Content
- What is canine cystitis
- Causes of Cystitis in Dogs
- Canine Cystitis Symptoms
- Diagnosis and Treatment for Cystitis in Dogs
- Can it be prevented?
THE canine cystitis it is one of the most common conditions among our pets. Often, its symptoms can lead us to think that our dog is behaving badly, so we don't pay enough attention to what's really going on.
To prevent this discomfort from getting worse and to be able to start the best treatment as soon as possible, at PeritoAnimal we show you what the Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Cystitis in Dogs. You'll see how, sometimes, inflammation is often an indication of the appearance of more serious conditions. Therefore, remember that you should consult a veterinarian to be the one to diagnose and prescribe the most appropriate medications.
What is canine cystitis
As with us, canine cystitis is called a dog urinary bladder inflammation. Although many people usually associate this condition with urinary infection, the truth is that it is a mistake to treat both terms as synonyms, since infection is one of the causes that can cause cystitis in dogs.
Canine cystitis can be acute or chronic, and can occur in dogs of any age, from puppies to the elderly.
Causes of Cystitis in Dogs
There are several causes that can develop cystitis in our dog, although the most common is caused by bacteria intrusion through the intestines. Bacteria begin to get used to the skin that lines the anal area to pass through the urethra to the bladder and begin to colonize, causing infection and subsequent inflammation. So, in this case we are talking about a urinary tract infection. Veterinarians identify this type of cystitis as ascending infection.
Studies carried out on dogs with bacterial cystitis reveal that the main bacteria that produce this infection is usually the Escherichia coli, although cases of infection by Enterococcus spp and other less common bacteria.
Since the urethra of bitches is shorter than that of males, they are more likely to suffer from bacterial cystitis, so it is essential to pay attention to anal hygiene to prevent its onset.
Although this is the main cause, there are Other Factors That Can Cause Bladder Inflammation in dogs:
- Bladder stones can cause an infection.
- Bladder tumors and chemotherapy favor the development of urinary infections.
- Diabetes facilitates the colonization of bacteria in the urinary tract by the high level of glucose in your blood.
- Medications that weaken the dog's immune system, such as cortisone, also help bacteria create a bladder infection.
Canine Cystitis Symptoms
The urine that the kidneys produce is stored in the bladder for subsequent expulsion through the urethra. When the walls of this organ become inflamed, the bladder has much less capacity to store urine and therefore makes the dog urinate more but less, this being the main symptom of canine cystitis. This way, it is not surprising if you see your furry companion urinating inside the house, when he no longer did. In addition, it is possible that the increase in urination times is accompanied by presence of blood.
In addition to this indication, we found other symptoms that may indicate that our dog suffers from cystitis:
- hyperactivity caused by increased urge to urinate.
- Annoyances or pain when urinating it will show through crying.
- Effort to be able to urinate and get rid of the discomfort you feel.
If you detect any of these symptoms that, as you see, can be mistaken for bad behavior, don't hesitate to go as soon as possible to the vet so that he can perform the relevant exams and start the best treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Cystitis in Dogs
When we take our dog to the vet, the specialist will ask about all the symptoms we detect, so it is important that you pay close attention to your dog's behavior. Then the doctor will perform a urine culture of our dog to be able to analyze it, confirm the canine cystitis and identify the cause that causes it. Then a sensitivity test will be done to determine the best treatment. In addition, you can also order an X-ray, ultrasound and even an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for canine cystitis is usually based on antibiotic administration that only the veterinarian can prescribe after the sensitivity test. Remember that you should not interrupt the treatment prescribed by the specialist, even if he himself indicates it.
On the other hand, it is essential that you make sure that your puppy ingests the amount of water he needs, as this fact will considerably favor his recovery.
In case you suffer from bladder stones, tumor or diabetes, the treatment will be directed both to treating the cystitis and to assisting the condition that you are suffering from.
Can it be prevented?
As with most conditions, prevention is always better than cure. To prevent canine cystitis, it is essential that we keep our dog's vaccination schedule up to date and let's keep hygiene up to date. Especially if our partner is a female, we advise you to clean the anus and vagina area after defecating and urinating always.
On the other hand, dehydration can favor the appearance of a urinary tract infection, so make sure our dog drinks water it is a preventive measure that cannot be missed.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.