Foxer soaked with pee

[GeorgiesMom]

I posted in the UTI group and Critter mom had been helping me but now I don't even know if my four-year-old Georgie has a UTI or not. Last month is urine became very strong smelling and he is always wet on his belly and nether region from urine. He's peeing big puddles but not drinking an excessive amount. Thinking he has a uti, critter mom helped me with an antibiotic dose and I've been giving that to him since last Thursday. After a day and a half I thought his urine wasn't smelling so strong but that doesn't seem to be the case and he just soaks himself in urine. He requires baths daily which he hates and I hate having to fight with him to get it done. Can anyone tell me if excessive peeing means anything other than a uti?

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

I posted in the UTI group and Critter mom had been helping me but now I don't even know if my four-year-old Georgie has a UTI or not. Last month is urine became very strong smelling and he is always wet on his belly and nether region from urine. He's peeing big puddles but not drinking an excessive amount. Thinking he has a uti, critter mom helped me with an antibiotic dose and I've been giving that to him since last Thursday. After a day and a half I thought his urine wasn't smelling so strong but that doesn't seem to be the case and he just soaks himself in urine. He requires baths daily which he hates and I hate having to fight with him to get it done. Can anyone tell me if excessive peeing means anything other than a uti?

Hi GeorgiesMom:
I'm sorry about Georgie's continued apparently excessive urination! I am at work and only have a moment but others are here! Excessive urination and excessive fluid intake from normal are signs of diabetes (but NOT diagnostic). I'm definitely NOT suggesting that Georgie has diabetes but one thing that could be done to check for this would be obtain some urine Glucose Test Strips. They should be available at pharmacies or if you know someone with diabetes, they might have some test strips! Right now, until we can better evaluate what is going on with Georgie (and by the way, a UTI can also at times cause increased or usually more frequent urination), please give Georgie appropriate extra water! If you can get Urine Test Strips that also have means for testing Leukocyte Esterase and Nitite, these two parameters may help with evaluating for the presence of a UTI. Do you have any other antibiotics available (just in case)?
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[GeorgiesMom]

Thank you for the suggestion about the strips, I'm on my way to the pharmacy now to get some and we'll let you know. I'm hoping it's not diabetes obviously because he's not drinking excessively but I do have cat diabetes experience and I know that every creature and person is different and I have a cat currently that is not an excessive drinker who is on insulin. As far as another antibiotic I do have just trimethoprim which is one of the two ingredients in the antibiotic that I've been giving him (Bactrim). I plan to keep Georgie on the back room the full 10 days as Critter mom suggested but by this point I would have thought something would have improved with him since he's been on it since last Thursday. Thank you again I'll let you know :-)

Hi GeorgiesMom:
I'm sorry about Georgie's continued apparently excessive urination! I am at work and only have a moment but others are here! Excessive urination and excessive fluid intake from normal are signs of diabetes (but NOT diagnostic). I'm definitely NOT suggesting that Georgie has diabetes but one thing that could be done to check for this would be obtain some urine Glucose Test Strips. They should be available at pharmacies or if you know someone with diabetes, they might have some test strips! Right now, until we can better evaluate what is going on with Georgie (and by the way, a UTI can also at times cause increased or usually more frequent urination), please give Georgie appropriate extra water! If you can get Urine Test Strips that also have means for testing Leukocyte Esterase and Nitite, these two parameters may help with evaluating for the presence of a UTI. Do you have any other antibiotics available (just in case)?
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[GeorgiesMom]

I found Ketone strips but didn't find anything that tests for the other thing you mentioned.

Hi GeorgiesMom:
I'm sorry about Georgie's continued apparently excessive urination! I am at work and only have a moment but others are here! Excessive urination and excessive fluid intake from normal are signs of diabetes (but NOT diagnostic). I'm definitely NOT suggesting that Georgie has diabetes but one thing that could be done to check for this would be obtain some urine Glucose Test Strips. They should be available at pharmacies or if you know someone with diabetes, they might have some test strips! Right now, until we can better evaluate what is going on with Georgie (and by the way, a UTI can also at times cause increased or usually more frequent urination), please give Georgie appropriate extra water! If you can get Urine Test Strips that also have means for testing Leukocyte Esterase and Nitite, these two parameters may help with evaluating for the presence of a UTI. Do you have any other antibiotics available (just in case)?
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

I found Ketone strips but didn't find anything that tests for the other thing you mentioned.

