Pet Medical Library

Urinary Tract Problems

Urinary Tract Infections
It is estimated that about 30-40% of female dogs will develop a urinary tract infection at some point in their life.  Cats rarely suffer from infections until they are older, at which point about 50% of cats with bladder inflammation will have infections. Common symptoms are licking the vulva or penis area, more frequent urinations, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, or loss of house-breaking habits. UTI's can easily be diagnosed with a urine sample obtained from your pet and most respond to antibiotics.

Urinary Tract Obstruction
Urine produced in a healthy urinary tract contains many dissolved particles. In cats with urinary problems, mineral crystals or mucous plugs may form in the bladder and urethra. The accumulating particles may irritate the lining of the urinary tract and clump together to form stones or plugs in the bladder, or obstruct the outflow of urine. If an obstruction occurs, emergency treatment is essential to relieve the pressure on the bladder and flush the blockage from the urethra.

While most cats respond to this therapy, the obstruction may recur in some cats and hospitalization for a few days may be necessary. Close monitoring by the cat’s owners is important after the patient is sent home, and dietary control is recommended to help treat and prevent recurrence. 

Home care typically requires owners to provide a very small amount of litter and frequently clean the litter box to verify the cat is, in fact, able to urinate. Prescription food to help break up or prevent the formation of crystals in the urinary tract will usually be dispensed at the time of discharge and continued as advised by the doctor. An additional urinalysis should be repeated in two to four weeks.

Bladder Stones
Urinary Calculi are stone-like objects that form in the urinary system. The most common location for the buildup of these “stones” is the bladder. Some pets do not show any signs during the early stage of stone formation, while others have straining, frequent urination, or blood in the urine. As the condition progresses, signs usually intensify. Some pets may become unable to urinate at all. Treatment of Urinary Calculi consists of both removal of the stones, either with a prescription diet or surgery, and treatment of any infection. After treatment, a special diet is required to prevent recurrence. The doctor will recommend a special food, possible for the life of your pet, depending on the results of the stone analysis.

Recurrent Urinary Infections
Recurrent urinary infections in pets can be due to bacteria, stones, cancers, or other abnormalities. X-rays may be needed to visualize the kidneys and bladder. Air and/or dye may be needed to better outline these organs on x-rays. To avoid contamination from the penis or vagina, a urine sample to determine the type of bacteria and the best antibiotic to use (a urine culture and sensitivity) is best obtained by passing a catheter or inserting a needle into the bladder (bladder centesis/catherization). These procedures may be recommended in order to diagnose your pet appropriately.