Please pray for Rocco

[kjc]

Originally Posted by Roccosmommy

Yes, he said he would follow up with a BAT as well as an ultrasound if necessary to check for a liver shunt, but he's currently more concerned with Rocco's unfounded urge to urinate. There are no definitive symptoms related to liver shunt right now. Even if there was a liver issue, he cannot at all relate that to the urination urge. Also, since Rocco's eating and drinking and mostly well otherwise, he wants to focus on what's causing his urinition issue since this is the immediate problem.

This is a symptom of Liver Shunt. LS dogs may produce Amonium Urate stones, which do not show on xray. These type of stones are directly related to dogs with LS.

From: Bladder stone (animal) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Symptoms
Bladder stones may cause blood in the urine (hematuria) (giving the appearance that the animal is urinating blood) but sometimes there may be no signs at all. Painful urination or straining to urinate are other signs. Urinary tract infections are commonly associated with bladder stones. Smaller stones may become lodged in the urethra, especially in male animals, causing urinary tract obstruction and the inability to urinate. This condition causes acute renal failure, hyperkalemia, septicemia, and death within a few days.
[edit] Diagnosis

When symptoms indicate bladder stones, the first step is usually to take an x-ray. Most types of stones will appear readily in an x-ray, urate and occasionally cystine stones being the most common exceptions. Stones smaller than three millimeters may not be visible.[3] Ultrasonography is also useful for identifying bladder stones. Crystals identified in a urinalysis may help identify the stones, but analysis of the stones is necessary for identification of the complete chemical composition.
[edit] Treatment

Reasons for treatment of bladder stones include recurring symptoms and risk of urinary tract obstruction. Some stones can be dissolved using dietary modifications and/or medications. Small stones in female dogs may possibly be removed by urohydropropulsion, a nonsurgical procedure. Urohydropropulsion is performed under sedation by filling the bladder with saline through a catheter, holding the dog vertically, and squeezing the bladder to expel the stones through the urethra. Bladder stones can be removed surgically by a cystotomy, opening of the bladder. Stones lodged in the urethra can often be flushed into the bladder and removed, but sometimes a urethrotomy is necessary. In male dogs with recurrent urinary tract obstruction a scrotal urethrostomy creates a permanent opening in the urethra proximal to the area where most stones lodge, behind the os penis. In male cats, stones lodge where the urethra narrows in the penis. Recurrent cases can be treated surgically with a perineal urethrostomy, which removes the penis and creates a new opening for the urethra.

Urate stones
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ate_stones.JPG http://bits.wikimedia.org/skins-1.5/...gnify-clip.png
Urate stones


Urate (C5H4N4O3) stones, usually ammonium urate (NH4·C5H4N4O3) or sodium urate monohydrate (Na·C5H4N4O3×H2O), form in an acidic to neutral urine. They are usually small, yellow-brown, smooth stones. Urate stones form due to an increased excretion of uric acid in the urine. Dalmatians (especially males)[11] and to a lesser extent Bulldogs are genetically predisposed to the formation of urate stones because of an altered metabolism of purines. Dalmatians have a decreased rate of urate hepatic transport, leading to only about 30 to 40 percent conversion of urate to allantoin, compared with greater than 90 percent conversion in other breeds.[6] Dogs with portosystemic shunts or endstage liver disease also have increased uric acid excretion in the urine due to reduced conversion of uric acid to allantoin and ammonia to urea. Urate stones make up about six percent of all stones in the cat.[12]
Urate stones can be dissolved using a diet with reduced purines that alkalinizes and dilutes the urine. Allopurinol is used in dogs with altered purine metabolism to prevent the formation of uric acid. Feeding a diet high in purines while simultaneously administering allopurinol can result in the formation of xanthine (C5H4N4O2) stones.

Also: See this thread: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...ease-help.html


I won't argue the point any further, but you do need to be aware that he may still possibly have stones/blockage... and that this is a life threatening condition.

I realize you have a lot going on (get well wishes to all) but you will need to really pay attention to whether or not Rocco is urinating. I am hoping your vet has told you this already.

If he is not urinating, he will need to be seen ASAP, possibly every few days to unblock him until he is fully diagnosed and the issue is corrected.

Praying for a speedy diagnosis and recovery for Rocco.... and for you and your family for strength and wellness.

[Roccosmommy]

kjc, thanks for all this info...most of this I've already read while doing research. You indeed are not "arguing the point" with me, I am all for whatever needs to be done to determine Rocco's problem. I've absolutely been monitoring his urine output since yesterday and he's definitely not retaining it...quite the contrary, poor little guy still has a few leaks due to the catheterization . The biggest question is why he still has the urge even after emptying his bladder. The other major concern I'm having now is his stools, which I'm also awaiting test results for. I sure do have a lot going on right now, but as another poster mentioned, I have 3 sick kids - one is a furkid. And they all get equal care and attention...and Rocco is not getting anything by me - I'm faithfully monitoring his food and water intake, his sleeping habits, his mood, his bowel movements, and of course his urine output which is looking good since yesterday. Anything other than improvement earns him an immediate follow-up visit with the vet.

[ladyjane]

I am repeating myself:

Has the vet done basic blood work? It is an invaluable tool for diagnosing conditions.

