Cooper Has Struvite Crystals & Personal Male Problems

[AllDogBoots]

This is a little tough to talk about, but I'm sure many of you remember the lipstick thread. I woke one one morning about 2 weeks ago and Cooper was humping air. His "lipstick" was stuck in the out position. This happened 3/4 nights and off to the vet we went. It was time for his annual blood work so we did all blood work and a urinalysis. Everything came back normal except for struvite crystals. The vet did not put him on antibiotics, but we switched his food to Royal Canin SO. The vet didn't see much correlation between his erection problem and the crystals.

It's now almost 2 weeks later and he's still having erections (although not as often) when he wakes up in the morning and I have to help him. The vet thought it possible that a dog was in heat nearby, however we just moved about 5 miles away and I don't believe that's the case.

I'm going for a second opinion Thursday to a new vet who comes highly recommended. Cooper appears completely fine except for random mornings. He's eating, drinking, and going to the bathroom with no issues. He's lively and as always, full of energy.

Any input?

[Princes mom]

I don't have any input, but please know that smiley-face Cooper is in my prayers that everything will be alright.

[Susan78]

I hope all goes well for your baby. Susan

[yorkietalkjilly]

Hate to hear this about Cooper. If that keeps happening, if there is such a thing as a veterinary urologist or a board certified internist could check him out and see if he has a small lesion growing on one of the major nerves directly/indirectly controlling his erections. Even a tiny little tumor or cyst can put pressure on and cause swelling and artificially induce stimulation. Might have to get a CT or something if it keeps happening and all else is ruled out. Hope you can get those Struvite Crystals cleared up and get to the bottom of this problem and get that boy back to his normal self.

[kjc]

Aw! Poor Cooper.... hope your problem gets resolved quickly.

Peek A Boo had a 'lipstick' problem a while back... upon very close examination (by me, lol), I could see that some of his hair was getting stuck to him, and prevented his pee part from retracting completely. So I lubed him up real good, and was able to get the hairs unstuck, then he got a bit of a trim. He hasn't had a problem since, and it never interfered with his cat-humping activities.

Hoping Coopie feels better soon! Hugs,

[AllDogBoots]

Thanks guys. I'm going to make sure a very thorough evaluation is done (whatever that takes). Kathy, Cooper just got groomed 3 days ago and I made sure the groomer was aware of his little problem.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

Thanks guys. I'm going to make sure a very thorough evaluation is done (whatever that takes). Kathy, Cooper just got groomed 3 days ago and I made sure the groomer was aware of his little problem.

Even a teeny tiny spinal or brain lesion, cell cluster, tiny injury/inflammation/swelling could be behind this but just something down there locally is far more likely. This can even happen with humans. Cooper is lucky to be in such good hands if it happens again.

[kjc]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

Thanks guys. I'm going to make sure a very thorough evaluation is done (whatever that takes). Kathy, Cooper just got groomed 3 days ago and I made sure the groomer was aware of his little problem.

Did the grooming make a difference?

One other thought: I seem to recall that anytime there are crystals found that an antibiotic is normally given. Did they find any blood in his urine? That can make the tip of the sheath a bit sticky, which could interupt the mechanics.

Can I ask what food he was eating?

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by kjc

Did the grooming make a difference?

One other thought: I seem to recall that anytime there are crystals found that an antibiotic is normally given. Did they find any blood in his urine? That can make the tip of the sheath a bit sticky, which could interupt the mechanics.

Can I ask what food he was eating?

The grooming did not help. They said all other tests came back fine except for the finding of crystals. He was eating Fromm.

I saw a new vet in the practice I have been going to and just wasn't that thrilled with him. I forwarded Cooper's medical records and will be seeing a new vet on Thursday.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Cooper has a great mommie! He's a lucky pup.

[kjc]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

The grooming did not help. They said all other tests came back fine except for the finding of crystals. He was eating Fromm.

I saw a new vet in the practice I have been going to and just wasn't that thrilled with him. I forwarded Cooper's medical records and will be seeing a new vet on Thursday.

Good idea. Best of luck with the new vet. Let us know how it goes....

[Ellie May]

Always assume infection first with struvites. Antibiotics and/or a culture first. Very early to swith to a drastic diet unless stones were found.

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Always assume infection first with struvites. Antibiotics and/or a culture first. Very early to swith to a drastic diet unless stones were found.

And this is why we are trying a new vet. Thanks crystal.

[mimimomo]

Key to getting rid of crystals is to liquefy the diet...moisten kibble w/warm water, make sure he's drinking lots of water to flush out his bladder. Since Cooper is eating prescription food now, maybe you can add some canned food later to keep the struvites away...moisture is key!
I hope his lipstick situation gets sorted & he'll be ok!

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

Key to getting rid of crystals is to liquefy the diet...moisten kibble w/warm water, make sure he's drinking lots of water to flush out his bladder. Since Cooper is eating prescription food now, maybe you can add some canned food later to keep the struvites away...moisture is key!
I hope his lipstick situation gets sorted & he'll be ok!

Thanks Jenny. I remember reading out Momo's crystal problem. I was so surprised to hear the diagnosis though because Cooper drinks a lot of water. He always drinks after he eats and plenty through the day. It's usually Max I'm worried about.