Could These Symptoms be a Bladder Infection in My Dog?
Hi EC members! My 10 year old Russian Toy Terrier had been acting a little off lately. My vet can't really give me answers without racking up a hefty bill of tests... Was wondering if any of her "symptoms" seem like something obvious to any of you or if I'm just being a worrier...
She's normally extremely hyper in the morning, mid-day, and evening for 15 or so minute bursts and pretty chill the rest of the day... She's been for the last week or so still had energy but not quite as much pep in her step as usual. She also LOVES to go in the back yard and play and lay in the sun, lately she's been running out to do her business and then wants to come right back in.
She's also been begging to go out much more frequently... Like from 3-5 times to like 10 times and will usually pee a little each time and poo after a meal.
She still has her appetite. She has no signs of irregularities in her stool and no signs of cloudy or bloody urine. She's also started in the last few days having accidents in the house which is so unlike her... She's not been under any stress, no changes to her life or diet.
She eats fresh organic chicken and vegetables made weekly in my crockpot and gets plenty of fresh water as well as a senior dog multivitamin. She doesn't have pale gums, isn't panting or drooling, no issues with balance, and is very alert.
She's flea free, UTD on shots, and last vet visit she had a full work up and given a clean bill of health...
I'm at a loss as to if she's just aging and that's why her energy is slightly lower than normal and just has been having accidents for no reason lately...
I've also read about UTI's and Bladder Stones and thought that could possibly be it... but does that cause a loss in energy?
I read about the Apple Cidar Vinegar for that to mix 1 teaspoon with water or in food... If I did this and it wasn't a UTI/Bladder Stones, would this hurt her? Would I give this to her forever or just until she seems normal again? Thank you for any and all information!!!!
Tennessee
10/27/2016
Aww! What a sweet little dog!
I think Apple cider vinegar would be a great thing to try. I would try just 1/2 teaspoon twice a day - she looks small!
Many pet owners use Apple Cider Vinegar daily as a tonic; it won't harm if even if there is not a UTI (which it sounds like to me.) And a UTI can cause low energy.
I usually treat an infection for a couple of days after the symptoms disappear.
Keep us posted!
~Mama to Many~
Mpls., Mn
10/27/2016
Hey Ashlie,
I 'ditto' the advice from MtM - can't hurt to give her the ACV. That said, Ruskies have a 10-12 year life span, with some living to 15 years of age - NOW is the time to look for health problems associated with old age. Penny is due for a senior blood panel to check how well her organs are functioning, and to rule out things like diabetes or renal failure - both conditions that can result in frequent urination. The blood panel will also check the white blood cell count - it if is elevated it might indicate an infection, which low energy is one symptom.
Please report back with an update on Penny!
Palm Harbor, Fl
10/27/2016
Hi all, Ashlie and Penny again.
So she had her first day of ACV mixed into her food... She hesitated (probably a difference in smell) to eat at first then lapped it all up.
No change for the better as of yet. There was something odd that happened today and idk if it's related or just a coincidence but I thought I'd mention it and see what you guys think.. I usually pick her up and lay her on my chest on what would be her left side to cuddle so I can hug her.. it's our routine so it's not something that would startle her.. Anyway, tonight when I laid her on my chest she let out a little yelp. I immediately let her down and checked her head to toe for any spurs or splinters or bruises or bumps having found nothing.. I also checked for physical pain by putting pressure everywhere with no reaction.. I then laid her down on my chest again to see what would happen... No yelp this time but she didn't stay there but a few seconds before she wanted down (normally she'll just chill out there for several minutes)... should I be worried or is this a coincidence. I was planning on getting her a full work up at vet here soon, but would feel more comfortable financially waiting about a month which is why I'm hoping the ACV works for whatever's going on... but if you guys think I need to rush her off to the vet ASAP then I'll figure some way to make it happen... Thanks!!
Mpls., Mn
10/28/2016
Hey Ashlie,
If Penny is not behaving like her usual self, if she is fatigued/depressed, then something is up. If she is experiencing pain - a new thing - then something is up. Will rushing to the emergency vet change anything? My guess is very likely NOT. If she has a tumor in her belly that makes her uncomfortable cuddling in her usual manner rushing to the vet likely will not change the outcome. That said, seeing the vet sooner rather than later may go a long way to help. It will help by answering questions, which is better than sitting in the dark for the next month. If it IS something bad, like a tumor, you will feel better about yourself for having acted sooner rather than later. If it is something like a tumor, and maybe you can do nothing surgical about it, knowing what you are dealing with can help you start right away with seeking an alternative approach to treatment, ie so you cannot afford surgery but you can afford turmeric and can start dosing immediately. Same for treating something like diabetes or renal failure - waiting to act can make things worse in the long run, and the sooner you come up with the correct treatment plan the sooner Penny has of feeling better - and that IS worth something. So my answer is yes, vet - not an emergency rush right this second, but soon - like next week if you can swing it.
