Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog's UTI urine is clear, why does vet want bladder X-rays?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Russell Terrier | Female | spayed | 1 year and 4 months old | 13 lbs

We have a 16 month old Jack Russell and was diagnosed with a UTI two weeks ago.. given a 2 week round of Clovomax and Rimadyl. Today the vet said that she wanted to do Xrays on her bladder, however the urine labs taken today say there is negative blood, rare WBC, pH 6, SG >1.050 (confirmed normal in young dogs by old vet). Vet didn't mention a culture done or willing to do one.. do the xrays or ask for a culture first?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on December 21st, 2016

If Duffy is still symptomatic (i.e. urinating frequently and/or in small amounts, urinating inappropriately, licking, showing pain when the bladder is palpated) then your vet may suspect that she has bladder stones, and this is prompting the x-rays. The other problem she may be concerned about is that Duffy has a congenital problem contributing to the development of the UTI, such as a urethral diverticulum or ectopic ureters. If none of those things are happening then I would also be a bit confused by the need to do x-rays. I typically do a culture when the UTI is diagnosed (to guide antibiotic selection) and one at the end of the course of therapy (to ensure that the UTI has completely resolved). I would agree that those recheck results seem very normal, so I'd recommend exploring further the reason for the x-ray recommendation.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    It would help to have a bit more information about Duffy's situation - I would agree that the urinalysis results you listed seem normal, so I'm not sure why any further testing is being done at this point unless she is still having symptoms. If she is, then it would help to know what they are. X-rays of the bladder are normally done to check for bladder stones, whereas a culture would help to identify whether there is infection still present. They can both be useful tests, but we would need to know why we are running them :) Feel free to post another question with more details, or request a consultation with one of us if you prefer to discuss things in more depth.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored