Ectopic Ureter or UTI?

[CassieWassie]

I am currently trying to rescue a 5 week old siberian husky. I work at a vet clinic, but it is still hard to know the right solution. The breeder thinks the puppy has an ectopic ureter, however, I am attempting to find out if it is only a urinary tract infection. If it was an ectopic ureter as she says, shouldn't the dog constantly be dripping and even urinating on herself as she sleeps? Right now, she "squats" when she has to urinate, but does it quite frequently. I have seen her dribble only twice (incontinence) in the three days I have been caring for her. She also recently has a little blood in her urine. I am treating her with amoxicillin, and understand that she may have a UTI underlying the ectopic ureter, but does it really sound like one if she is not constantly dripping and squatting to urinate? If you do think it is only a UTI, how soon does it really take to clear up? I have her on Amoxicillin 250mg TID, and this is her third day treatment. I have two more days before the breeder decides to put her down or not.

[Misfits4Me]

You should contact a Husky Rescue and she if they will take her as opposed to putting her down....Thank you for fighting for her....Let me know what you find out....Karla

[CassieWassie]

I am going to take her with me tomorrow to the vet and we may do some xrays on her, I am not sure. I am sure she has the UTI, but again she could have that because of an ectopic ureter, or it may be a UTI by itself. I suppose after seeing the puppy urinating on herself it did not matter weaned or not if she is just going to be put down. I am putting a good fight for her, so we will see after monday what the vet and/or xrays say.

[Misfits4Me]

Wow!..5 weeks old and already weaned?  Did the breeder bother to have her evaluated by a Vet or is this just a guess on her part? (Because she wanted to save money maybe?) Plus, only five days to end her life without trying to see if treatment will work? What kind of breeder is this? Do you have her at your home or at the Vet Clinic? A Urinalysis must be performed to determine your answer...It's very simple to rule out a UTI. (Which it sounds like she has). "Squatting" is normal procedure for females to eliminate...5 days is not long enough to resolve this issue and obviously, this breeder doesn't care. Take this puppy to your Vet and have her urine tested...Bacteria or blood will still show up in the urine sample (Even after 3 days). Can't you take her to work with you and have it done?  Depending on the severity of the infection, antibiotics are given for 10-14 days....Sometimes longer...It's sad to think that her life is hanging on something as simple as an infection....UTIs include frequent urination, dribbling, & blood in urine....Everything you've listed....Please, let us know what you find out......Karla