Any help for my dog? Cancer, I'm afraid...bloody pee

[Boleyz]

Well, My little brown friend, Bullet,...A 12 yr. old mini dachshund started peeing blood this AM.

A couple of years ago, he had a large tumor removed from his leg...it was cancerous, but we didn't do anything else...just hoped they might have gotten it all...

The last couple of days he's been looking very tired and weak. Appetite seems good, but weight's down a bit. Really dragged around the last 2 days.

Then...Today...He got up, wagged his tail, smiled at the world, had a spark in his eye and bounded out the door. I could tell he was feeling better...

Then, he raised his leg to pee...normal urine for a second, then, bright red blood. He peed blood periodically throughout the day, but his last pee this evening looked normal...no visible blood.

Could it be a kidney stone?

Then, he did something ewlse out of character...he scratched his back all day until it bled... He's got a place the size of a quarter just behind his shoulders in the middle of his back that is bare and bleeding. And he's still digging at it...We put a "Lampshade" on him to keep him from digging it.

My wife used a new shampoo on him last night...could it just be a skin reaction?

Any help with the peeing blood or the skin rash (what kind of ointment is best for a dog?) would be appreciated!

[hisenthlay]

Boleyz,
I don't think you can know for sure without taking him to the vet to get tests done, but if it goes away in the next day or two, it's probably fine. One of my girl dogs had that a few months ago--it disappeared on its own in 2 days, and we chalked it up to an infection. It was bright red, but maybe not quite as much blood as you're describing.

Here's a link that might help: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/blood...e/page2_em.htm

Good luck with your little bud--I hope he turns out to be ok.

ETA: Oh yeah--can't help you with the skin reaction. Did you look real close at the area to see if there's anything odd about it (puncture wound, bump/lump, etc.)? I know it's kinda hard to tell after he scratched the heck out of it, but maybe you could find a clue. If it's just itchiness, I've heard that it's ok to give dogs benadryl, but you should probably call your vet before giving human meds to a dog that little.

Good luck!

[big rockpile]

I would take him to the Vet have him checked over.If it is Cancer,I would think twice about Cemo,considering his age.It is very hard on them.

big rockpile

[culpeper]

Blood in the urine is a very serious symptom, and I suggest you stop thinking about it, and just get your dog to the vet ASAP. It's unlikely to be a kidney stone, but an infection which needs urgent attention at the very least. Kidney stones don't usually cause bleeding, but they can cause infections. Either way, your dog is probably in considerable pain. (I know this from first hand experience!) Listen to the vet, go from there, and consider your options, keeping the dog's best interests foremost. Keep in mind that dogs don't always show outward signs of pain - they tough it out a lot more than humans do.

[Ravenlost]

I agree that it's time to see the vet again. I also agree that at his age there may be little they can do if the cancer is back.

I'm so sorry. I hope it is nothing serious.

[mightybooboo]

My dog(BooBoo) had 2 cancer surgeries on her leg,the third time it came back was the end for her,it was just to much,so it may indeed be the cancer has spread.She got about 5 more good years though and lived a full life,it was worth it.3rd time,she was just worn out and we let her go.

Quality vrs. quantity of life decisions.

Sorry to hear your dog is so sick.

BooBoo

[deb]

Before you worry about cancer, here is a less terminal illness for you to ponder.

Blood in pee is also a sign on an urinary tract infection.

I know this because I freaked out when I saw Toby, my male dog pee blood. I took Toby immediately to the vet and then got told to get a sample from him! HA HA!

I had to walk Toby for about a mile before he would pee because he was very suspicious of the ladle I was carrying and holding under him! Once I got a sample, it was quickly tested and came back as a UT infection. Treatment wascourse of antibiotics for 10 days and he was fine.

So take your pup to the vet. If you can bring a fresh sample of pee in a clean container, that would probably make the diagnosis go faster.

good luck!
deb
in wi

[chicken]

Well I wouldn't rule out the kidney stone as my DH just had 4 kidney stones removed and he was passing blood in his urine. You never know.

[Boleyz]

The vet is supposed to return our call tomorrow. If it is UT infection, we'll go with antibiotics, but I doubt we'll try to put him through any heroic "Cures" or surgeries if it's cancer.

