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RoadXYZ's avatar
RoadXYZ
Explorer II
May 03, 2014

Update : Petunia - Urinary Tract Infection

Took Petunia the 9 yr old Chi to the vet today since she has been vomiting and has had diarrhea for a few days.

We were changing volunteer sites plus some other LIFE situations interfered, plus didn't want to take her to a 'new' vet as we were on way to Reedsport and she saw a vet in Coos Bay a couple years ago. That is the history, now for the Update.

Then on Tuesday she wasn't eating, or picking at her food, was 'irritable' and barking at anything or anyone, and temperamental, plus losing weight.

So at today's appointment the vet ran tests and found that Petunia the Chi has a urinary tract infection - at first we thought it was a reaction to the Rimadyl and quit giving her that ... but that didn't change anything. And today the vet thought maybe it could be pancreatitis due to various symptoms .. (know am rambling some) .. today after blood and urine tests, turns out she is ok in other areas, only has urinary tract infection and is on amoxicillin (sp?) .. now my question:

Has anyone else has problems associated with Rimadyl ?

BTW got her to drink liquids today after giving her part of my burger meat .. hopefully she is on the mend .. but not sure about continuing the Rimadyl after she finishes the antibiotic .. any thoughts ?

16 Replies

  • I hope you get some answers. Nine isn't very old for a Chi, so I wouldn't chalk it up to that.
  • Code2High wrote:
    Nine years old does not mean pain and health problems. Chis tend to be long lived dogs...nine is not that old.

    I find the idea of random pain/swelling in possibly two parts of her body a bit worrisome.


    We have a follow-up appointment for Miss Petunia the Chi next week, they will need to do another urine test to ensure the infection is either gone or almost gone.

    Will ask the vet about the Rimadyl continuance at that time.

    It has been a contest of wills in getting the liquid antibiotic in her each day. But Miss Petunia is enjoying her bit of p-nut butter after each dose.
  • Nine years old does not mean pain and health problems. Chis tend to be long lived dogs...nine is not that old.

    I find the idea of random pain/swelling in possibly two parts of her body a bit worrisome.
  • It is so frustrating watching her age, and see some things which cannot figure out how to explain to vet and feel sort of frustrated - she is still a bit grouchy + b word plus the excessive barking .. of course we have not let enuff days go by to see if the amoxicilyn will work or not on not only the UTI, but maybe make her feel more "normal".

    She is on Rimadyl due to a hip and/or front leg swelling/pain. I know the pat answer is that she is "9 yrs old", but again feel a bit helpless.
  • No UTI associations. Rimadyl should have little to no effect on UTI's other than maybe relieve some of the inflammation, pain and irritation from the infection.

    The only reactions I have seen have been GI related, loss of appetite and or vomiting, and this is very rare. I have had a few that have had increased liver enzyme values and we've elected to stop this medication. No serious or life threatening reactions.

    Doug, DVM