Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 12/20/2010

Question
QUESTION: my 9 year old english bulldog female is urinating lying down and can only pee drops when standing/squating. She saw a vet yesterday and urinalysis done, he did find bacteria from a bladder infection but also said there were some transitional cells in the urine.  He gave us antibiotics and now she just lays around on her day bed all day and urinates on it.  Her appetite is great and she is drinking a lot of water.  Any suggestions? Is it normal for her to be lethargic like this?

ANSWER: Hi Cheryl - Thank you for the wonderful photo of Holli***  I am sure your Vet sent in the urine for culture.  The urine culture ( growing the bacteria) will take about 72 hours.
I am glad she is eating and drinking.  If she doesn't perk-up by tomorrow please take her back for some blood work.  Ask them to do a Fasting blood sugar to check for Diabetes.
I sure hope it is just a bad urine infection.  Because of the Excessive water intake and lethargy, you should have the blood looked over.

I would love for her to start on a good supplement to lessen her chance of Urinary problems in the future:  There are 2 that many of my bulldog clients take : Cranberry and NuVET Plus -

This Cranberry product is Quality:
You may be able to find it in the local pet store:  I have had great luck with this Brand:
Doc-Roy's Cranberry
http://www.revivalanimal.com/store/p/7024-Doc-Roy-s-Cranberry-Extra.aspx

Next - NOT found in your pet stores-: NuVET Plus Wafer Supplement:
Please Order on-line:
Holistic and SAFE.  Helps to reduce the inflammation in the bladder.
NuVET helps the healing process.
Both products can be taken with the antibiotic from your VET.

NuVET - Natural Wafer Holistic Supplement - only  sold thru the Manufacturer and Holistic Vet offices -
buy here:
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
Call 1-800-474-7044  
Tell them pet Nurse Marie sent you and give Discount code 81098 ( for the 15 % off Program.....)

Cost for NuVET is about .60 Cents per day for the average sized dog...
Make sure your Vet knows your are going to use some Healthy supplements.

Little Holli may just be feeling lazy because of a fever and the infection.
Please let me know how she is doing tomorrow.
I am here 7 days per week at allexperts.com


Marie Peppers LPN MA

Ask the Pet Nurse






---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Marie:

you asked for a status report today on how Holli is doing. Well she is eating and drinking water great.  My only problem with her is that she relieves her bladder great while laying in her bed but when she goes outside she only pees drops.  It doesnt seem that she is straining to urinate, but i think that perhaps she is trying to hard and that while she is lying down it's easier for her to urinate because she is more relaxed.  

I also think she isnt feeling very well because of the aggressive antibiotics she is on i.e.ceplaxen and cipro.  

I'm praying that she will seem better tomorrow.  This morning when i took her out for her first of the morning pee, she squated and then walked a little and urinated some more, and then ran back to the door, so that was a good sign.

Now, later in the day she seems very sad.

ANSWER: How about cooking a Kidney friendly recipe for her?  Just for  week or so-

Helps to rescue infectons and reduces stone formation.


CHICKEN AND POTATO DIET

(low protein low phosphorus, high potassium, low sodium)

1  cup cooked chicken breast

4 cups potato, boiled with skin

4 tablespoons chicken fat

5 calcium carbonate tablets (600 milligrams calcium)  ( TUMS)

1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet  ( NUVET)  ( per day)

Provides 689 kilocalories, 18.9 grams protein, 26.8 grams fat.


*****Supports caloric needs of a 35 to 45  pound dog, per day *********

Provides phosphorus at 45 percent, potassium at 301 percent, sodium at 54 percent of a dog's daily needs.




LOW FAT/LOW PROTEIN DIET FOR DOGS

1 1/2 pkg. Salad Macaroni (cooked)or Elbows
2 Cups Brown Rice (Cook separately: 1C Rice w/2.5 C water/45 min.)
2 Eggs Hard-boiled and chopped up finely
6-7 Tums Crushed (calcium carbonate)
½ pkg. Frozen Broccoli and
Mix everything together.
Can be frozen in small portions. You can also add 1-2 tablespoons low calorie cottage cheese.

I've also added a little bit of cooked ground chicken...and doubled the recipe for ease and frozen it in serving size portions.



YOUR girl should be offered 2 meals per day.

Try not to give her any treats unless they are Grain free ( "No GRAINERS" is a good Brand)
Innnova EVO also makes a grain free treat.


Glad she is eating and drinking.  She must have a buch of pressure in her bladder.
Call your Vet Monday for results of the urine culture?  ( I hope they sent a sample in for culture)

Keep me posted

Marie Peppers LPN MA

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well i've been trying what you say here, even putting some chicken soup in with the chicken and potatoes, her appetite is good and she is still drinking water, but she just cant seem to urinate a stream, only drops but when lying down she floods the bed.

Any other suggestions?
Why do only drops come out when she is standing but lying down she floods?

Answer
Hi Again, Well, I am sure there is much swelling in the ureters.  The vet can do a catheteriztion and try to pull out some urine.  At least they can see if she has an obstruction.  There could be a stone moving around in the ureter.  
Sure wish I could give you more answers!  You may need to take her back in again, to the Vet for examination.  ( Sorry,)

Good luck Ladies!

Marie Peppers LPN MA