Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs: Causes and Treatment Process
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in dogs is a condition that is more common especially in females and is observed in 27% of dogs. They can occur as isolated infections or recur if there are different underlying health problems. Early detection of symptoms is important for diagnosis and initiation of treatment.
What is Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs?
UTIs usually occur when bacteria enter the bladder from the outside environment and cause infection. E. coli is the most common bacteria identified in UTIs.
UTIs are often associated with infection in the bladder. Infection can occur anywhere in the urinary tract, from the urethra to the kidneys. Recurrent infections are defined as at least two infections in six months or at least three infections per year. Apart from this, UTIs are examined under the following 3 different diagnoses:
- Subclinical Bacteriuria: Subclinical bacteriuria is the condition in which high levels of bacteria are found in the urine culture of dogs, but no clinical symptoms are observed.
- Cystitis: Most acute urinary tract infections are cystitis, which is associated with lower urinary tract symptoms. Frequent and difficult urination, blood in the urine, pain or discomfort during urination are usually observed in cystitis
- Recurrent UTI: In dogs, it is the case of more than one UTI in a year or the recurrence of UTI in short periods. Recurrent UTIs usually indicate an underlying problem (urolithiasis, anatomical abnormalities, immune system disorders).
Causes of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs
Urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs is a condition caused by bacterial contamination of the urinary tract. The causes of these infections are multifaceted and may be a sign of more serious underlying problems. Urinary bladder stones are one of the most common causes. Stones that develop in a dog's bladder can become an emergency if left untreated, and the stone within the bladder can move into the urethra (which is much smaller in diameter) and block the flow of urine. Many dogs with bladder stones have difficulty urinating or may make repeated attempts to urinate.
Conditions that usually cause urinary tract infections are as follows:
- Bladder stones
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Diabetes
- Cushing's disease
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Anatomical abnormalities (e.g. ectopic ureter)
- Immunosuppressive drugs
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
What are the Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs?
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common disorder in dogs, and there are some typical symptoms that indicate the presence of this infection. Potential symptoms of urinary tract infection in dogs include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Increased urination
- Blood in urine
- Turbid-looking or strong-smelling urine
- Decreased amount of urine
- Showing signs of pain when urinating
- Licking the genital area
- Fever
- Increased desire to drink water
- Weakness
How is Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosed in Dogs?
If a UTI is suspected, a urinalysis should be performed to look for signs of infection, including white blood cells, bacteria, and red blood cells.
Urine sample obtained through cystocentesis; It is a simple procedure in which a needle is inserted into the bladder, urine is collected in a syringe, and contamination from external sources is limited. A urine culture and antibiogram are performed after a urinalysis to confirm the suspected infection, determine the exact type of bacteria infecting the bladder, and the most effective antibiotics for treatment. Additional tests other than this are as follows:
- Blood test
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
- Other imaging methods
Urine Infection Treatment in Dogs
UTI can usually be treated with antibiotics. An antibiotic that targets the bacteria most likely causing the infection will initially be prescribed, and once the culture is complete (which may take several days) your veterinarian may need to change the antibiotic based on the results.
Pain medications may be prescribed to relieve pain caused by the infection. The treatment process may vary depending on the type of underlying infections:
- Antibiotic Treatment
The most common treatment for UTI is antibiotics. Depending on the bacteria causing the infection, the veterinarian prescribes an appropriate antibiotic. Culture test results help the veterinarian choose the most effective antibiotic. The treatment period usually varies between 10-14 days, but in some cases it may take longer.
- Supportive Treatments
In some cases, antibiotic treatment alone may not be sufficient. Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to relieve UTI symptoms. Dietary changes or supplements that inhibit bacterial growth by increasing the urine acidity level often support these treatments.
- Surgery
Cystotomy surgery may be performed to remove stones in the urinary bladder. Post-operative recovery is generally observed within 10-14 days.
What is Home Help for Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs?
In order for dogs to live a happy and healthy life, they need to be protected from many potential health risks. Urinary tract infections are one of these risks. It is possible to reduce the risk of these infections with some simple precautions. To prevent UTI in dogs:
- Ensuring adequate fluid consumption
- Regular toilet habit
- Regular health checks
- Nutrition: A balanced diet is important to maintain your dog's overall health. At the same time, some special diets may help reduce the risk of UTI.
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