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Blood in Urine

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Well, Ella didn't have any symptoms that made me suspect anything. The crystals were just found on random tests. She continues to have them with no other issues. I've just added some supplements to make her urine more acidic. If I understand how it works correctly, stones only develop when an infection is present. If I were in your position, I would want to make sure that no stones had already developed from a prior UTI. I was told that crystals alone were not reason to change diet. I'd love to hear the opinion of someone that really knows about this stuff. I'm only going by what I was told by my daughter's instructor.
 
Ok so talked with the vet. She say they are cystine crystals in the urine and there may be stones in the kidney or liver. She recommends having an ultrasound done for one and a kidney panel for two. She wanted to put him on an antibiotic even though she said there was no bacteria in his UA. She also said she thinks that neutering my Hank will help and that I should put him on a low protein diet of prescription only food that will also change the ph of his urine. She didn't even mention that it could be a hereditary disease, Cystinuria (thanks google).

I'm getting a second opinion at another vet tomorrow morning before I have to go to work.
 

Smokeycat

Well-Known Member
I had thought of cystinurea when you mentioned that he had crystals in his urine but didn't want to cause potential worry. I do remember reading that male mastiffs are prone to it and it typically presents between 3-5 years old. My vet had mentioned that it was something to keep an eye out for since we knew Kryten wasn't from fully tested parents.
I do remember reading that neutering would likely prevent the formation of crystals if done prior to the condition first causing them but that it won't help if done afterwards.
I did have a cat who was prone to cystine crystal formation, it nearly killed him when it first presented. We did change his diet but it was predominantly to increase the fluid/water intake. The more dilute his urine was the less time crystals had to form and get big enough to cause a blockage.
Good luck and I hope Hank (& you) feels better soon.

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Ok got a second opinion. For sure it's cystine crystals. The vet said there isn't a way to test for cystinuria but that they(the crystals) are rare to have(without the disease) and there is prob a good bet he has it. She said that neutering wouldn't affect it one way or the other, that it was more of a preventative measure so as to not breed pups that could have the disease or be carriers of the gene.

I guess the next step is to have an x ray and/or ultrasound done to see if there is a presence of stones in the bladder or kidneys. Not all stones can be seen in either one or the other and sometimes both.

Both vets said basically that there are two ways people try and manage the disease, diet and medication. Hills U/D is an ultra low protein diet that also alkalinizes the urine. But there is mixed information whether this actually works or not to prevent stones from forming and it's also $75 for a 27.5lb bag. Also apparently it can also cause other types of stones to form that only form in alkalinized urine. There is also some debate as to whether an ultra low protein diet is even healthy for large breed dogs. The other option is something called Thiola but is apparently very expensive for large breed dogs and can have adverse side effects. The vet said she was going to research the data a little more and let me know her findings. I found an article that talk about this subject a little more in case anyone wants to read more about this Imagemap

One step forward two steps back. Fuck my life.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Oh, cystine crystals. I just assumed struvite crystals. Damn it. That sucks. It sounds like the one vet is looking into all the options for you. Please keep us updated. You know what they say about tough times making you stronger. I guess you must be damn near Superman by now, huh? Really sorry, EEM.
 

Jaszies_dad

Well-Known Member
Nationwide pet insurance has three types insurance for pets.. major medical, wellness and both.. i got Jaszie hers the same day i brought her home 8weeks. It costs just at 70 dollars a month 250 yearly deductible 90% reimburse after that for just about everything

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Jaszies_dad

Well-Known Member
Two weeks before they get covered for anything.. one reason to get as soon as possible as it does not.cover pre existing i dont think.. but does cover things that are genetic.. like hip dysplasia and such I HIGHLY RECOMMEND if you can afford.

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Jaszies_dad

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the info Jaszies_dad.
Anytime.. There is all kinds pet insurance and diff price ranges.. Do your research decide what you can afford and what is best for your situation. Nationwide was best for us cause Jaszie is so young yet and lots vet visits and possible spay, stomach staple and until we get to 24 mo. We cant get her joints xrayed for dyslpasia.

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