Dogs can get a number of diseases that affect the urinary tract. Although some types of urinary tract disease are treatable, others can’t be reversed. However, catching these conditions early may help your vet provide your dog with more effective treatment.
Conditions That Can Affect the Canine Urinary Tract
The more common causes of urinary tract disease in dogs include:
- Urinary tract infections—UTIs usually result when bacteria colonize a dog’s bladder, kidneys, or prostate (in a male dog). Escherichia coli ( coli) is often the cause, although other bacteria and fungi can be to blame.
- Bladder and kidney/ureteral stones—Crystals and stones can irritate the urinary tract or even block the flow of urine. If your dog can’t urinate, call us right away. Inability to urinate is a medical emergency.
- Kidney disease/failure—Acute kidney failure, or the sudden loss of kidney function, may be reversible if it’s discovered and treated quickly. Chronic kidney disease/failure (which happens over time) isn’t reversible, but if the disease is diagnosed early, your Jacksonville veterinarian can recommend treatment to help slow its progression and help your dog feel better.
Other conditions can also affect the canine urinary tract. These include urinary incontinence (when a dog leaks urine or has accidents in the house), cancer, and trauma. It’s important for your dog’s vet to determine the specific cause so the problem can be treated properly.
Signs of Urinary Tract Disease in Dogs
Although symptoms of UTIs or other urinary tract disease may vary; they include:
- More or less frequent urination
- Straining or inability to urinate
- Leaking urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Discolored urine
- Urinating in the house
- Licking the urinary opening
- Increased drinking
- Loss of appetite or weight
- Lethargy
Some dogs don’t show any obvious signs.
If you notice any changes in your dog’s urination habits (such as urinating more or less frequently or having accidents in house, despite being house trained), call your Jacksonville vet.
How Your Veterinarian Diagnoses Urinary Tract Disease
Regular veterinary exams and screening tests can be helpful in early detection. If you suspect that your dog may have urinary tract disease, your vet will perform a physical exam on your dog and ask about symptoms you’ve noticed. Your vet will probably recommend tests, such as a urinalysis, a urine culture, and blood tests. X-rays and ultrasounds can also be used to help further rule out or in a specific cause.
Treatment of Urinary Tract Disease
Your vet will treat your dog based on the specific type of urinary tract disease. Depending on the cause, antibiotics, a change in diet (such as switching to a therapeutic dog food or canned food), medical management, or possibly surgery may be needed.
If you notice any possible signs of urinary tract disease in your dog, give us a call. We’ll work with you to determine what’s causing your dog’s symptoms and find the right diagnosis. Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics has affordable treatment options to treat urinary tract disease in your dog.
Risks for Urinary Tract Disease
Certain factors make your dog more likely to get urinary tract disease. For instance:
- Female dogs are at higher risk for UTIs and some types of bladder stones than male dogs (although male dogs can still get both).
- Dogs are generally more at risk for chronic kidney disease/failure as they age. Larger dogs may suffer from kidney failure at 7 years of age or earlier, and in smaller dogs, the signs often begin a bit later.
- Specific diseases or conditions may also make your pet more likely to get urinary tract disease.
Prevention of Urinary Tract Disease
When you visit your Jacksonville vet, he or she will give you advice on how to help prevent urinary tract disease. If your dog already has urinary tract disease, early diagnosis and treatment can make a difference in your dog’s outcome.
