Urinary Tract Infection - Dogs

Overview

Urinary tract infection, also called cystitis, is an inflammation of the urinary bladder usually caused by a bacterial infection. Some additional causes of urinary tract infections include bladder stones, bladder tumors, and some diseases such as diabetes or Cushing’s disease. Some medications, such as cortisone-like drugs and anti-cancer drugs, may contribute to the development of bacterial urinary tract infections. Acute cystitis is more common in female dogs than in males.

Diagnosis and Treatment Notes:

• Urinary tract infections are generally diagnosed by a thorough history, physical examination and urinalysis. Abdominal x-rays are often recommended to evaluate for bladder stones. Bacterial culture of the urine may be performed to identify the organism.  Blood work may be recommended to diagnose underlying disease and evaluate overall health.
  
  
• Treatment depends on the severity of the disease, your individual pet, and your veterinarian. Dogs with cystitis are often treated with a 2 to 3 week course of antibiotics. Repeat evaluations of urine  are  recommended.  Discuss treatment and follow-up details when your pet is diagnosed with this condition. 

What to Watch for*:

• Blood in the urine
• Increased frequency of urinations
• Straining to urinate

*Please notify us if you notice any of the above signs or if you have any questions!