Re: 8/9 Blackie amps 389 +4 417
Ugh, Ele, I really feel for you with these numbers. Poor guy can't seem to catch a break lately. I hope the BW yields some answers, or that a dosecrease works magic. :YMHUG:
As far as taking urine in to the vet, there's a relevant discussion about that in Ella's condo today. As Sienne mentioned over there, the only "clean" way to do a urine sample is for the vet to take it via needle (cystocentesis). Otherwise there could be contaminants in the sample from anything: the container, the catching utensil, the air, etc. Additionally, the very best way to get the results is to get a culture & sensitivity (C&S) BEFORE starting ABs. An AB will render the u/a inconclusive, and if you get the C&S done, you will know that you are treating the infection which Blackie actually has, not just guessing at what it might be and possibly giving the incorrect AB.
It's more expensive, of course, and the wait for the results from a C&S is typically longer (AFAIK, it almost always has to be sent out to grow, unless your vet has that capability in his office), but if you're looking to really cover all your bases and put any infection fears to rest, I feel that's the way to go.
