Recovering from surgery

[Kananga]

@lvoss:

I have never known a dog to get a UTI after neuter and I don't buy that licking his incision would cause one. Licking can cause swelling at the incision site but you saw no evidence of that. It is far more likely that the UTI is a separate issue from the neuter.

When I initially read through his paperwork from his surgery, I noticed that they had used a catheter.

Any chance that could have been related? The symptoms starting showing about 4-5 days after surgery (urination issues, loss of control, etc).

I'm not trying to blame my vet, I'm simply trying to figure out how this came about. I know stress can be a factor.

[lvoss]

At this point, it is most important to get him treated. Some causes of UTIs don't show up until you get a urinalysis done such as urinary crystals. Stress often causes the urine pH to go off and that can allow crystals to form.

[tanza]

I agree with not buying that it was the fault of not wearing an E-collar… I never put one on my dogs for spay or neuter, nor did they ever get a UTI or infection .. nor to I buy that a little licking caused a UTI.... and yes, certainly a catheter would be a cause, IMO... But so many dogs get UTI's that it would be hard to pin point how/why... might just be one of those things that it happened so close after being neutered....

[Kananga]

@lvoss:

At this point, it is most important to get him treated. Some causes of UTIs don't show up until you get a urinalysis done such as urinary crystals. Stress often causes the urine pH to go off and that can allow crystals to form.

I dropped him off a couple hours ago. Only reason why I'm curious how it came about is because their first reaction was with him having no e-collar.

[lvoss]

That just sounds like they are trying to make you feel guilty for not following their rules which IMO is very poor behavior on their part.

[lvoss]

Also, just so you know just because they used a catheter doesn't mean it was a urinary catheter. Catheter is also what they call the tube they use to administer IV fluids.

[tanza]

@lvoss:

That just sounds like they are trying to make you feel guilty for not following their rules which IMO is very poor behavior on their part.

I totally agree…. lets face it... had you taken him in and said for example "oh he has been wearing the e-collar, I took it off to make it easier in the car"... then what would they have said?.... This was the easy way... blame it on not wearing collar... and blame it on you.... when really, **** happens... might not be anyone's fault... just happened... don't let them lay a quilt trip on you...

[tanza]

@lvoss:

Also, just so you know just because they used a catheter doesn't mean it was a urinary catheter. Catheter is also what they call the tube they use to administer IV fluids.

Good point …...

[Kananga]

Good points all around.

Hopefully he will have a speedy recovery with whatever antibiotics they give him, this of course assuming the analysis comes back positive for a UTI. I just can't help but feel bad for him. He's always had excellent control and for him to be laying in his own urine must have been a bit embarrassing/frustrating for him. He let out a Roo when I bathed him this morning. I think he was happy to be clean again.

[Basenjimamma]

I am so sorry they are implicating it being something you did or didn't do. Shame on them. I can not honestly say I think him not wearing an E collar is what made him now not be able to control himself…regardless of what results you get back, there simply is no way. If he got a UTI, it is just a coincident, maybe because of a potential catheter, if that is what they used (not the IV one) or for whatever other reason. Stand your ground when you pick him up. You knwo how he has been and what he has and hasn't been doing with his scar. If he truly licked it so badly that it gave him a UTI wouldn't he be irritated, swollen and red in that area. I sure would think so.

[Kananga]

Update:

Analysis came back with a fairly low count of white and red blood cells, not familiar with what is good and bad, but the summary is it's a weak UTI. They recommended doing an antibiotic injection that will last two weeks and not require me to administer any pills, and then they will do a re-check about 2 weeks from now.

So my original conclusion was right. Good to know it's a weak infection and nothing serious. Thanks everyone for the advice and comments. I'll need to adjust my weekend so I am home more. I have a feeling he'll want to go out more frequently until the antibiotics starting working.

[Basenjimamma]

I am glad you have a conclusion, and now he can get better.

[Rita Jean]

Better days ahead so happy he has the med to help all get better. Lots of love and naps on the sofa this weekend.

Rita Jean

[tanza]

@Kananga:

Update:

Analysis came back with a fairly low count of white and red blood cells, not familiar with what is good and bad, but the summary is it's a weak UTI. They recommended doing an antibiotic injection that will last two weeks and not require me to administer any pills, and then they will do a re-check about 2 weeks from now.

So my original conclusion was right. Good to know it's a weak infection and nothing serious. Thanks everyone for the advice and comments. I'll need to adjust my weekend so I am home more. I have a feeling he'll want to go out more frequently until the antibiotics starting working.

Well sounds like mystery solved…. and who knows why it happened.. but at least he can be on the road to recovery... they usually bounce back really quickly from a UTI with the meds...

[Kananga]

Indeed. It does solve the mystery (as of recent) of his anxiety. I'm sure he was in a bit of pain.

Just glad it's all taken care of now. He can enjoy the weekend, as can I.

[nala121498]

It must be a relief to know…keep us posted on his progress!

[Kananga]

Oh he's back to normal. Lazy as usual… :rolleyes:

Actually I think he's tired from his walk this morning.

[Basenjimamma]

He looks so tired…almost drunk. That is so funny, like that wall is holding him up.

[Kananga]

He's getting better, I think, but still having accidents. Over the weekend I was having to take him out every 3-4 hrs. Even then he had issues holding it till we got outside, which resulted to me carrying him now. Of course this morning while I was getting dressed he couldn't hold it. He had the injection on Friday so I'm not so sure how long it takes for a big improvement. He did sleep a lot over the weekend which was odd. I think he slept about 90% of the day.

[lvoss]

Usually with antibiotics significant improvement is seen in 24-48 hours. This should be especially true if he was given an injection since it was a single dose. If he is still urinating in the house, he will need to go back to the vet because the antibiotics were not effective. My vet always recommends a culture when a UTI is suspected to make sure the antibiotic is one that will actually be effective for the bacteria present.

It may also be time to consider a second opinion from another vet.