Oh Ritzy girl, we know what bladder infections are about! Poor you!

tuxluvr, As you probably know, Fister had bladder problems several times and I remember he also got the first pills you mentioned. As far as I remember, it only took a few days before you could tell that they worked.

I hope Ritzy will get better in a few days - and stay that way!! We'll be keeping fingers and paws crossed here!

Hugs and nosekisses from us all.

I found a link you should have a look at. This below is from that site.

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/in...m&word=bladder


Cystitis and urolithiasis are common in both male and female PBP. Signs include frequent urination or straining to urinate. Urinalysis, urine culture, complete blood count, serum chemistry, radiography, and ultrasound are important diagnostic aids. A sterile urine sample for culture can be obtained via cystocentesis. Cystitis without triple phoshate crystalluria should respond to extended antibacterial therapy based on in vitro sensitivity testing. Acidification of the urine may also help minimize recurrence of infection. Nephritis can occur after cystitis as an ascending infection. Leptospirosis may be a primary cause of nephritis. Increased BUN and creatinine values may aid in the diagnosis of nephritis and kidney failure. Routine vaccination for six leptospira serovars is recommended because such multivalent bacterins include Leptospira bratislava and Leptospira pomona , the most common types infecting domestic commercial swine. Vaccination may possibly reduce renal shedding of leptospires should a PBP become chronically infected and, therefore, minimize transmission of this zoonotic disease.

In a PBP that is straining and unable to urinate, the bladder size should be reduced immediately by cystocentesis after sedation and radiography (plain or contrast) or ultrasonography to evaluate the location of the urethral or bladder stones. If the blockage is in the urethra, cystotomy is recommended (both sexes) to identify and remove calculi in all possible locations. Calculi in the male urethra may be removed by cutting through the sheath to expose the distal penis, catheterizing the urethra, and backflushing into the bladder. Calculi that cannot be removed by this method must be surgically removed by incising the urethra at the location of the blockage. Suturing of the urethra is followed by cystotomy and inspection for more calculi. The bladder is then closed, and a Foley catheter is inserted into the bladder and marsupialized to the abdominal wall to accommodate the flow of urine while the urethra heals. Several days later, the Foley catheter is occluded, and the urethra is inspected to determine if it is patent and allowing flow of urine; if not, the Foley catheter is opened again, and the process is repeated several days later. When the urethra becomes patent, the Foley catheter is removed, and the drainage site allowed to granulate closed. Although the female urethra is short, blockage can still occur. Because urethral catheterization is difficult, a Foley catheter is inserted into the vagina and inflated, and a purse-string suture is placed at the vulva. Retrograde flushing through the urethral opening in the vaginal floor is attempted. A cystotomy is then performed to remove all possible stones or calculi, followed by routine closure of the bladder. Marsupializing the bladder may not be necessary. Further treatment includes antibiotic therapy and acidification of the urine. Despite these efforts, some affected PBP do not recover and require euthanasia. Perineal urethrostomies are usually only temporarily successful because the surgical site becomes occluded by amorphous material or urethral polyps, and patency cannot be reestablished. However, surgical methods have been described to correct failed perineal urethrostomies in PBP. Rupture of the bladder is a grave complication because normal bladder tone may not return even after stones have been removed and the bladder has been surgically repaired.

Psychogenic water consumption should be considered in PBP with polydipsia and polyuria. PBP may develop a habit of drinking water and urinating frequently because of possible boredom or unknown causes. Cystitis and crystalluria should be eliminated as differential diagnoses. Measuring urine specific gravity before and after a 12-hr water fast will demonstrate if the affected PBP is able to concentrate urine. Ability to concentrate urine indicates normal kidney function and helps rule out diabetes insipidus. Estimating the daily water intake and urine output will further aid the diagnosis of psychogenic water intake or establish that water consumption and urination are in fact normal. Relieving boredom may be helpful to change this behavior. If water is restricted and offered only with meals, care must be taken to prevent salt toxicity.