3164. 10-year-old male not neutered dog passes blood in the urine for past 6 days

No urinary stones from X-ray. However, some stones are not radio-dense.
I palpated a swollen bladder the size of the golf ball but no pain
I did not palpate a swollen prostate which could also cause blood in the urine.


"Any humping on pillows or gripping people's legs?" I asked reference to the dog's behaviour at home since he was not neutered.
"No," the concerned lady replied.
"Does he lick his private parts?"
"Yes, daily."

This could cause injury to the penile area. Inflammation and blood showed in the urine.

3163. How to prevent recurrent urinary stones in an 8-year-old female, Japanese Spitz?

May 31, 2018

An internet query from a lady to Toa Payoh Vets. Vet 1 asked her to seek a vet as he or she does not do Voiding Urohydropropulsion which is a non-invasive treatment (ie. no surgery).

Treatment of uroliths in dogs are:

1. Medical dissolution for struvite stones
2. Cystotomy (surgical removal).
3. Lithotripsy for large stones of kidneys, liver or gall bladders.
4. Voiding urohydropropulsion.


An interesting case study of a possible case for medical dissolution and voiding urohydropropulsion is discussed below.

In this case, if the owner compliance is available, medical dissolution for 6 weeks and voiding urohydropulsion may be possible.

The dog had a cystotomy earlier. Now, she has recurrent urocystoliths. Early detection of small uroliths that can pass through the urethral lumen will avoid surgery as VU can be effective.
3-6 months after cystotomy - X rays are recommended.

The dog was fed Hills' C/D diet. But the dog got fed apples, strawberries, por or chicken meat, soup. So the urine was not acidified. The pH was around 7 - 8.

 

Chemical composition of the stone can only be confirmed by the laboratory, not based on physical appearance.
Stones may be compound mixture of struvites and calcium oxalates.

To prevent recurring struvite stones, feed an acidifying diet. No other food or treats. Ensure the dog drinks water and does not hold back urine for many hours.  Urine test for pH every 3 -6 months. X-rays yearly so that small stones can be flushed out using voiding urohydropropulsion.

3162. A 2-year-old rabbit dropped when carried by a person leading to pelvic fracture

May 23, 2018

Ref 50451
X-rays are important to verify site of fracture. The left hind leg was swollen at the hip area. There did not appear to be shortening of the hind legs which were extended. X-rays show left pelvic fracture. The owner did not want any treatment.

3161. Myanmar stories: May 22, 2018 visit to Peninsula Plaza - images

Peninsula Plaza was buzzing with crowds of Myanmar people daily some 5 years ago. Many employment and travel agencies, money remittance and supporting services did a thriving business.
Nowadays, there is little foot traffic during weekdays as the government clamp down on recruitment of foreigners.

Many Myanmar recruitment agencies have closed down.
Only on weekends will there be some crowds nowadays

Flowers are bought to place on altars of Buddhas. Shop has existed for many years
Myanmar provisions

A smaller provision shop in existence for many years

Aung San Su Kyi (picture, top right) is well loved by most Myanmar people

Some shops sell the Singapore Big Sweep

New money changer opens shop

Sells tickets only

Bigger travel agency with more services

Logistic company caters to those who want to send goods to Myanmar.
No foot traffic during weekdays nowadays

Many successful Myanmar ladies with degrees now work for large companies
and live in Singapore to enjoy the city life.
The longyi dress is part of Myanmar culture

3160. ***Dog Stories: A 6-year-old male neutered poodle had difficulty in breathing after force fed medication

May 21, 2018
Review of this case. TP 50203.


In May 14, 2018, the dog was treated for lethargy, inappetance and vomiting for 3 to 4 days. A slight fever of 39.6C. The owner declined a blood test. IV drip and medication were given. The dog went home.

In May 19, 2018, the dog was not eating. He developed difficulty in breathing after the owner force fed medication. The owner had also syringe fed flaxseed oil for the coat for some time, as advised by the groomer. 

Harsh lung sounds on right lungs. Few harsh sounds on caudal parts of the left lungs. Aspiration pneumonia from medication or flaxseed oil into the lungs was a possibility in view of the sudden onset of dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing).

The dog's tongue was cyanotic. He was still barking loudly when the owner saw him during IV drip and wanted to bring him home.

The blood test showed the following abnormal findings:

Total cholesterol  11.08  (3 - 6.6)
Triglyceride  3.48  (0.3 - 3.3)
Total WCC 41.6   (6 - 17)
Neutrophils 95%  (60 - 70).  Absolute 39.5 (3-11.5). 

There was a bacteraemia. Platelet count was normal and so there was no septicaemia..

In the evening, the dog had breathing difficulties and passed away a few minutes after frothing.

What was the cause of death?
Was there a canine influenza infection since there was an outbreak in some Singapore kennels? There were no signs of eye discharge and coughing and no exposure to other dogs in dog runs.

Blood test was useful in showing that the dog had a severe bacteraemia, most likely from infections in the lungs.  This infection could cause death. As the owner was force-feeding, aspiration pneumonia was possible. 

I advised post-mortem to find out the cause. The owner declined.
.   

3159A. Shaggy maned mushrooms in the backyard

May 19, 2018

In the backyard, with no frequent soil turning, the shaggy maned mushrooms flourish at various stages of growth as seen in the video and image.

The young ones appear as white buttons but I had not taken any pictures. You may see some in the video.

Isolated groups are seen in my garden in front as I till the soil frequently.

3158. Audit of case. Liver disease in a 7-year-old Shih Tzu - ALT enzymes

May 20, 2018
Audit of case

Ref: 45074

On Mar 18, 2017, this Shih tzu, MN, 7 yrs old, 7.7 kg,  much loved by Filipino couple living in Pasir Ris, came for annual check up and vaccination. 
The dog is fed on vegetarian diet. Health screening by using blood test showed elevated ALT.
Dog was fed new dog treats recently.

Mar 18, 2018, 7.7 kg
Liver profile
ALT  1275 U/L   (<59 p=""><121 81="" nbsp="" p="">


Given Zentonil and canned Prescription L/D. Dog was usually fed vegetarian diet. 
<59 p=""><81 p="">
Review with ultrasound. Weight not taken.
Apr 22, 2018
Liver profile is normal
ALT  40 U/L   (<59 p=""><121 81="" br="">
Ultrasound - liver is normal in appearance. Ultrasound does not rule out liver disease.
Back to his usual diet.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

History
May 1, 2014. Seen by me. Painful abdomen, bladder area. growls. Wt. 8.7 kg   38.1. Dipstick Protein +, no blood, pH 8  SG 1.005. UTI.

Oct 11, 2014. 8.5 kg. 37.5C
Fat lump 3 cm x 5 cm Subcut, above right hip excised
Histopath. Fat necrosis, organising granulation tissue and fibrosis.

Apr 29, 2015  8.9 kg  Overweight. Vaccination. To reduce weight by 1 kg.
Anal sac expressed.

------------------------

Conclusion. The dog did lose 1 kg of body weight. 
<59 p=""><81 p=""><59 p="">It is possible that the elevated ALT could be due to the new dog treats causing liver disorder. The dog is OK now.  Dog treats are sold very cheaply and their quality may be absent. Purchase good quality ones.