In Reply to: How do you decide where to draw the line on tests and meds? Not convinced my 14yo beagle needs... posted by Beagle Mom (sm) on September 07, 2006 at 22:21:23:
be in pain and is not showing it.
If the crystals are in the urine and they're not normal, then something is going on.
You owe it to your animal to take care of him and make sure he is healthy. If you can't afford it, you shouldn't have an animal.
broad-spectrum antibiotic that vet has recommended. As per my post below, got the UA done. Vet on duty calls me over a week ago and tells me there are struvite crystals in dog's urine but "no infection." He recommended a special diet to dissolve the crystals (Rx food) and said nothing about antibiotic. He is ESL and covering for my vet, so I called my vet a couple of days later to get his version. First of all, my vet didn't even call me back until a full week later (he only works 2 days of the week), so I was beginning to think nothing was really wrong.
: Anyway, he calls today and mentions the crystals. Also, a pH of 8, which is says is "very high" and specific gravity of 1.013 (I think he said normal was 1.025-1.045 in dogs). He recommended the special diet, too, because of the crystals. When I asked if there was an infection per se, he said no, the white count was fine, but then he goes on to say how those other factors might mean inflammation, which might mean infection -- or something to that effect. And he recommended the antibiotic -- pretty much "just in case."
: I have no idea if my dog really needs it. My vet tends to recommend everything, going for optimal care. Well, I can't afford to do everything and more than that, I don't believe in going overboard. My dog has been acting fine...no incontinence whatsoever after just 2-3 days of a few accidents 2 weeks ago. She doesn't strain to urinate, doesn't urinate oftn, doesn't seem to be in any kind of pain.
: Should I give her the antibiotic "just in case" (probably at least $35 if not more) and then have to pay for another UA ($47) to see if things are better? Or do I just look at her and her behavior and if she seems her old self, let it go?
: Also, anyone have experience with struvite crystals in dog's urine? Vet said common in cats, but definitely not in dogs. Yet, some online sites I found seem to indicate it's not so uncommon and even that beagles are prone to them. Also, one site emphatically stated, "no infection, no stones," and so I'm thinking why put her on a special diet if she doesn't have stones? Vet seems to go overboard...I'm wondering if it's time for a new vet.
: I'd appreciate any feedback on any of these issues! Thanks (and sorry so long).