Blood, Crystals & Protein In Urine

[amyeeclaire]

The vet just left me a voicemail about her results from a urine sample I gave them last night. She said they found blood, crystals and protein in it.

Has anyone experienced this and know what likely causes are? They've asked to send the rest off to find out more but I don't want to if the only result is an operation as he's too old and don't want to put him through that!

 

[Wiebke]

The vet just left me a voicemail about her results from a urine sample I gave them last night. She said they found blood, crystals and protein in it.

Has anyone experienced this and know what likely causes are? They've asked to send the rest off to find out more but I don't want to if the only result is an operation as he's too old and don't want to put him through that!

Blood and raised levels of protein are usually indicative of an infection (UTI) or inflammation of the bladder (cystitis), potentially caused by the presence of crystals (tiny bits of hard matter) in the bladder. You can ask for a scan to see whether there is some bladder sludge if you wish to.

 

[amyeeclaire]

Blood and raised levels of protein are usually indicative of an infection (UTI) or inflammation of the bladder (cystitis), potentially caused by the presence of crystals (tiny bits of hard matter) in the bladder. You can ask for a scan to see whether there is some bladder sludge if you wish to.

That's what I was hoping as he does suffer with UTI's but there's always been visible blood (this time there hasn't) shall I just ask for antibiotics and see how he goes?

 

[Julie M]

Poor soul. Alby used to get blood in his urine a lot. A dose of antibiotics usually cleared it up. Hope your wee one is better soon.

 

[Wiebke]

That's what I was hoping as he does suffer with UTI's but there's always been visible blood (this time there hasn't) shall I just ask for antibiotics and see how he goes?

You and your vet may want to discuss whether your boy has actually got UTI (a bacterial urine infection) or interstitial cystitis (IC), a recurring inflammation of the bladder walls that is currently only manageable, but not healable as antibiotics cannot clear it out. Acute spikes are mainly managed with metacam (which is not just a painkiller, but also an anti-inflammatory), diet and filtered water as well as cystease or another glucosamine based food supplement.
IC will eventually go away on its own, but it is years rather then months. The good news is that IC doesn't lead to stones.

It is a great misconception that many people think that red urine necessarily contains a lot of blood while clear urine doesn't, especially when you are dealing with IC or urine infections. In fact, very red urine at the onset of an acute bout can test negative for blood while clear urine can test very high. Believe me, I have been there myself with IC piggies of my own!