Greetings,

I have a 8.5 week old, female American Bulldog that has had a urniary problem ever since I got her from the breeder last Saturday. It tooks a while to figure out that constant squatting that yields only a few drops or nothing at all was abnormal, so we just got her to the vet 2 days ago. The vet believed she has vaginosis.

She perscribed Metronidazole and Calavamox. I haven't read anything deregatory about Clavamox on my web searches, but I have seen Metro linked to some serious side effects in not dogs, but humans as well. One article by a DVM said it shouldn't be used in puppies. Before we put her on the medication, her only symptoms were squatting nearly constantly no matter the location. Now this has continued although it is isolated to certain bursts throughout the day.

The thing that is worrying is that she has urinated in her sleep 3 times in the past 2 days. Most recently, she urinated while awake but laying down which she never did before. Even a yell and picking her up did not stop her from going. That is the first time that ever happenned. I don't think she is completely unable to control it because she shows signs of holding it to go outside plenty of times, and you can tell she tries her best to keep her crate dry. Plus normally if you startle her while she is going, she'll stop and then continue outside.

I already have a call into the vet, but they aren't open until tomorrow. I was hoping that some of you could share your experiences with this medication and/or information you've found about it, so that I can get a better idea about it. I appreciate any and all help. Thanks in advance.

Paul

To clarify as well, she never urinated in her sleep before this. If she was asleep or on a person, then she never went.

Paul,
I worked along side of a couple of vets and a high capacity dog kennel for years so I have some experience with a lot of common dog medications. The only thing I have ever used Metro for is diahrrea and a possible stomach bug I have never heard of giving it for vaginitis. Now of course I am not a vet so always talk to your vet or go to another vet to get a second opioion. Clavmox I have seen many times but rarley in puppies. I hope I was some help to you.

Paul have you gotten a urinalis done on her? There is a link on Ed's table of contents under Vet and Medical interest call the Merick Vetinary Manuel you may want to try that site to get a little more information.

Thanks for the advice. Yes I've gotten a urinalysis on her and no bacteria was found although inflamed cells were. On my searches I've found plenty of instances of metro' being used for human vaginitis, so I'd imagine its not uncommon in canines. All those instances have the women complaining about profound side effects, which is when I started to worry a little.

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Thanks for the advice. Yes I've gotten a urinalysis on her and no bacteria was found although inflamed cells were......

This is what I would do in this situation: I would call the vet in the morning and ask why the Metronidazole was prescribed, and what its possible side effects could be. I would add that I was remiss in not asking enough questions at the visit but got home and realized that I wanted more info.

Like Bridgett, this is a new use to me, but I too am NOT a health professional. I've read a lot about its properties for inflammatory bowel disease, but not about treatment for vaginitis.

But regardless, you sound like you want more information than you were given, and you will want to report these developments, anyway.

You were right to take her in for inability to urinate, though. Let us know, OK?

Thanks again. I appreciate the help. I already left a message with the vets' answering service pretty much explaining that. I also checked the Merck Veterinary Manual which Bridgette was kind enough to let me know about, and one the main uses listed is for genital tract infections. She's been pretty good since this morning, so I wouldn't be surprised if this only happens shortly after getting the dose. The side effects human patients were talking about were usually greatest shortly after taking it, so it would make sense to be similar in most mammals.

On a side note, we made a big house breaking breakthrough not long ago. She suddenly ran to the backdoor, which is the door we normally go out of. I openned it up, and she ran out and relieved herself.

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......I also checked the Merck Veterinary Manual which Bridgette was kind enough to let me know about, and one the main uses listed is for genital tract infections. ......

So then maybe there IS an infection, rather than inflammation only......?

But you'll get that all sorted out with the vet. I just wanted to say how great I think it is when owners take the time and trouble to do the research, whether it's asking on a forum like this or referring to other resources (and you did both).

Also, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> to the housetraining breakthrough!

I hope we hear tomorrow that she's even more recovered.

Well this morning wasn't too hot. Not only did she pee in her sleep (on my wife) last night, but she went about 6 times in 30 minutes this morning. The vet called and said that the medication shouldn't take that long to take effect, so she's going in for more tests this afternoon. Wish us luck.