reoccuring haematuria in a hamster

Re: reoccuring haematuria in a hamster

Marie Kubiak — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 21:29:20 GMT

I second radiographs and in house urinalysis. Urine cytology and culture would be next if I don't get an answer from the first step. There has to be something going on that is permitting ongoing infection whether it be neoplasia, stones or just poor sensitivity to the antibiotics!

Marie/Maria!

Re: reoccuring haematuria in a hamster

Suzanne Kelly — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 00:36:04 GMT

Little stones in a little creature may not be readily palpable. I'd radiograph it, on a dental size 2 plate if you have one.

Re: reoccuring haematuria in a hamster

Simo — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 19:40:43 GMT

A drop of urine on a slide could give some more input and is not too costly.

Re: reoccuring haematuria in a hamster

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 15:10:36 GMT

Your differentials are obviously the same as for other species: UTI/pyelonephritis/urolithiasis/neoplasia (do hamsters have prostatic hypertrophy)? You are then going to ask yourself how you would deal with any of the non-infectious problems when considering practicality, cost and the clients will to treat. So given pyelonephritis in a cat or dog may take 6 weeks or more of antibiotics to treat maybe that's the route you should take. I'm sure Maria can come up with a more esoteric approach but you have to manage your client's expectations.