Nasty UTI

[aceoutdoor]

I have a 15 week old male Fila who unknowingly had a UTI a month ago when I recieved him. He became lethargic and his urin darkened. Took him to the vet and they prescribed amoxicillin for ten days and gave him an antibiotic shot. His urine cleared and he definetly felt better. Last Monday it returned, he slowed down again and his urine darkened. Vet prescribed amoxy again and iron supplement for anemia due to bloodloss in his urine. His urine got real dark red Thursday so I called again and they changed his antibiotic to Sulfa-trim. I have an appt tuesday, his urine is still dark red and he is still not himself so I have a few questions. I have Bred American Bulldogs and have never had a male dog get a UTI, are Filas more prone? Should the antibiotics be taken for more than 10 days? The UTI enters the body "downstairs", it connot be contracted orally from food or another dog right? Any advice? Thanks

[girldogue]

you need to culture his urine to see what infection it is and what antibiotic will work. A UTI in a pup that age is unusual. The antibiotic should be used for a week, then recheck the UA to make sure no bacteria still seen, then continue ABX for 2 more weeks. After finishishing meds, wait 1 week to allow abx to clear ( you can get a false negative if you check too soon after meds are gone) and recheck UA to make sure still clear.
We typically start with clavamox for a UTI. Plain amoxi doesnt work as well and SMZ ? that is old stuff. LOL

Good luck

[de la Luna]

I agree with girldogue. Aceoutdoor, I didn't read you mention that they did a culture. My experience is that the days it takes for the culture to grow will give a clearer picture. Also, I had an ultrasound of the bladder and kidneys done on mine....maybe there is something to see? Best wishes go with you.