The Sample (female version)
My Gracie might have a UTI (urinary tract infection). She's exibiting the usual leakage, frequency, urgency, etc. I have an appointment for her to see the vet, and of course he wants me to bring a urine sample.This is really tough to get on these low-riders. My usual technique is to put her on a leash to keep her reined in and just follow her around really closely and try to get a low, shallow container under her as she pees.
Of course, the intrusion isn't greatly appreciated and tends to bring things to a screeching halt. Which then requires repeated attempts. Not fun for either of us.
However, I managed to get the specimen, with help from MDH. It was a riot - can't imagine what the neighbors thought we were doing.
I've got Gracie on a very short leash and I'm walking so close behind her that I'm almost on top of her. I'm bent over at the waist, just waiting for her to squat. MDH was following close behind, with a flashlight (oh, why doesn't this happen during the summer when the days are longer?).
I'm bobbing along behind her as she squats. Of course, any attempt to "obtain the specimen" is met with an immediate halt to the proceedings and a dirty look from Gracie. Finally, after the 4th or 5th time, I got it. Now we're trying to pour it into a small jar so we don't lose it. In the dark, standing on the sidewalk, with a flashlight. Oh, you couldn't make this stuff up.
Pretty nasty stuff. Dark, concentrated yellow. Really strong smell and cloudy. Looks like a UTI to me. Off to the vet we go.
Negative for blood or white cells with the dipstick. After the physical exam, the vet thinks she has a vaginitis, along with a possible UTI. So it's Clavamox twice a day for 10 days.
Gracie also got her nails clipped and her anal sacs emptied while we were there (one stop shopping). Add that to taking her temperature (102°F./38.8°C.), and she is absolutely NOT speaking with me. She's on the sofa with her back turned to me. In a royal snit. Can't say that I blame her.
Gracie alias Twinroc Say Goodnight Gracie
Mary Kaminski in Philadelphia, being totally ignored by Gracie (How could you, Mom - and my nails, too??), the blue CWC.
The Sample (male version)
28.12.2011
