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Urinarias

Urinary tract infection (bacterial cystitis)

Bacterial infection of the bladder. It is common in female dogs and rarer in cats. If left untreated, it can ascend to the kidney.

Moderate🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

Symptoms to watch for

  • Passing small amounts of urine frequently
  • Straining or discomfort when urinating
  • Blood in the urine or a strong smell
  • Urinating outside the usual place
  • Licking of the genitals

Causes

Bacteria that ascend up the urethra into the bladder. Higher risk in females and in animals with stones, diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Diagnosis

Urine analysis with culture, which identifies the bacterium and the effective antibiotic.

Treatment

Antibiotic guided by the culture, for the prescribed length of time. It is important to complete the full course. If it recurs, look for an underlying cause (stones, diabetes).

Prevention

Water always available, good hygiene, and treating predisposing causes.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet if your pet strains to urinate, passes blood or urinates very often. In male cats, straining to urinate may be an obstruction: an emergency.

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.