Two different meds havent helped, what next?

[missnikki]

So my Ruby (approx 8 months old) has been having what I think is blood in her urine for almost 2 months now, and she has been to the vet twice - two different docs - one gave amoxycillan, thot it might be bladder infection, amoxy did nothing. Next doc gave Baytril and its been 2 weeks since that and still she has blood in her urine. What should I ask vet to do next? Ruby is otherwise happy as a clam and eats all her food, drinks water, cuddles, plays etc.

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

I'm assuming your vet felt her bladder/abdomen to rule out a tumor? My only other thought (which is a long shot) would be to try cranberry juice.

 

[temblabamomo]

Are you sure it is blood in the urine? Or is it just dark urine? I was always under the impression that dark urine could be associated with heart problems, which wouldn't be impacted at all by any antibiotics. I hope some more knowledgeable folks weigh in on this topic soon. I'm glad you're girl seems well and is happy and comfortable, but it's definitely cause for concern.

 

[missnikki]

Yes they felt her abdomen and bladder but can they do xrays for ratties? Would that even spot a tumour if there was one?

I will try the cran juice, thanks!

Ps the urine is a very dark red.

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

Temblabamomo makes a good point, have you had the urine tested to be sure it is in fact blood? They might also be able to do a bacteria culture on it to determine the best ab to kill the bacteria. As for the x-ray I would say an ultrasound would be a better option for seeing a tumor as a tumor will appear a different shade of gray than the organs or other tissues.

 

[temblabamomo]

That sounds like blood, but if it were possible to test it, that would help a lot to diagnose the issue. Isn't dark/bloody urine also associated with kidney problems? If it were a kidney infection I'd think the antibiotics would have helped. I am not familiar with other kidney problems, so idk. There are any number of hits that pop up if you search "dark urine" on ratguide...but if you say your girl is otherwise happy and active and seems to feel well, then like the vet I too would initially think bladder infection.

 

[Dazzle87]

I know bladder stones can cause bleeding and antibiotics don't always work for them. Crystals can be tested for in the urine. Threadworms are another possibility. It is also just possible you are using the wrong antibiotics. A culture would be best, but SMZ TMP is a good one for UTIs in my experience.

 

[lj]

Ultrasounds are better on rats than xrays. I'd go that route.

 

[Moon]

I'm assuming your vet felt her bladder/abdomen to rule out a tumor? My only other thought (which is a long shot) would be to try cranberry juice.

Or dried cranberries, but you have to be careful to get unsweetened ones.