Here is a link that might be helpful:

Dog Owner's Guide: Diagnostic tests save pet lives

[Roccosmommy]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I am repeating myself:

Has the vet done basic blood work? It is an invaluable tool for diagnosing conditions.

Here is a link that might be helpful:

Dog Owner's Guide: Diagnostic tests save pet lives

Sorry, I didn't see your previous post asking about bloodwork...no, it has not been done yet. I only saw Rocco's vet on Friday evening, got urine results over the phone on Sat. afternoon, then went to ER vet yesterday. When I spoke to my vet today, he said blood would be the next step, but he wanted to wait for the urine, x-ray and fecal test results from the ER vet before doing so. Urine was fine, x-ray showed nothing and fecal test results s/b in tomorrow. So do you think a full blood panel (cbc, creatine, etc.) is needed before a BAT or in conjunction with a BAT? Oh, another thing I never mentioned is that Rocco has never previously had any trouble after eating, doesn't vomit, and has gained weight steadily to become a very healthy 7.3lb boy. This just all came about over the last few days. Another reason my vet is not thinking LS (although he will test for it after ruling out some other possibilities).

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Roccosmommy

Sorry, I didn't see your previous post asking about bloodwork...no, it has not been done yet. I only saw Rocco's vet on Friday evening, got urine results over the phone on Sat. afternoon, then went to ER vet yesterday. When I spoke to my vet today, he said blood would be the next step, but he wanted to wait for the urine, x-ray and fecal test results from the ER vet before doing so. Urine was fine, x-ray showed nothing and fecal test results s/b in tomorrow. So do you think a full blood panel (cbc, creatine, etc.) is needed before a BAT or in conjunction with a BAT? Oh, another thing I never mentioned is that Rocco has never previously had any trouble after eating, doesn't vomit, and has gained weight steadily to become a very healthy 7.3lb boy. This just all came about over the last few days. Another reason my vet is not thinking LS (although he will test for it after ruling out some other possibilities).

Yes, I do think that basic blood work should be done first, but that is just my opinion. Any time my pups are sick, my vet does basic lab work. Just speak with your vet about it and ask him what he thinks.

[smepperson]

I was so saddened to read about your little one...The advice you have recieved about blood work is sound. After what we went through with our Gizmo I would opt for the full panel but that is just me. Our vet always opts for the least expensive way and checking the basics first. We're a bit neurotic when it comes to these things I guess. You and your family will be in our prayers. ♥

[Roccosmommy]

Rocco's fecal test also came back normal today. Also, he has improved steadily and is just about back to himself today, but he still has diarrhea. Eating well, drinking well, peeing, playing, etc. but has watery stools, and is a little tired for a while after he goes. My vet said let's get his diarrhea under control before he does blood tests, since he's doing well otherwise. He doesn't want to distress him any further. Picked up 2 cans of the prescription food today to bind him up, and praying he continues to feel better. Thanks for all of your well wishes. I'll update once I have his bloodwork done and results back.

[ladyjane]

That is interesting. I guess he has his reasons. I hope that Rocco continues to improve!

[Roccosmommy]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

That is interesting. I guess he has his reasons. I hope that Rocco continues to improve!

I also was curious as to why wait, and he said if his bowels are already upset, he doesn't want to add any undue stress?? As long as he is improving, the vet's not too worried. And one more thing Rocco is still doing is lifting his leg to pee with nothing coming out (except for the first time). I'm stumped.

[ladyjane]

Never have I heard of such a thing, but hey....something new every day. A small needle stick is not what I call stress. It is typical for veterinary care imho. It certainly would tell a lot....but again, that is between you and your vet.

[AllDogBoots]

I think the full panel would have been the first thing for your vet to do. I agree with the others, but I always tend to side with what my vet says, rather than what people on a forum say. However I always discuss the forum opinions with my vet very openly. Wishing Rocco good health.

[Roccosmommy]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Never have I heard of such a thing, but hey....something new every day. A small needle stick is not what I call stress. It is typical for veterinary care imho. It certainly would tell a lot....but again, that is between you and your vet.

It's all I have to go on. I do trust my vet, but trust my instincts more; if for one second I think Rocco's in need, he'll be at another vet for evaluation. I'm not averaging 4 hours of sleep a night since Friday for nothing - I'm doing my research and watching him like a hawk.

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by Roccosmommy

It's all I have to go on. I do trust my vet, but trust my instincts more; if for one second I think Rocco's in need, he'll be at another vet for evaluation. I'm not averaging 4 hours of sleep a night since Friday for nothing - I'm doing my research and watching him like a hawk.

I think you are doing great. Hopefully the other kids are getting better as well. And for Rocco, at least all the tests are coming back negative. That's a good start.

[marcie]

Sending prayers your way. Hope the other kids are doing well, too.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Roccosmommy

It's all I have to go on. I do trust my vet, but trust my instincts more; if for one second I think Rocco's in need, he'll be at another vet for evaluation. I'm not averaging 4 hours of sleep a night since Friday for nothing - I'm doing my research and watching him like a hawk.

I so know about lost sleep with sick pups. Children as well...but that was long ago....and was only one.

Hope all is cleared up so you can rest up for Christmas!