? Bronx - RBC high in urine, but no UTI?

Urine culture came back negative but Bronx's RBC is 21-50, normal is below 3. I obtained urine at home so no needle was used to get the sample. The last time he was tested in January, he was also 21-50 but vet said it was probably from the needle used to get the sample but now we know this is not the case. What is my next step here? Vet recommended either an x-ray to rule out stones, or do an ultrasound. He's never had stones. What would cause this high RBC? I never had an U/S before, I guess it is time but almost afraid what the results may be . Thanks!

 

Sorry, was it his RBC from a blood test that was high? Or did they see blood (hemoglobin) in the urine? Was the test result from going to a lab, or a dipstick in house? How did you collect the sample and was it in a sterile container? Blood in urine can be the result of UTI or stones, less common a kidney infection. A U/S may be a good diagnostic tool. My civie had stones/cystitis, but not after he went on a raw diet. It manifested as lots of small frequent pees and obvious discomfort. How is Bronx's peeing?

 

RBC was high in the urine, I obtained it using a ladle to catch the flow and brought it in a cup, so not sterile. He was also high in January when urine was drawn from a needle and vet said that would cause the high RBC in the urine. The reason I did bring him in was because he stopped peeing in the LB. That seems to have stopped now that I put a 2nd LB up the stairs. He is not having big pees like he used to and not sure if he feels uncomfortable but I think something is bothering him, just have no idea what it is. I guess I'll have to bring him in for an U/S. Thanks!

 

I got a sterile container from the vet, and keep it around just in case I'm out hunting pee.

With an acro, an ultrasound is not a bad idea so you know what you are dealing with. Hopefully you can find an ultrasound vet that will let you be there during the procedure.

 

I have no first-hand experience with it, but I believe sterile cystitis - basically symptoms of a UTI without an actual bacterial infection - can cause blood in the urine, so that could be something to investigate. I also believe it is diagnosed by ruling everything else out, which would also point to doing a U/S to make sure something else isn't causing it.