Just in time for My Favorite Domer’s return for summer break, the Sheltie has come down with a urinary tract infection.
“Mr. Piddles” wet his little bed last night. He was rather damp when I let him out for his customary Good Morning hugs, but I didn’t think too much about it.
Must have been hot, I told myself — until I saw a wet spot on his mat. And felt said spot. And sniffed my damp fingers. And smelled pee.
Trying not to react too negatively — he’s got delicate feelings like other Shelties — I greeted him and sent him outside.
I went over the check-list of his bedtime routine. Yes, he’d been out. Yes, he’d pottied. No, he hadn’t had any water.
So why had this dog who’s normally as tidy as a nun suddenly soiled his bedding?
I asked Mom, who kept him while I traveled to Notre Dame to fetch the Domer, how he acted during my absence.
He missed you, she told me. He drank a lot of water. And slept a lot.
How was his appetite? I asked.
Fine.
Hmmm. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to come together.
I called the vet’s office, explained everything to them, and asked if dogs can get kidney or bladder issues.
Of course, they said. We’ll need a urine sample for the lab to analyze. Either bring him in or have him pee in a container.
Oh boy. I live for first-time events like this.
As I was trying to decide which option was more doable, Domer showed up wanting breakfast.
I need your help, I said, having decided against hauling a wet Sheltie anywhere in my clean car.
We’re going to what? Domer asked.
Shrugging, I dug out a Styrofoam cup. Domer leashed up “Mr. Piddles,” and we all went to the back yard.
He’s not going to do it, Domer said, as he and the dog sauntered through the grass.
Sure he will, I countered.
Eventually, “Mr. Piddles” lifted a leg, and I was Johnny-on-the-spot, shoving that Styrofoam beneath him to catch the stream.
All right, Domer said.
Easy.
I wrapped the cup in tin foil and took it to the vet’s office. Ten minutes later, we had the results.
And the sulfa drugs to treat the infection.
I’ve spent more time than I care to admit cleaning “Mr. Piddles'” bed today. Washing everything, Clorox-ing the wet spot, airing out his mattress.
And hoping I don’t have to do it all over again tomorrow.
Should be a wonderful upcoming ten days.
What are you looking forward to in the next week?
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
Wow, you’re good…can’t believe you caught it! My dog (female) had to be catherized for the sample and yep a UTI…and she was one sick puppy with fever and vomiting and kept wanting to go out.
I can’t believe it either! Maybe it’s easier with a male. For sure, he’d have never stood for being catheterized. Thanks for warning me about the possibility of worse things to come — I don’t do vomit!!
I meant to add that I hope your baby feels better soon!
Thanks, Suzi. Actually, I’m kind of surprised he doesn’t seem to feel bad at all (today, anyway!). Maybe we caught it in time.
Wow, ND stays in late! My guy’s been home for a week and a half. Off to the beach to start the internship on Saturday
Domer would have been home much earlier, but he volunteered to play in the Band for Commencement activities. His internship doesn’t start until next week, so at least he has a few days to recoup. Best wishes for Green Wuf’s new adventure!
Ooo, Mr. Piddles. ( Puddles )
What an apt name for him.
I Do Hope he’s better 🙂
Thanks, Kim, but I’d never really name a dog “Mr. Piddles” — he might truly grow into it, and I’d spend the rest of his days mopping up messes, ha!
Yikes. Now you have me worried. Did the vet say how your Sheltie got contracted it in the first place? I cannot imagine having to obtain a urine sample.
The vet’s office didn’t know. However, the Internet indicated it’s possible no matter what you do (just like with humans). He didn’t have all the symptoms, so maybe we got it early. Hope Sir Henry never has to have one! Here’s one source of further info: http://doghealthdoc.com/body-organs/urinary-tract-infections-bladder-cystitis-urethral-infections/
I’m impressed at your urine-catching skills! I hope the meds started soon enough that he gets better quickly.
Just one day after being on his meds, he’s feeling better, Janna, so thanks for your good wishes! I think it was purely beginner’s luck on the catching of it, though!
Okay, I am really, really impressed with the cup catch. The vet suggested an aluminum pie pan for a catch from Miss Piggy, our cocker spaniel. We already give her Proin twice a day for her leaks and piddles. (sigh) Depends would be cheaper.
I certainly impressed Domer, too — probably just dumb luck! I hadn’t thought of an aluminum pie pan; I’m sure the Styrofoam was quieter, though. Poor Miss Piggy. If she gets anything as lethargic as my Sheltie with this infection, she must be miserable. Wouldn’t wish that on anyone!
Your boy home! Just in time! Sorry your pup was feel poorly. Vitamin C pills can help if he starts to have them more frequently. Not always but usually a bladder infection brings a very strong urine odor. The medication usually kicks in pretty quickly. Camp is barking so mostly I will be mopping up messes both the fun kind from the kiddie pools and the not so fun kind from lapping up to much kiddie pool water.
Funny, but I hadn’t noticed any unusually strong urine odor — or any blood there or vomiting. He must be the stoic kind! That’d be a first with a male, huh?! I’ve also read that cranberry extract helps with UTIs. Wonder if we can do Thanksgiving in the summertime?!
Debbie, I’m sorry your baby is ill and hope he’s feeling better soon. You did manage to help me find some humor in your urine collection adventure!
Glad to amuse you, Kathy! It wasn’t as much fun from my end, though!
Debbie, I’m so sorry to read about the Sheltie’s infection! He must be miserable and I’m sure you’re no happy camper having to clean up! Aw…Kudos to you and Domer for acquiring that urine sample! I don’t know how I would go about getting one from Roxy if she ever got an infection! I’m glad the Sheltie is being treated and I hope he gets better soon! 🙂
Thanks, Bella. It must not have been too bad, for thankfully, there’s been no vomiting or fever that I know of. And he’s about halfway through his meds, so we’re gaining on it. Our pups can’t tell you when it hurts or something’s not right; guess that means we have to watch them like hawks and turn into detectives, trying to determine if they’re ill. Very much like with an infant, huh?