Hi GeorgiesMom:
I apologize for the delay in my response but I have been at work. Here is an example of a simple readily available test strip specifically for diagnosing a UTI; https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/az...387649-product

This Test Strip detects the presence of both of the substances I mentioned in my earlier post; Nitrites and Leukocyte Esterase (LE). This is from the Walgreens website but this or similar is available at virtually all pharmacies! Collecting urine from a captive Squirrel can appear daunting but often it is very simple because Squirrels like to urinate in the same place in there cages and a small container can be placed strategically below the wire bars on the bottom of the cage in the area that the Squirrel usually pees in to facilitate collection of urine. Use a small eye dropper to pick up some urine and then deposit a couple of drops on both test regions on the test strip.

Some pharmacies also sell Glucose test strips. Amazon sells a number of urine test strips that include glucose, LE, and nitrites along with probably other substances and parameters such as pH. I would suggest trying to get the test strips that include at least the E and nitrites now as a UTI is probably far more likely than diabetes but it would be good to also check for this in light of the excessive urination.

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[GeorgiesMom]

Hi, I went to the Walmart Pharmacy as well as CVS and neither had the test strips you mentioned. I got the ketone strips from Walmart and he was negative for that and I enclosed a picture. The nearest Walgreens is 40 minutes away so I may go there tomorrow to see what I can find. Thank you for taking time out of your day to help:-)

Hi GeorgiesMom:
I apologize for the delay in my response but I have been at work. Here is an example of a simple readily available test strip specifically for diagnosing a UTI; https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/az...387649-product

This Test Strip detects the presence of both of the substances I mentioned in my earlier post; Nitrites and Leukocyte Esterase (LE). This is from the Walgreens website but this or similar is available at virtually all pharmacies! Collecting urine from a captive Squirrel can appear daunting but often it is very simple because Squirrels like to urinate in the same place in there cages and a small container can be placed strategically below the wire bars on the bottom of the cage in the area that the Squirrel usually pees in to facilitate collection of urine. Use a small eye dropper to pick up some urine and then deposit a couple of drops on both test regions on the test strip.

Some pharmacies also sell Glucose test strips. Amazon sells a number of urine test strips that include glucose, LE, and nitrites along with probably other substances and parameters such as pH. I would suggest trying to get the test strips that include at least the E and nitrites now as a UTI is probably far more likely than diabetes but it would be good to also check for this in light of the excessive urination.

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[GeorgiesMom]

I decided to go ahead and go to Walgreens tonight and I just came back with the test strips and they don't show anything so I guess that's good but it still doesn't explain why he's peeing all over himself.

Hi GeorgiesMom:
I apologize for the delay in my response but I have been at work. Here is an example of a simple readily available test strip specifically for diagnosing a UTI; https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/az...387649-product

This Test Strip detects the presence of both of the substances I mentioned in my earlier post; Nitrites and Leukocyte Esterase (LE). This is from the Walgreens website but this or similar is available at virtually all pharmacies! Collecting urine from a captive Squirrel can appear daunting but often it is very simple because Squirrels like to urinate in the same place in there cages and a small container can be placed strategically below the wire bars on the bottom of the cage in the area that the Squirrel usually pees in to facilitate collection of urine. Use a small eye dropper to pick up some urine and then deposit a couple of drops on both test regions on the test strip.

Some pharmacies also sell Glucose test strips. Amazon sells a number of urine test strips that include glucose, LE, and nitrites along with probably other substances and parameters such as pH. I would suggest trying to get the test strips that include at least the E and nitrites now as a UTI is probably far more likely than diabetes but it would be good to also check for this in light of the excessive urination.

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

I decided to go ahead and go to Walgreens tonight and I just came back with the test strips and they don't show anything so I guess that's good but it still doesn't explain why he's peeing all over himself.

Hi GeorgiesMom:
If the test strips were negative for Leukocyte Esterase and Nitrites; that is evidence suggesting that there is no current UTI! That is good news in itself but we still have the urine issue to solve! Did Georgie always "pee on himself or did this recently start or better worded; when did this start? Have you actually watched Georgie urinate (I know, timing is an an issue with this endeavor)? What I am wondering about is whether or not Georgie's has developed a restriction at the end of his prepuce (the sheath of skin over the penis) or at the end of the penis itself that may be interfering with flow of urine and instead of free flow directly outward from the penis, the urine meets the restriction and there is interference in free flow and the urine splatters? A restriction can develop from a number of causes including a scar or the presence of an injury, swelling, or just an abnormality in the prepuce or end of the penis. Just some thoughts!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[GeorgiesMom]

This started about 3 weeks ago. I have no idea how to find out if there's a restriction.

