Urinary Crystals and/or stones

[Mai Tai]

Oddly enough, a few days after I read a post about one of our puppies leaking pee, Mo started to do the same thing.  We went to the doctor today, and I really thought it was going to be a urinary tract infection (which would have been the easiest thing to fix), but his urine was fine.  The doctor says he is very young (2 yrs. old) for stones or crystals in his urine but it is a possibility.  He wants us to keep an eye on Mo, and if it continues, send another urine sample in which they can send to the lab to check for crystals.  He seems to be fine otherwise.  He is eating, drinking, playing, etc. though I have noticed he lifts his leg for a really long time now, but very little comes out.  The vet asked if anything in his little life has changed that could be causing him stress, and I told him how I have been taking care of my friend's two dogs since April 10th, but he seems to really love them, so I don't think that is it.  Say a little prayer for him if you are so inclined, as I do not want him to be sick, and I do not have a lot of extra money to operate on kidney stones.  Keep you posted, and please let me know if anyone else has been through this.  Thanks for letting me vent my worries.

[junip1977]

Aww, I am sorry to hear about Mo!!  Maybe he is just stressed.  How long will you have to watch the other two dogs?  My little Max still leakes pee.  However, the vet said he is fine.  I hope Mo is fine, I will definitely say a prayer for him.  Keep us updated on his condition!! Hugs to you and Mo! 

[mandy15]

I said my prayers for Mo. I'm sure he'll be just fine. I know what you mean with money. It's always so tight and things keep coming up to have to pay for. Good luck!

[ellietoo]

Does he drink very much? Does he ever pee like he should? All I know is that the more a dog drinks the more it will flush out the kidneys. I'd encourage him to drink fresh cold water as much as you can. Change the water lots of times a day and even add some ice cubes when it is real warm. I notice my animals line up for water when I put it down in a clean fresh bowl. They ignore the stuff that sits for a while. I guess that is why they like toilet water!

[Auburn9]

Sorry about Mo hope everything turns out okay.

[Mai Tai]

Ellie, he is not a big drinker or eater for that matter.  I have been trying to get him to drink more water, but it is difficult.  Spoiled boy will occassionally lap it off a spoon.  LOL.  I just hope it is not kidney stones.

[Mai Tai]

I had to take another urine sample to the vet today because Mo is still straining to pee, and then sometimes dribbling.  Poor little guy.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that they find an infection this time and not crystals.  I would love to just clear it up with some antibiotics.  Let you know how it goes.

[ellietoo]

I feel so bad for your little guy. I hope they can find something to help him. Have they tested his kidneys? Yorkies do have a history of kidney problems.

[Mai Tai]

Thanks ellie.  They are going to get the results of this urine test and if that sheds no light on the problem, they are going to do x-rays and sonograms to see if there are stones in the bladder, kidney, or ureters.  The urine analysis we took the first day showed he is concentrating his urine the way he should so the doctor thinks his kidney function is fine.  I just want this resolved yesterday as he is so small and I worry that any problems will cause further problems very quickly.  I will keep you all posted and really appreciate your input and concern.

[Mai Tai]

Ok, so the vet called today and left a message that Mo's urine sample had quite a few crystals in it.  He needs to go on a special diet as well as take medication to prevent stones from forming, if they have not already formed.  The diet will also hopefully dissolve any stones he may have over a period of 4 to 16 weeks.  I received the message too late to call the vet back, so I have to call tomorrow to get details about the kind of crystals etc.  Will let you know what I hear.  Thanks for listening.

[Ann]

Hi Karen,
I'm sorry to hear about Mo. I do hope you get it all sorted and it doesn't cost you too much. 

I'm sorry I havn't been on many posts at the moment as my son had a large cyct removed from his sinuses and i have been very worried about him. He went through the op well and is on the road to recovery. It's funny though as Toby new all the time that I was not myself . He just followed me every where around the house and would not leave my side. My husband Jeff flu down to Adelaide which is another state in Australia to be with our son and I satyed home as I'm terrified of flying and someone had to be here to look after our business and Toby.

[Mai Tai]

Oh Ann, I am so sorry about your son.  Is he ok now?  I hope everything turned out well with no complications.  That is so sweet how Toby knew you were upset.  They definitely sense our emotions.  I wish you were not afraid to fly.  That can make life difficult sometimes.  I do not like flying but I can do it.  Well, let us know how your son is doing.  We love our dogs, but our children are everything.  Take care, Ann.

[Mai Tai]

I talked to the vet this morning and the crystals are calcium oxalate, which is common in yorkies.  It seems his urine is too alkaline, so he needs a special diet to bring up his pH in his urine to dissolve the crystals.  I am taking him today for x-rays to see if he has any stones.  Keep your fingers crossed that he does not.

[junip1977]

Sorry Mai Tai, I hope the little guy is on the road to recovery and FAST!! 

Ann, I hope your son is feeling better too!!

[mandy15]

Ann I so sorry to hear about your son. I hope he makes a quick recovery. Keep us updated on how he's doing.