Urinary Tract Infection

A Urinary tract infection specifically refers to a bacterial infection from the urethra (the tube that connects the bladder to the exterior of the body) to the bladder. It is one disease that causes cystitis, which is the inflammation of the bladder.
Urinary tract infections originate from the contamination of normal bacteria. This could be from the dog’s intestinal tract, the vulva and vagina in the female, and prostate in the male. If left untreated, urinary tract infections can continue up to the kidneys.

The urethra in the female is short and broad compared to the male, and so females are more prone to urinary tract infections.

Causes
● Bladder stones - tend to cause cystitis and increases the risk of an infection. However some types of bacterial infections actually cause the development of bladder stones made from struvite.
● Bladder tumors or cancers
● Anatomical abnormalities within the urinary tract
● Some diseases and medications also may increase the risk for urinary tract infections.
● Non-functioning bladder - damage to the nerves that signal the bladder to empty properly

Symptoms
● Urinating with spots of blood, blood clots, red urine
● Urinating with pain or straining
● Urinating small amounts, more frequently, sometimes only a drop
● Licking the vulva or penis after urinating

Diagnosis
The veterinarian will conduct the following basic steps to diagnose the problem:
● Question about the dog's medical history and symptoms
● Perform a physical examination
● Urine test to look for the high pH, presence of bacteria, white blood cells, red blood cells, and crystals
To completely determine the type of bacteria in cases of severe or recurrent infections, some dogs may need:
● Urine culture and sensitivity by cystocentesis or catheterization
● Further tests to investigate for other causes of cystitis include:
● Blood tests to look for an underlying disease e.g. diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocortisism
● X-ray and ultrasound to look for stones, tumors, abnormalities

Treatment
Urinary tract infections are usually easily treated with:
● Appropriate antibiotics for 2 to 3 weeks. Ideally chosen after culture and sensitivity, but is normally started on a broad spectrum antibiotic.
● Urine test performed 5 days after finishing the antibiotic course to ensure that urinary tract infection has been completely treated. A urine culture and sensitivity may also be required.

Prevention
It is difficult to prevent a urinary tract infection. Ensure good hygiene, provide plenty of water and allow dogs frequent opportunities to urinate. Avoid treatment with corticosteroids that may increase the risk of infection.