Quote:
Originally Posted by Ellie May  Really watch the straining. If he keeps happening he may need an antibiotic change and bladder stones would need to be ruled out.
Arching in the back could have been from his legs or abdominal pain or back pain.
I'd be very concerned if this is LP presenting with these symptoms. I agree with the tech. If it happens again to this extreme and you confrim it is LP, then it really should be corrected. |
Yup, I will. An x-ray (for the bloody stool) showed no stones and an ultrasound confirmed he was clear. I thought the ultrasound was a bit much at the time because of the clear x-ray, but now I'm glad it was done. He never strained until last night and his major symptom for the uti has actually been frequent urinating. That's why I was worried last night and called the ER. I made sure to ask the ER vet and regular vet if the uti could be causing the pain and they said that was doubtful. If he strains again then I'll take him back to the ER or regular vet per the ER's orders. He's going to his regular vet soon either way for a follow-up on the infection.
The vet tech is probably right, but I'll be consulting a specialist and his opinion will be the one I take into consideration when I think about correcting or managing the LP. Personally I would like to avoid arthritis at all costs (and we've already planned to spend money on the procedure if it comes to that) but if the specialist believes it can be managed then I will listen to what he has to say. What bothered me the most about the vet tech's statement was "don't read too much." On the one hand, pet owners shouldn't think they're above vets or veterinary medicine. There's also a lot of incorrect and dangerous information floating around the internet. But I do believe pet owners should try to learn what they can about what's happening and reading is a part of that. Talking to the vet and asking questions is the other part.
Yeah, this got wordy. I need to work on that
I almost forgot to update on Biscuit, so here it is: Still no shaking, panting, or stiffness. No straining that I've seen. He's not sleepy or sluggish the way he was yesterday. I think the Tramadol really knocked him out. Better than yesterday all around.