UTI's, scratching & excessive licking

[robynkendall]

Bella is a 3 yr old spayed female. Last Sep she had an UTI so off to the vet we went and got antibiotics. Her infection cleared up and I thought everything was fine. I then started to notice that the bedding in her kennel would be damp...and if she would lie down for extended periods on the couch (or wherever) there would be damp/sometimes wet patches there too. Off to the vet again for a urinalysis. No problems found. Another couple months went by and I noticed that she is licking her groin area excessively. The groin area is very red, so again, off to the vet (she is still leaking also). He took an xray and did not find anything wrong with her bladder, put her on hormone pills for the leaking (they help a little). Said to give her an allergy medication for her licking. Tried that to no avail. I believe that this is all related somehow... the vet feels that there is nothing else he can do. Sorry this is so long but I am so frustrated and feeling very sorry for my poor girl. Also, I have not changed her food, she has been on the same kibble since we got her at 8 weeks. ANY ideas would be much appreciated!!

 

[Caney Creek]

Could be several things but I would suspect possibly an allergy. Licking the stomach/groin area can often be a sign of allergies. Being on the same food since she was 8 weeks old actually increases the likelihood of allergies developing. That is why it's recommended to rotate foods every few months. What are you feeding her now? Have you checked her for fleas? Has she ever had allergies in the past?

 

[maxandtonka]

helpful info...

Does that vet know why she keeps getting UTI's? Does she have a recessed vulva? I'm not sure allergies would have anything to do with UTI's. However with the licking and the allergies where does she lick? Does she get bad ear infections and lick and chew at her paws? You can do allergy testing for dogs and they can develop allergy shots for her based on the result. My dog has food allergies and usually with food allergies they get really bad ear infections and chew and lick at their feet. Once I switched Tonka to IVD venison and potato he stopped licking, chewing and itching! Plus he stopped getting ear infections! I'm not sure if your pup has food allergies, but if she has the same symptoms could be a possibility! Also adding fish oil such as 3V caps for dogs Can also help with allergies combined with an antihistamine.