Bloody Urine after Spay

My dog was spayed a 2 days ago.  She also had a deciduous tooth and her dewclaws removed (poor thing!).   The vet gave her antibotics because of her foot surgery and the potential for infection in that area.  She seems okay, if a bit less exhuberant than usual.  Today she started urinating in a non-typical manner.  Her first squat is normal, but then she has to squat several times more in quick succession, but only a drop or two of bloody discharge (urine?) comes out.  She is eating and drinking, but less than normal. I called my vet today to ask for advice re the blood, and the vet told me to wati it out until Monday and shee if this resolves on its own.  I am worried.  What can I do to make my per more comfortable?

[Arnold L Goldman, D.V.M.]

Dear Inukshuk,

Urinary retention will not uncommonly lead to minor lower urinary tract infections ("UTI")  in female dogs, especially the very young and old. In a puppy, frequent voiding often clears most bacteria that are reproducing all the time in the lower tract. The process then begins anew. On the day of surgery, a puppy is rushed off to the vet (breaks morning routine), placed in a cage and perhaps is lightly sedated pre-anesthesia for a smoother anesthetic induction. All this may lead to urine retention and a lower UTI. Some are self limiting but by all means consult your doctor for treatment if signs persist.

Sincerely

Arnold L. Goldman DVM, MS
MedHelp