If it is cancer, I'll watch him carefully for signs of discomfort, and if he seems distressed I'll have him put down. He's been a good one, but I know what's coming.

When he was young, he used to burrow all over the yard (typical of the breed). We used to get mad every time we stepped in a "Bullet Hole"...

I guess that's what I'll call his grave when I dig it...

[marvella]

now, now, don't give up on the little guy yet. uti's are very curable with antibiotics. they are also very painful, which might account for the scratching. animals do odd things in response to pain.

[wolfheart23]

I know you have gotten alot of responses to your questions already, but I thought I'd add my 2 cents (which isn't totally different from what others have already said). Bloody urine is usually a sign of urinary tract infection. Typically diagnosed with urine tests (the urine needs to be collected and tested ASAP, especially if they have any reason to do a culture). Treatment is antibiotics, and in cases of alot of blood, indicating considerable irriation/inflammation, sometimes a steroid injection. As far as the spot goes, the area should be shaved before applying any type of ointment, as the hair will get stuck to the wound and cause further problems, possibly infection. If he needs steroids for a UTI, it will also help with the skin problems. "Hot spots" (raw skin irritations) are also treated with antibiotics, so he would be covered if it is a UTI and a hot spot.
There is always the possibility that it is something more serious, but let's hope it's not. If I may ask, what kind of cancer was he diagnosed with previously? Some types of cancer do have the tendency to spread while others, once removed, do not reoccur. Just curious, you do not need to share if you don't want too.
(BTW, I've been a Vet Tech for over 12 years now. Regardless of how much information you get here, I would still have him looked at by a vet. Then at least you will know what you are dealing with.)

[Hollie]

What are you feeding him?
It is hard to say what the problem is and I didn't see you mention what you are feeding your dog. If your dog is not already eating top quality organic food I would start gradually switching the food ASAP if possible.
I hate to sound like a hippy and such but I wouldn't be using any shampoo on my animals (or myself) that is not made with all natural ingredients. Also, I would make sure the vet checks the dog's PH if you decide to take it in. You can also check the dog's ph yourself, they sell PH strips at most health and suppliment stores or they can be ordered online. Good luck.

[moonwolf]

Bullet needs and deserves a visit to the vet first of all.
Blood in the urine of any dog I had, both male and female was primarliy suspect fot Urinary Tract Infection, particularly if the dog had frequency (had to pee more often than usual) and was straining, and had bad odour very smelly urine with blood or very cloudy. Another possibility if stones, which is painful and needs attention.
Cancer could be a possibility, but fairly easy diagnosis of UTI or stones is available that you'll be happy you checked that out with your vet. UTI is treatable with antibioitiocs. Stones may require surgery, but still worth it if you care for your dear pet. Don't let the cancer notion scare you offhand, it may be a possibility, but I'd regret not having my dog treated if it was simply UTI.

[mightybooboo]

Originally Posted by moonwolf

Bullet needs and deserves a visit to the vet first of all.

Thats the key,he should get a checkup,but beware it doesnt come cheap.Im sure you know that,but a couple hundred bill is easy to rack up.

BooBoo

[MoonShine]

I agree with taking him to the vet,if you don't you'll continue to worry and he'll likely get worse.
The spot on his back..could it be a hot spot? I've seen most dogs have those,but it was always different each time. Different sized places,I mean. They do scratch it and get it more irritated. You can buy meds for that at most stores.

Best of luck

[susieM]

Sounds like a tick bite.

[Boleyz]

Well, the other day I figured I'd be burying my little brown friend...but he has rallied and is now apparently fine!

My wife, who is an RN, and my vet who consulted over the phone, Decided that his symtoms indicated a kidney stone.

Vet said 2 days of Lethargy was brought on by pain.

Wife said that he had an urgency to pee, and then couldn't (next day after bloody pee). She said this was indicative of an obstruction in the urinary track.

Wife observed him finally "break loose" and pee a strong, clear flow, indicative of a passed stone.

Bullet has been well now for 2 days and is gaining weight back, and as frisky as before!!

Thanks for the notes of encouragement! Your notes were what got me to considering other possibilities than recurring cancer... :baby04:

[nodak3]

Our doxy cross would get uti's and pee bloody. Once, however, it was more serious as he had bladder stones that had blocked him off. They sort of water pic'd him under anethesia and he was fine for years more.