Hi GeorgiesMom:
If the test strips were negative for Leukocyte Esterase and Nitrites; that is evidence suggesting that there is no current UTI! That is good news in itself but we still have the urine issue to solve! Did Georgie always "pee on himself or did this recently start or better worded; when did this start? Have you actually watched Georgie urinate (I know, timing is an an issue with this endeavor)? What I am wondering about is whether or not Georgie's has developed a restriction at the end of his prepuce (the sheath of skin over the penis) or at the end of the penis itself that may be interfering with flow of urine and instead of free flow directly outward from the penis, the urine meets the restriction and there is interference in free flow and the urine splatters? A restriction can develop from a number of causes including a scar or the presence of an injury, swelling, or just an abnormality in the prepuce or end of the penis. Just some thoughts!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

This started about 3 weeks ago. I have no idea how to find out if there's a restriction.

Hi GeorgiesMom:
Are you able to post a closeup photo or two of Georgie's genital region? Sometimes there can be swelling of the foreskin that can interfere with urine flow and this might be evident on a photo especially if you can part some his fur away that region. I don't know if Georgie will agree to the photos and while I'm not a lawyer, it may be best to get him to sign a release (just kidding)!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[GeorgiesMom]

Here's a pic

Hi GeorgiesMom:
Are you able to post a closeup photo or two of Georgie's genital region? Sometimes there can be swelling of the foreskin that can interfere with urine flow and this might be evident on a photo especially if you can part some his fur away that region. I don't know if Georgie will agree to the photos and while I'm not a lawyer, it may be best to get him to sign a release (just kidding)!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Here's a pic

Hi Georgie's mom:
I looked at the photo and was able to enlarge it fairly well before it became pixelated. There does appear to be some dark "material" at the tip of the foreskin. Please verify that this is what you are seeing when you look at this area directly. One of the major concerns is for the possibility of there being a paraphimosis. This is where the foreskin has been retracted from over the tip of the penis and swelling of the foreskin develops trapping the foreskin in the retracted condition. This can be very serious as swelling of a retracted foreskin can imped blood circulation to the glans or head of the penis and can even cause the head of the penis to suffer damage from this lack of circulation. This does NOT appear to be a paraphimosis but now that you are aware of this, take another look and see if the the dark "material" (if this is really what I am seeing in the photo) may actually be the head of the penis. If this seems unlikely and there really is dark "material" at the opening of the foreskin, my advice would be to take steps to loosen this material and see if it can be removed and if that can be facilitated, I would expect Georgie's urine flow to become normalized!

IF this does seem to be some foreign hardened material at the tip of the foreskin, I would suggest applying some warm water to this area with a saturated cotton ball or something similar and once the material is well saturated with warm water, gently rub two finger together lightly across the tip of the foreskin to breakup the material and help force it away from the penis. If this does not work; while the foreskin is still wet from the warm water, you can apply some safe oil such as coconut oil to the tip of the foreskin and let it remain there for 5 or 10 minutes. This may along with the previously added water moisture that the oil will tend to hold in the skin; facilitate loosening and removal of the material. So, first, please verify that what I see in the photo (some dark material) is actually what exists and if so, I would suggest you proceed with my other suggestions for removing it!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[GeorgiesMom]

I kept checking for your response but didn't see it until tonight and I've already had Georgie out for the evening and he's already asleep so I'll wait until tomorrow to check him out. I hope it's nothing serious and it's just the color of his penis. Thank you for the information! I'll report back tomorrow with what I find 😃

Hi Georgie's mom:
I looked at the photo and was able to enlarge it fairly well before it became pixelated. There does appear to be some dark "material" at the tip of the foreskin. Please verify that this is what you are seeing when you look at this area directly. One of the major concerns is for the possibility of there being a paraphimosis. This is where the foreskin has been retracted from over the tip of the penis and swelling of the foreskin develops trapping the foreskin in the retracted condition. This can be very serious as swelling of a retracted foreskin can imped blood circulation to the glans or head of the penis and can even cause the head of the penis to suffer damage from this lack of circulation. This does NOT appear to be a paraphimosis but now that you are aware of this, take another look and see if the the dark "material" (if this is really what I am seeing in the photo) may actually be the head of the penis. If this seems unlikely and there really is dark "material" at the opening of the foreskin, my advice would be to take steps to loosen this material and see if it can be removed and if that can be facilitated, I would expect Georgie's urine flow to become normalized!

