Not good.

I took my pastel BP into the vet on Nov 3 for a possible RI that was confirmed. Well, yesterday she went to the bathroom and her urates were orange and crystal-y so I called the vet, who was concerned about possible kidney issues. She's going in for blood work today. I am really worried about her, has anyone else had a similar issue?

Just got back from the vet, and they didn't get enough blood from her to do a kidney analysis test, but they did get enough to do blood slides. They wanted to get a sample from her heart, but I said no because there was a good chance that she could die from the procedure.

As far as the color and the crystals on the urates go, the vet had no idea, and neither did her boss. They want to do more bloodwork eventually to determine if there are liver or kidney problems. I am really upset right now, and my worst fears are that she could die, or that she would be miserable and in pain to the point where putting her to sleep would be an option.

I'm so sorry, I really wish I could help you. I wish you and her the best of luck though :tears:

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Originally Posted by carlisleishere

Just got back from the vet, and they didn't get enough blood from her to do a kidney analysis test, but they did get enough to do blood slides. They wanted to get a sample from her heart, but I said no because there was a good chance that she could die from the procedure.

As far as the color and the crystals on the urates go, the vet had no idea, and neither did her boss. They want to do more bloodwork eventually to determine if there are liver or kidney problems. I am really upset right now, and my worst fears are that she could die, or that she would be miserable and in pain to the point where putting her to sleep would be an option.

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You mentioned an RI - what medication was she treated with?

I hope that everything pans out and that she gets better. Good luck!

So sorry to hear about your BP's health, and wishing you the best outcome with it.

Did the vet start any type of antibiotic regimen for the RI?

I rescued a normal girl a little over a year ago that was in poor health (Low weight, severe RI, and extremely unhappy/snappy). I immediately took her to the vet, and got started on a pretty heavy Antibiotic regimen (Both weekly shots and a daily oral suspension). I did notice some discoloration in the feces and urates during the first couple weeks. I and the vet attributed this to the antibiotics. The antibiotics can take a toll on the liver. We never took blood, nor would I allow a vet to draw from my balls heart; however, they did have me bring in a stool sample.

I am sure that you know and have been told, but to help wipe this RI out, increase the hot spot to around 95 degrees (If you have a large enclosure, go for 100 degrees with a good temperature gradient); however, make sure you have a cool side temp of no less than 80 degrees. If you are doing antibiotics, it is a good idea to bathe your BP every night for 20 minutes in a warm bath (Not hot, but about the temperature you would bathe a child). This will help with dehydration from the Antibiotics. Lastly, keep the enclosure as clean as possible.

It will take time, as RI's can be very difficult to get rid of; however, keep at it, and stay strong. It took about 5-6 months, but my girl is now RI free, 700+ grams heavier, eating like a cow, happy, and healthy as ever.

I am sure yours will come around too. Best of Luck!

Yes, I forgot to mention that in my posts. She has been given 0.07 ml of ceftazidime via injection every 3 days. I have been soaking her daily , but she is still dehydrated. The water temp has been 80F for soaking, and soaking has lasted 1/2 hour per soak. Temps are slightly increased to 93 hot end and remain at 80 on cool end. Her feces were normal but her shed was in shreds. It all came off, just in shreds despite elevated humidity and soakings.

If you do an image search on kidney stones, that is what the outer coating on the urate looked like.

She has also been quarantined from my other animals when I first noticed symptoms on Nov 1.

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Originally Posted by carlisleishere

Yes, I forgot to mention that in my posts. She has been given 0.07 ml of ceftazidime via injection every 3 days. I have been soaking her daily , but she is still dehydrated. The water temp has been 80F for soaking, and soaking has lasted 1/2 hour per soak. Temps are slightly increased to 93 hot end and remain at 80 on cool end. Her feces were normal but her shed was in shreds. It all came off, just in shreds despite elevated humidity and soakings.

If you do an image search on kidney stones, that is what the outer coating on the urate looked like.

She has also been quarantined from my other animals when I first noticed symptoms on Nov 1.

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Yep... Pretty much exactly what my girl's looked like too for the first few weeks of Antibiotics... I definitely remember the orange crystalline look. It did go back to more normal even while she was still on antibiotics; however, I remember seeing it a few times (especially during the beginning) during her treatment.

Keep an eye on it, you are on the right track and doing the right thing, but I don't think you need to be too worried about it just yet IMO.

Any others with experience on this?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by carlisleishere

Yes, I forgot to mention that in my posts. She has been given 0.07 ml of ceftazidime via injection every 3 days. I have been soaking her daily , but she is still dehydrated. The water temp has been 80F for soaking, and soaking has lasted 1/2 hour per soak. Temps are slightly increased to 93 hot end and remain at 80 on cool end. Her feces were normal but her shed was in shreds. It all came off, just in shreds despite elevated humidity and soakings.

If you do an image search on kidney stones, that is what the outer coating on the urate looked like.

She has also been quarantined from my other animals when I first noticed symptoms on Nov 1.

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Sorry took me a few to find my vet records... The shot was the same Fortaz (ceftazidime), and it was every 3 days. The daily oral I was provided was Baytril (Enrofloxacin).

Hope this helps.

Thank you for your input. It makes me feel a lot better knowing that someone else has experienced something similar. :) I'll keep you guys updated on her.