German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America

[chapala]

We're feeling jinxed or something. We had our best dog ever, spayed GWP, who died age 7 of complete kidney failure. We now have a just turned 12 months male (not neutered) with chronic urinary problems, and antibiotic regimens twice previously. Liver tests were normal, kidney slightly abnormal, but proteins in the urine, some other abnormal results(sorry don't have all the details), and some incontinence. The past two times he has been on antibiotics, we have given him (on vet's advice) 500 mg. Vitamin C daily during that time to help lower the pH. Today, he is started on Ampicillin, no Vitamin C. The vet told us the Ampicillin will lower the pH (which is too high) and he doesn't need Vit. C right now. As far as diet, he said to keep the protein from being too high (no high performance type food). We are feeding an adult maintenance diet with added vegetables.

The vet said he normally sees these types of problems in 7 year or older dogs. We are concerned, and wondering if anyone else has had anything similar happen. Our two GWPs were from different breeders, different states, not related.