Symptoms of Urinary Tract Illness

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Illness

Girl hugging dog

Urinary tract infections in people are fairly straight forward. Sufferers experience pain during urination or a frequent urge to go that is a false alarm. For us humans, going to the doctor is usually the next step, whereupon a course of antibiotics is prescribed which usually resolves the problem. Unfortunately, urinary tract infections for dogs and cats aren’t often a simple matter. These infections oftentimes have underlying causes, such as urinary stones, anatomical abnormalities, incontinence, hormonal conditions, stress or even cancer, any of which can contribute to recurrent disease. To ascertain just what’s causing your pet kid’s urinary tract issues really does require the expertise of your veterinarian. Urinary tract conditions can be painful and debilitating, and it is important to detect the signs early for the best chance of solving the problem.

Traditional veterinarians like to focus on infection as a cause, and treat with an antibiotic. Antibiotics can cure or eliminate symptoms, whether by killing the bacteria or acidifying the urine. Sometimes, however, this course of treatment doesn’t represent a final answer, unless a culture tells otherwise. For me, as a holistic veterinarian, I look at every aspect of the problem. Urinary tract syndromes are caused by many things and other parts of the body need to be supported, too. For example, stress can cause urinary symptoms by its affect on hormone production.

The good news is that the signs of urinary problems are fairly obvious in both dogs and cats. Take your pet kid to the veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms …

• Out-of-character elimination in the home … that is, failure to maintain expected house or litter-box training
• A dog who asks to go outside more often or a cat making excessive trips the litter box
• repeatedly assuming the posture to pee but very little is produced
• blood-tinged urine
• excessive licking ‘back there’
• excessive drinking, panting and/or obvious discomfort

It is helpful to bring a fresh sample of urine to your vet’s office, which can be tested for the presence of white blood cells, protein, crystals and bacteria. Your veterinarian will examine your dog and may recommend additional testing, such as a urine culture, blood work and x-rays, especially if this is a recurring problems.

If tests reveal crystals in the urine, then there is a possibility of urinary stones in the bladder or kidney. Some crystals/stones (struvite) can be dissolved simply by changing to a prescription diet, while other crystals (calcium oxalate) are more troublesome. For some cases of urinary stones, surgery may be the only option.

Cats can develop stress cystitis, similar to a condition in human females. In felines, the condition is commonly referred to FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease) or FIC (feline interstitial cystitis). FIC appears to be a complex condition unique to indoor kitties that involves the urinary, adrenal and neurological systems.

New studies show that environmental enrichment can lower the incidence of feline lower urinary tract disease. If your cat is predisposed to this condition, consider implementing the following improvements:

• Scoop litter box daily, sanitize weekly and provide one more box than the number of cats in the household
• keep litter boxes in a quiet area, away from foot traffic
• provide multiple sources of fresh water and consider using a fountain
• feed a high quality diet, usually a combination of canned and dry food
• have multiple cat trees and hiding spots in order to increase the available vertical space for the cats
• increase petting, grooming and play activities that simulate hunting (i.e. toss kibble, feathered fishing pole, laser pointer)
• utilize feline pheromone spray (Feliway)
• consider use of anxitane or zylkene, herbal supplements to reduce stress (your veterinarian can tell you more about the available options)

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a human, a cat or a dog … urinary tract problems are no fun. Hopefully, with the information provided above, and with the valuable consultation of your trusted veterinarian, a quick and effective solution to your pet kid’s problems is well within reach.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals.

Dr Jane Bicks  Dr. Jane Bicks

Comments (8) -

  • Lovell Larkin

    6/26/2015 3:54:07 AM |

    Great post!! So grateful to Dr. Bicks and her amazing products. I know my pets are receiving the best nutrition available.

  • Rebecca Forrest

    7/21/2015 1:45:55 PM |

    Thanks for all this information. I learned several things from this article, and I was proud to share it with two people who are facing exactly this issue with their dogs.

  • Jennifer Young

    7/22/2015 12:44:51 AM |

    Great information.

  • Rich & Lisa Jelinek

    7/27/2015 12:51:48 PM |

    Great article and this is perfect to share with our customers. It is something that many don't know what to look for. Thanks!

  • Ruth

    8/29/2015 8:17:20 AM |

    Thanks for another great article.  I have dogs all my life, and knowledge is a great asset Smile ...  I am also a Rep of your great products!

  • Quincey

    3/10/2016 1:42:27 PM |

    Absolutely wonderful information! Thank you Dr. Jane.

  • Bree Weasner

    3/11/2016 3:10:10 AM |

    This is a great article, jammed with lots of valuable information that most pet parents don't even know. I've referred this article to several people, who have also found it very useful.  Thank you!  Smile

  • D

    3/21/2016 8:24:00 PM |

    Superb article.  
    One of my kitties lost his favourite pal when he was about 3.  From that day on, he has dealt with chronic bladder issues that have remained FLUTD UO.  
    He is high strung, fractious and the most finicky eater (will ONLY eat LA Grain Free dry, only another brand's wet food and our salmon from the grill).

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