New Member- Needs avice on TRIMACARE Tablets 80MG

Hi all,
I am new to the group. My best Friend is Dylan, my 12 year old Staffie, who I have had since he was 16 weeks old.
He's a bundle of fun, Getting a Bit grumpy in his old age,(arnt we all )
He has had a lot of health issues these last 6 months & I wanted to ask if anyone has ever been in a similar situation.

Bit of a long story, so I will try & shorten it.
He had Gastroenteritis in January & since then he's just not been the same.
He has Arthritis in all his Joints, & Is on Gaberpentiin for his Pain relief.
But when they done his scan in January for his Gastro bug they found he had a Heart condition (Not yet Investigated this) and Bladder stones. So the Vet said first to treat his Bladder stones with a special diet.
Which he's been on for 7 months.

He's been getting constant urine infections, & now the standard antibiotics will no longer treat his Urine Infection.
Now 7 months on we have found his Bladder stones are only treatable by an Operation by removal.
The Vet & I agree that due to his age & Heart Condition, Its not the best thing for him to have a Operation
They have given me TRIMACARE TABLETS as his Bladder stones are apparently Resistant to Bacteria.
After reading some of the side effects I am worried about giving these to him - Has anyone had any experience with these Tablets for treating Urine Infections & Bladder stones?

Since his Gatro Bug, he's slowed down a lot. He's still bright & Playful, But more lethargic & I think its due to his Urine Infection & Bladder stones.
He's drinking an awful lot of water, & his tummy is very swollen.
His stones are not moving around (Good news) He has no Crystals in his Urine (Good News) But as soon as I clear up a Urine Infection, It comes back, & this is a catch 22 with his Bladder stones.
My problem is that If I leave the Bladders stones he may always get Urine Infections.
But if he has an operation, He may not survive the anesthetist....so an operation is not an option.
So I am between a rock & a Hard Place & want to do the best for him. But I am unsure what to do.

I have cut his food down to 200g a day as he's not walking as often or far as he used to.....Is this the right thing to do ?
I don't want him to put on weight & put more stress on his Joints so that's why I have cut down his food.

Sorry, I seem to have a lot of questions!! as I said he's a complex Guy, But I just want him to have a comfortable & as much as a Pain Free Life as possible with his medical Issues.
Any advise would be really appreciated.
Thanks so much

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Hi and welcome from me and mine

Dylan looks a real sweetheart, that's a really lovable face

I'm sorry to hear of all the problems he's having, it does sound like your vet is pretty well on the case which is good. I have to agree with your plan of action - it doesn't sound like an op is an option so managing things as you are has to be your best bet.

I don't have any experience of the meds you're asking about but looking at the published side effects, they don't seem to be many or common. Is it googling other forums and stuff that you've found them? If so, I personally would not over worry, there are always people who will issue dire warnings and attribute problems to causes they're not sure of. Talk to your vet about your concerns, he should be able to either confirm or reassure with more knowledge that someone on the internet.

As for food, yes, I would cut down and maybe switch to one that is aimed at weight loss, these often have bulking ingredients that mean the dog feels that its eaten as much but they aren't getting the same nutritional value from it.

Hi from me & Katy, Liz has given great advice that I cant add too

Hi & Welcome to the Forum from Flo and me

Dylan looks like a fab older gent, sorry to read he's having some problems. I don't have any experience of the condition or meds so can't help there sorry.

I agree with the weight management, cut it back a little so as not to put the pounds on and make the joints more painful. I would also be cautious of what you read on line about the meds, as you'll probably be aware of is the fact that most reviews tend to be negative, very rarely are the reviews all positive. I would let the experts guide me as much as I felt it was the right way to go which from reading your post is what you are doing.

Do let us know what you decide and how Dylan gets on, it may well help someone else.

Hello and welcome from us.

Absolutely of no help to you with regards to experience with this medication nor to looking after an older staffy (just starting out here) but wish you all the luck in finding the balance to keeping Dylan going on as strongly

I certainly do agree with the precaution to be taken with regards to reviews. People generally like to criticize but take for granted when all goes well so forget to mark the positive occasions too.