IF this does seem to be some foreign hardened material at the tip of the foreskin, I would suggest applying some warm water to this area with a saturated cotton ball or something similar and once the material is well saturated with warm water, gently rub two finger together lightly across the tip of the foreskin to breakup the material and help force it away from the penis. If this does not work; while the foreskin is still wet from the warm water, you can apply some safe oil such as coconut oil to the tip of the foreskin and let it remain there for 5 or 10 minutes. This may along with the previously added water moisture that the oil will tend to hold in the skin; facilitate loosening and removal of the material. So, first, please verify that what I see in the photo (some dark material) is actually what exists and if so, I would suggest you proceed with my other suggestions for removing it!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

I kept checking for your response but didn't see it until tonight and I've already had Georgie out for the evening and he's already asleep so I'll wait until tomorrow to check him out. I hope it's nothing serious and it's just the color of his penis. Thank you for the information! I'll report back tomorrow with what I find 😃

OK, thanks and I'll be waiting for your report! Pleasant Squirrel dreams to you, Georgie!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[GeorgiesMom]

I'm sorry I didn't get back to you yesterday! I checked out Georgies penis and didn't feel or see anything unusual. I also looked back at some pics from when he was a baby and it's always looked that way....with a dark spot.
So I don't understand what's going on with him😢

OK, thanks and I'll be waiting for your report! Pleasant Squirrel dreams to you, Georgie!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

I'm sorry I didn't get back to you yesterday! I checked out Georgies penis and didn't feel or see anything unusual. I also looked back at some pics from when he was a baby and it's always looked that way....with a dark spot.
So I don't understand what's going on with him😢

Thanks GeorgiesMom! Is Georgie still "splatter-peeing?" Have you actually observed him peeing to see if there is an actual stream of urine or is there an apparent restriction somewhere that prevents a free flowing stream of urine!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[GeorgiesMom]

No, I've not seen him pee since this started. I'm in the same room as he is most of the day and I clean the pee off his food tray multiple times a day. But the next time I turn around there's pee again. It's really stinking up the room.

Thanks GeorgiesMom! Is Georgie still "splatter-peeing?" Have you actually observed him peeing to see if there is an actual stream of urine or is there an apparent restriction somewhere that prevents a free flowing stream of urine!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

No, I've not seen him pee since this started. I'm in the same room as he is most of the day and I clean the pee off his food tray multiple times a day. But the next time I turn around there's pee again. It's really stinking up the room.

Hi GeorgiesMom:
Just a suggestion (and you may have already done this) and that would be to get small clean "rag" saturated with warm water and then as vigorously as might be considered safe and still not lead to discomfort for Georgie; clean off Georgie's penis and surrounding region. It may be that there is something there that is subtle and you don't feel it really even notice it and it may also be that Georgie's foreskin is sticking to he penis from some foreign material or some secretions that may have gotten mixed with urine and just acted as a paste. It would be worth try, IMHO! Also, it would be great to actually catch Georgie at the right moment and see what actually seems to be happening such as a splatter or what could be considered an abnormal stream.
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[CritterMom]

Squirrels pee where they eat. I guess it is an ownership thing. And they like to flop down on hard, smooth surfaces, especially if it is warm.

My first squirrel ended up with the name Mister P because I called him Mister Peepants when he was a teenager. I had laboriously built him a wooden nestbox with an area up top for him to eat. He would eat, pee, and lay in it, and he stunk and had a permanently stained tummy.

I hauled that box out and threw it in the trash and began putting an old cotton placemat down with his food dish on top. No more Peepants. No more smell. I pitch the placemat in the wash and replace it daily. He liked his little fleece sleeping cube more than the wooden box anyway. This could be as simple and smelly as what I ran into.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Squirrels pee where they eat. I guess it is an ownership thing. And they like to flop down on hard, smooth surfaces, especially if it is warm.

My first squirrel ended up with the name Mister P because I called him Mister Peepants when he was a teenager. I had laboriously built him a wooden nestbox with an area up top for him to eat. He would eat, pee, and lay in it, and he stunk and had a permanently stained tummy.

I hauled that box out and threw it in the trash and began putting an old cotton placemat down with his food dish on top. No more Peepants. No more smell. I pitch the placemat in the wash and replace it daily. He liked his little fleece sleeping cube more than the wooden box anyway. This could be as simple and smelly as what I ran into.

Hi GeorgiesMom:
I only have a moment as I am at work but I did check back and noticed what CM had posted. Thanks CM! This is precisely the point of my asking if you have actually witnessed Georgie peeing! IF Georgie is peeing with a normal stream, the issue can NOT be his anatomy, an abnormality, a restriction or anything to do with Georgie's body; his apparent pee be-splattered belly must secondary to what he does with his pee after it is jettisoned! Please check out these possibilities as best possible!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel