Urinary Tract Infections in your pet

Urinary Tract Infections in your pet

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are relatively common in dogs and cats, especially in elderly or overweight females. Other pre-disposing factors would include a compromised immune system, kidney disease or an anatomic abnormality preventing the proper voiding of urine. They are most often caused by bacteria living on the skin outside the vulva migrating up into the bladder. The proliferation of bacteria along the bladder wall causes irritation leading to discomfort. Signs of a urinary tract infection may include urine accidents in the house, blood in the urine, straining to urinate, urinating small amounts frequently, increased water intake, excessive licking at the vulva, decreased appetite and lethargy. A urinary tract infection is diagnosed by urine testing. The urine is tested in a variety of ways looking for evidence of red and white blood cells, protein, crystals and bacteria. We then treat the UTI based on the result of the urine culture which tells us which bacteria caused the UTI and which antibiotic it is sensitive to. We then place the pet on a several week course of an appropriate antibiotic. 1 week after the antibiotic course is completed, we will have the pet return for a repeat culture of the urine to ensure all bacteria were eliminated and the treatment was successful. If your pet is showing any signs that make you suspicious of a UTI, give us a call so we can help get them on the right track.

Dr John Booth