food feeding guide.

All pet foods (and flea products, and vets, for that matter), are not created equal.  The most expensive doesn't necessarily mean it is the best food for that pet at that time either.  As a vet, what food I may recommend for one pet, may not be the same I would recommend for another.

Every bag of food has its own "caloric content" - if you had a cup of each brand of food, each of them will have a different energy value.  You have to look at the "feeding guide" on the side of the packet to get a rough idea of how much to feed - although that would require the use of a proper measuring cup, and not the usual "I fill the bowl half way up" or "I just give it two handfuls like this" (with hands cupped together.

You're hurting my pet (when I go to touch them and they make a little squeal)

     No vet likes to be accused of not caring (because we do deeply), and of hurting an animal we love so much (as we love all animals).  Sometimes, though, we need to do things that pet's may not like, such as giving them a worm tablet, or clipping their nails.

My dog's "red rocket" is out, and is stuck

It always amuses me the different phrases that are used to describe the sexual organs.  But for those of you who don't know, "red rocket" is the same as "lipstick" is the same as the dogs penis.

I said "red rocket" not "speeding rabbit"!

Now, some dogs like to masturbate, and when they do, their "red rocket" comes out of the prepuce, engorges, the glans all swell, and it can't retract back where it came from.  It can happen in desexed as well as undesexed dogs.

This phone call comes in around once a year, and sometimes, it comes from a senior citizen.  Irrespective of age, the advice is to get plenty of lubrication (such as KY gel), and gently massage the penis back in. 

You try describing the treatment  politely to a senior citizen.

The last time I had this conversation with someone, was on a Saturday night, I was in  Sydney (on George Street to be exact). I was there for a vet conference. It would've sounded like a strange conversation if you only heard my end of it.

It's all the vets fault that my pet ....

Yup, its my fault your pet got bitten by a bee
when you took it to the park yesterday. 

Has Ear mites -  I remember this phone call from many years ago.  This woman rang me up after hours, but she lived an hour away from us.  She had just applied a dog brand supermarket bought flea stuff on her cat, and wondered why her cat was now shaking and seizuring.  But she wouldn't ring her own vet (apparently 5 minutes away), because he had given her cat ear mites when he had examined its ears.

Developed Luxating patellar - Not one of my situations, but there was a case in the US where a pet owner blamed the vet for causing the patellar to luxate when she performed her full examination.  She didn't cause it, but he didn't see it like that.

Got An infected wound - this was a wound that was located on the side of the chest, far away from the desexing wound (the dog had surgery 4 weeks earlier), that looked like a dog bite wound (the owner had another dog).  The owner was claiming it was the vet's fault, as a result of negligence from the desexing, and thus should pay for surgery and treatment. 




Yup, I hear that.  Its a bronchitis... cough again so I can tell
you the bacteria ..... good coughing, its Streptococcus. let me see.. yes,
with Bordetella too.  Cough Cough..... Sensitive to
Penicillin.  Keep on coughing so I can tell you how
long to use the antibiotics for! 
Seriously!

And then the phone calls...

My pet has been sick for 4 weeks and losing weight, what can I do?

I am just ringing up for some advice...

I don't know if I should be worried or not but my dog/cat hasn't eaten for 3 days and is losing weight.

My dog is coughing... I'll put it up to the phone.... you hear it?  What could it be?

Ah, well.  Do you think you would deal with this any differently or better than I would?  Ya gotta love people - our animals do, and they tend to be good judges of character.

Thanks for reading the mad vets blog.  I am Dr Liz, the mad vet from Bellambi.