What is a UTI?
Urinary tract infections are the result of an invasion and colonization of bacteria in the bladder. Urinary Tract Infections are often not perceived as a serious or life-threatening condition; however, if not treated quickly a life-threatening condition has the potential to develop.
Breeds Prone to Urinary Tract Infections
There are not any particular breeds associated with Urinary Tract Infections. All breeds are susceptible to this condition. Senior female dogs and dogs with diabetes are most prone to developing a urinary tract infection due to female dogs possessing a shorter urethra than male dogs. Dogs with underlying urinary tract disorders are also more prone to developing urinary tract infections.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections
Symptoms of urinary tract infections include the inability to urinate, urinating in small amounts, blood in the urine, cloudy urine, fever, pain while urinating, loss of bladder control, vomiting, weight loss, change in appetite and/or increased water consumption.
Causes of Urinary Tract Infections
There are many causes of urinary tract infections. Limiting a urinary tract infection down to one cause is difficult without consulting a veterinarian. Causes include:
- Bladder stones
- Bladder infection
- Bladder inflammation
- Trauma
- Congenital abnormalities
- Cancer
- Prostate disease
- Stress
- Hormonal problems
- Prostate disease
Endocrine diseases may also increase the risk of developing urinary tract infections. Adrenal disease and diabetes increase the risks of bacterial infections in the lower urinary tract.
Treatment
Urinary tract infections vary in severity. If your dog is crying in pain while urinating, this could potentially be a medical emergency. In order to return your dog to normal health, you should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotics as well as a change in diet or surgery if bladder stones are present. Other instructions often include:
- Increased water intake
- Fluid therapy
- Supplements
If a urinary tract infection goes untreated, serious health conditions could develop. Bladder infects could result in life-threatening infections of the kidney. If bladder stones develop, obstruction may occur which would completely prevent your dog from urinating. This could also lead to complete kidney failure and/or the rupture of the bladder.
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