Hi,

My 6 year old miniature schnauzer has been finding it difficult to pass urine and we have been told he has Cystine Crystals, He was given a sedative and a painkiller by the vet 1 hour 15 minutes ago and he is heavy breathing/panting.  Is this normal?

I'm sure there will be others with far more experience than myself, but, if you have concerns ring your vet & explain. That what they're for, even out of hours, good luck.

I would ring the out of hours vet as it could be a few different things, stress from the vet, stress from the pain, stress from not being able to urinate properly. Did the vet empty his bladder or is it full now? Does he feel like he has a temperature? My cat has had crystals and he was very unwell with it.

If at all worried please call the vet for a proper medical opinion.

Assume you called vet?  What was the outcome?

I think you should perhaps give the medication a chance to work, BUTcystine crystals
I tend to want an injection and then tablets - to get the relief into the system for maximum response.

If he has actual bladder stones which are causing a blockage, he's in big trouble and probably in need of pretty much emergency surgery.    If the male has bladder stones, he can very quickly block up (because of the bone in the penis).

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/urinary/c_multi_urolithiasis_cystine

I'd be back to my vet - or even off for a second opinion (or another vet!).

Can you give us an update!

Thanks for everyone's help! he was quite ill again over the weekend again and had to get a catheter and IV fluids put in with lots of medication, cathader and iv was removed today and he seems to be back to his normal happy self and is able to pass urine again! he had a urethrostomy and got neutered on Friday so that will hopefully stop the formation of the crystals in the future.

Vet give him a higher dose than the first time as he thought his body could cope but as he had the heavy breathing he lowered the dose again and all is back to normal :)

Pleased for you.