To answer your questions about the urine sample--it is worth knowing whether they obtained the sample through cystocentesis (inserting a needle into the bladder) or free-catch (easier in dogs than in cats but possible with some set-up). The reason why is that the cysto is great for obtaining a clean stick, and hence a clean sample, but if the infection is further down the urinary tract--ie in the urethra, a cysto-obtained sample will come back as no bacteria. But then with the free catch voided, it can pick up bacteria on the outside of the penis that then confuses the test. Either way there are ups and downs.
Cystos are relatively painless (surprisingly, right?) and not too stressful if done correctly. If the bladder is not full enough to palpate then most vets use an ultrasound to make sure they're not sticking the wrong place. Occasionally you will get some iatrogenic (caused by the procedure) damage to the bladder but it's usually minimal--like a small amount of blood in the next voided sample.
So depending on why you want the urine, you get it different ways. Sadly not all techs understand this and sometimes, being rushed for time, make the wrong choice on how to obtain urine for a urinalysis.
My advice is make a list when you go to the vet of things you want to address, and give it to the tech or asst who takes the history. That way the vet will be prepared and hopefully can address all issues.
At this point, I don't feel like the lethargy and dysphoria you're seeing is related to the vaccine. That would be really weird. Usually vaccine reactions like that are limited to about 24 hours in scope. I'm worried that you're dealing with some sort of UTI and/or intestinal parasite.
By the way, water fountains DO help. You can get them on sale at a pet store or check TJ Maxx or online for cheaper prices. My cats drink a lot more water now that we have fountains, and they love the sound of the running water.
Maybe the pumpkin is bulking his stool to the point that it flares out the anus on leaving. Not sure. How long does it stay red-looking after a bowel movement? If he had chronic diarrhea as a kitten, maybe his sphincter muscles aren't as strong as they ought to be. It could be harmless, but it could also not be. Unfortunately, even with a picture and vivid internet descriptions, there's nothing like seeing the animal in person.
I doubt the other kitten gave him anything as well, as long as they both had a negative FeLV test. I know it's hard not to worry about your furkid, but part of the issue may be that he's picking up on you stressing. Animals tend to be very sensitive about that.
Another thought just occurred that he could be in a growth spurt. Babies tend to be more lethargic during that period as their body is working hard to grow and not a lot of energy left over. I do think, though, that it's worth it to be discussing these questions with a vet. Better to address things now when they're hopefully fixable than down the road when it becomes too late.
I have to get dressed (lol) as the wife and I are due at the shelter to pull some kitties, but I will look forward to hearing how the visit with the other vet goes.
Cystos are relatively painless (surprisingly, right?) and not too stressful if done correctly. If the bladder is not full enough to palpate then most vets use an ultrasound to make sure they're not sticking the wrong place. Occasionally you will get some iatrogenic (caused by the procedure) damage to the bladder but it's usually minimal--like a small amount of blood in the next voided sample.
So depending on why you want the urine, you get it different ways. Sadly not all techs understand this and sometimes, being rushed for time, make the wrong choice on how to obtain urine for a urinalysis.
My advice is make a list when you go to the vet of things you want to address, and give it to the tech or asst who takes the history. That way the vet will be prepared and hopefully can address all issues.
At this point, I don't feel like the lethargy and dysphoria you're seeing is related to the vaccine. That would be really weird. Usually vaccine reactions like that are limited to about 24 hours in scope. I'm worried that you're dealing with some sort of UTI and/or intestinal parasite.
By the way, water fountains DO help. You can get them on sale at a pet store or check TJ Maxx or online for cheaper prices. My cats drink a lot more water now that we have fountains, and they love the sound of the running water.
Maybe the pumpkin is bulking his stool to the point that it flares out the anus on leaving. Not sure. How long does it stay red-looking after a bowel movement? If he had chronic diarrhea as a kitten, maybe his sphincter muscles aren't as strong as they ought to be. It could be harmless, but it could also not be. Unfortunately, even with a picture and vivid internet descriptions, there's nothing like seeing the animal in person.
I doubt the other kitten gave him anything as well, as long as they both had a negative FeLV test. I know it's hard not to worry about your furkid, but part of the issue may be that he's picking up on you stressing. Animals tend to be very sensitive about that.
Another thought just occurred that he could be in a growth spurt. Babies tend to be more lethargic during that period as their body is working hard to grow and not a lot of energy left over. I do think, though, that it's worth it to be discussing these questions with a vet. Better to address things now when they're hopefully fixable than down the road when it becomes too late.
I have to get dressed (lol) as the wife and I are due at the shelter to pull some kitties, but I will look forward to hearing how the visit with the other vet goes.
