Bladder Infections In Dogs and Cats

Bladder Infections in Dogs and Cats

               Asking to go out frequently and urinating small amounts with or without blood in the urine could be signs of a bladder infection in dogs and cats. Bladder infection is a fairly common medical issue in dogs and cats.  What causes urinary tract infection (UTI), how is it treated and can UTI be prevented? Let’s find out!

               Bladder infections are more common in female than in males due to a wider opening into the urethra making it easier for bacteria to enter into the bladder. Pets with long hair, overweight pets or those born with an excess skin fold around the vulva may also have increased risk of recurrent infection.  Pets with underlying health issues such as diabetes, severe mobility problems, Cushing’s disease, etc. may be prone to bladder infections.

                 Most simple bladder infections can be diagnosed with a urine sample and treated with a course of antibiotics.  Recurrent infections or those that fail to respond to treatment may require additional tests such as a urine culture and/or imaging such as x-ray or ultrasound of the bladder and kidneys to rule out stones, tumors or other problems.  While not usually serious, bladder infections can be uncomfortable, and, if left untreated, bacteria may ascend into the kidneys causing a more serious infection known as pyelonephritis.

               A word of warning: If you have a male cat who is straining to urinate (sometimes it can look as though they are constipated) and/or has blood in the urine or is only urinating a few drops at a time, seek veterinary care IMMEDIATELY.  Your cat may have a urinary blockage which can rapidly become a life-threatening condition.  Male dogs may occasionally become blocked as well.  If your pet is straining and you don’t see any urine being produced, get him to a vet stat!

               Can anything be done to prevent a UTI?  Keeping pets at a healthy weight, feeding a good quality diet and making sure they have access to plenty of fresh water will help keep your pet in good health and can reduce the incidence of many health problems, including UTI.  Making sure your pet has ample opportunity to go to relieve him- or herself is also important.  Routine vet visits and blood and urine screening, especially as your pet gets older, allows your pet’s veterinarian to identify and treat problems early.

               Good grooming is also important. More specifically, keeping the vulva or penis clean (especially if your pet has difficulty reaching these areas) and clipping long hair away from these areas may help to reduce recurring infections.  Dogs with a hooded vulva (excess skin fold around the vulva) may benefit from a surgical procedure to remove the excess skin.

Specially formulated diets may aid some pets by reducing crystal formation or preventing bladder stones or by creating a more acidic urine making it more difficult for bacteria to thrive.  Ask your vet before changing your pet’s diet as some diets are not appropriate with certain medical conditions.

A word about cranberry supplements:  While generally safe for pets, studies showing their true efficacy are lacking.  It is thought that compounds in cranberries may improve bladder health and reduce inflammation, so, they may be worth a try, but there is no guarantee that cranberry will prevent UTI in pets. Crananidin by Nutramax is a good quality supplement if you wish to give one a try.

Bladder infections are a relatively common ailment in dogs and cats, but, with routine veterinary care, good hygiene, plenty of access to good food and fresh water and being able to urinate multiple times a day, you should be able to limit bladder infections in your pet.  If your pet does have a UTI, prompt treatment should prevent serious issues and be sure to have your veterinarian investigate further if your pet has frequent infections or does not seem to be able to clear an infection as there may be another underlying cause.

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.