What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
“A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your pet’s urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra”.
Generally, a UTI occurs when bacteria travels up the urethra and into the bladder. The bacteria can develop when faeces or debris enter the area, or if your pet’s immune system is weakened from lack of nutrients.
Some pets develop bladder stones in conjunction with their UTI, which can result in additional health issues.
Warning signs of urinary tract infections in pets
A UTI can involve one or more of the following signs:
Blood in the urine
Straining or whimpering during urination
Urinary accidents
Frequent attempts to urinate
Urinating in small amounts or none at all
Dripping urine that has a strong smell
Hard or firm tummy
Licking around the urinary opening
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Fever
Some of these warning signs can be a medical emergency, so please contact us immediately on 03 8784 4444 if your pet is showing any of these signs.
Other urinary conditions
It is important for your vet examine your pet if they are showing the warning signs of UTI as they can also point towards other urinary conditions, some of which are quite serious. These can include:
Bladder stones
Hard lumps of minerals can form anywhere in the urinary tract of your pet. They can consist of one large, single stone or multiple smaller stones. Your pet may show signs of pain during urination, frequent urination or blood in the urine. Due to the potential for bladder stones to cause pain, irritation, ongoing urinary tract infections and obstructions, prompt diagnosis and treatment is important.
Bladder cancer
The signs of bladder cancer can be similar to those with urinary tract infections including frequent urination, painful urination, bloody urine and incontinence. Prognosis varies depending on the growth rate of the tumour, location and whether it has spread to other organs.
Kidney infection
A kidney infection can occur when bacteria invades one or both kidneys. Whilst a kidney infection can occur on its own, it is often a result of an established condition such as a bladder infection, kidney stones, partial urinary blockage or chronic kidney disease that makes it difficult for your pet to naturally fight off the infection.
Common signs include decreased appetite, vomiting, lethargy, excessive urination and drinking. Please get in touch with your vet immediately if you notice these symptoms. Often antibiotics can be used to treat the infection.
Incontinence
As pets age they may become incontinent. This can be due to a weakening of the muscles that hold urine in the bladder. The most common sign is the pooling or spotting of urine underneath your pet when they are sleeping or relaxed. Once other conditions are ruled out, this can be effectively managed with medication.
How are urinary tract infections diagnosed?
Your vet will need to complete a physical examination of your pet including checking their kidney and bladder. They will also need to perform a urinalysis. Other tests may include a blood test, x-rays (radiographs), ultrasound or biopsy depending on their findings.
These test and evaluations can help your vet determine if your pet has a urinary tract infection or any other underlying condition such as bladder stones or cancer.
How are urinary tract infections treated?
Your vet will develop a treatment plan based on their diagnosis of the underlying cause of the problem. This can include antibiotics to treat the urinary tract infection and medication to offer pain relief as UTI’s can be very uncomfortable. Dietary changes and increased water intake may also be recommended. If bladder stones or a tumour is identified surgery may be required.
Once antibiotics are completed, a urinalysis can confirm if the infection is gone. If not, further analysis is required to determine other issues that may be causing continued or repeat infections.
If your pet is showing any of the warning signs of a urinary tract infection or if you have any questions about your pets urinary health, please call us on 03 8784 4444.