UTI - Enterococcus bacteria treatment question (clavamox)

[Kristen & Emma (GA)]

Hi -

We had a culture and sensitivity done last week on Emma's urine because I was suspecting a UTI. She's prone to them, but usually it turns out to be E. coli. I can usually tell when one is coming on because I unfortunately have seen way too many with her. She gets sleepy and starts using the box more. That's what was happening this time around as well, until I went and paid for the C&S (of course). Now she's acting fine. When the doctor called with the results, she told me that there is some controversy surrounding the treatment of infections with this type of bacteria. I guess there's some question about whether treatment is necessary, or if it will be effective. Emma has a history of UTI's and bladder trouble (crystals and stones, removed about 8 years ago) and was diagnosed with CRF a few years ago. The doctor feels she doesn't want to leave it untreated given her history. I'm just wondering if anyone has a supporting or differing opinion before I start the a/b's. She prescribed clavamox for 14 days.

Thanks in advance!

 

[pamela and tigger]

Hi -

We had a culture and sensitivity done last week on Emma's urine because I was suspecting a UTI. She's prone to them, but usually it turns out to be E. coli. I can usually tell when one is coming on because I unfortunately have seen way too many with her. She gets sleepy and starts using the box more. That's what was happening this time around as well, until I went and paid for the C&S (of course). Now she's acting fine. When the doctor called with the results, she told me that there is some controversy surrounding the treatment of infections with this type of bacteria. I guess there's some question about whether treatment is necessary, or if it will be effective. Emma has a history of UTI's and bladder trouble (crystals and stones, removed about 8 years ago) and was diagnosed with CRF a few years ago. The doctor feels she doesn't want to leave it untreated given her history. I'm just wondering if anyone has a supporting or differing opinion before I start the a/b's. She prescribed clavamox for 14 days.

Thanks in advance!

Did your vet mention cystitis? It sounds like that is what she is talking about when she said there is some question about whether treatment was necessary. But there are different kinds of cystitis. Sounds like this is bacterial cystitis so maybe she feels that an antibiotic is best in this case? In idiopathic cystitis pain meds, water and relieving any stress is what Dr. Lisa recommends.

But I am not a vet so will bump up your post to hopefully catch other eyes. BTW here is Dr. Lisa's webpage on cystitis:

http://www.catinfo.org/?link=urinarytra ... h#Cystitis

 

[Kristen & Emma (GA)]

Thank you Pamela. No, the doctor didn't mention cystitis. I just read the link you sent - thanks for that too. Emma doesn't appear to be in any pain, and her urine isn't bloody, and I know the specific gravity is low. Because of her kidney issues, she always has rather dilute urine. She's actually been acting fine since we had the C&S done, but I do worry about her because she has had many infections over the years.

I did start the clavamox tonight with her dinner, so I guess it's really a moot point right now. I would like to know more about it if anyone knows anything more.

Thanks again!