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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Large Breed dog with dark urine and no UTI
| My 5 y/o large breed dog (great dane), has shown some urine leakage, lowered liquid intake, lowered urine production - and urine that is concentrated (brown). A vet visit indicates no UTI and she was prescribed Prion. She has vomited 2 since receiving her first dose- (not an indicated side effect) Should I continue with the medication? We are worried about a million things- is there anything in particular we should look for??? |
| Carol east coast |
| Carol, I am sorry to hear about this problem with your Great Dane. Some large breed females do sometimes develop urinary incontinence when they are spayed. There is a lot of controversy if this is really a problem related to being spayed or an inherited genetic problem. Regardless, it is a bothersome problem, not necessarily a serious problem. Many times these females are treated successfully and safely with Prion. This is a veterinary med called phenylpropanolamine that is used to treat incontinence in dogs. This was originally a human med, but it was removed from the market because of possible negative blood pressure effects. These effects are not seen in dogs. I know of several Giant Schnauzer owners who use this for their females and believe it really helps. However, with all this said, I have some questions about what tests were done and what diagnoses were brought up with you? From what you describe, it was a quick jump from some kind of problem with urine to giving this drug. There really should be more testing done if this is happening for the first time in a 5 year old dog! Most females with incontinence start to have problems shortly after they first mature. Very often UTI's are not well diagnosed by taking an external urine sample. The best way to diagnose one is to use a technique called cystocentesis. This is a needle tap directly into the bladder, it is not as awful as it sounds and most dogs will not be bothered by it. This ensures a clean sample. How familiar are you with your vet? Are you comfortable with the amount of time that was spent in examination? Were things explained thoroughly with you? I hope they advised you to get your Great Dane to drink more fluid? If they didn't that would be the first goal. Dogs that are not drinking well are subject to heat stress at this time of the year. Do whatever you have to. I keep and use Pedialyte popsicles in my freezer for my dog. If you do not see improvement, then either see your own vet again and be firmer about what you want. Or visit another vet near you for a second opinion. Great Danes should be seen by a vet familiar with their particular health needs. I am very active on a Great Dane forum for dogs that have a particular heart disease condition called DCM. It is believed that this may be a genetic problem in Great Danes and it is not unusual to see them diagnosed at very young ages. They can also have very sensitive stomachs and are prone to experiencing emergency cases of bloat. It is well worth having a vet familiar with many of these conditions. my best patrice |
| Patrice NYS |
This thread was discussed on 01/08/2010
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