Why is my diabetic dog leaking urine? Why does the vet need a sample?

I would be concerned by the lack of normal urination in a diabetic pet - they are very prone to urinary tract infections due to higher than normal sugar content in their urine which can encourage bacterial infection. I strongly recommend a urine test to determine exactly what is going on. Your vet may have special cat litter to collect a urine sample or may be able to draw a sample directly from the bladder with a needle in order to investigate fully what is going on

UTI's can cause your dog pain, that's for sure. If you've ever had one yourself you might know that the burning sensation and pain in the lower abdomen are quite uncomfortable. The pain isn't terrible, for sure, but there's no doubt that Bella isn't feeling well. In addition, in a diabetic dog, UTI's can indicate that she is poorly regulated (i.e. there is routinely glucose in her urine) and having one signals that it's a good idea to check blood glucose as well, to determine if an adjustment might be considered in insulin dosage. Checking a quick urine dipstick can also ease your mind that she is not tipping over into diabetic ketoacidosis as well, which is a very serious condition. It's also worth noting that even though the same antibiotic is prescribed each time, when UTI's occur frequently the bacteria that cause them can become stronger, and more resistant to the normally-used antibiotics - this is why urine culture is so valuable in these cases, in order to make sure that the appropriate antibiotic is used. I would recommend that you get her in today, since it's another 36 hours since your regular vet opens, and that's a long time for her to be uncomfortable.

If Dutch has blood in her urine, seems painful, or is straining to urinate without producing urine I would recommend seeing an emergency veterinarian before your appointment. To catch a urine sample you can take a clean, shallow plastic container and scoop it underneath her once she postures to urinate. It can help to have two people - one to hold a leash and the other to catch the sample. Place it in the refrigerator until you go to your appointment.

It could be that her insulin needs adjusting, and the diabetes is causing her to drink more and then pee in her bed. It could also be she has another medical issue, such as kidney disease, causing her to drink more and urinated in her bed. I would recommend taking her into the vet first thing in the morning for a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis to see what is causing her to drink, eat, and pee more.

Cultures need to go through a sterile procedure because a free catch urine will grow bacteria since bacteria naturally live at the end of the urethra. I recommend to discuss your concerns with your vet who may be able to put you at ease. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

The straining to urinate along with the increased thirst may indeed indicate a developing UTI. You would need to have Zo physically examined by your veterinarian for confirmation. A sterile urine sample should be collected and submitted for urinalysis and urine culture/sensitivity. This may identify the organism responsible as well as the best antibiotic to use in treatment. Your vet may recommend abdominal x-rays or ultrasound to rule out kidney or bladder stones. Given current events, you may need to drop her off at the clinic then wait for the doctor to call you to discuss exam findings and treatment options.

It sounds like Blacky had a urinary tract infection, which sometimes can become recurrent or resistant and difficult to treat. His urine may need to be cultured again to see if the infection has resolved. Sometimes bladder stones or polyps, or diseases like Cushing's or kidney disease could also cause urine leakage. Finally, he may have urinary incontinence due to a neurologic issue and require medication to help stop the leakage. I would recommend talking to your veterinarian to see if there are any additional tests they would recommend.