If your pet is having “accidents” in the house, urinating more frequently or straining to urinate, discolored or bloody urine, the most common cause is a urinary tract infection.
Urinary tract infections most often involve the bladder which is called cystitis. Cystitis usually results from an ascending bacterial infection from the vulvar or penile areas or from primary bacterial overgrowth in the bladder. A more serious, life-threatening condition is a kidney infection or pyelonephritis. It is important for you to seek medical attention so that your veterinarian may distinguish between these two diseases.
The diagnosis of a urinary tract infection is based on:
- Clinical signs – such as frequent or abnormal urination and bloody urine
- Cystocentesis – a technique for obtaining sterile urine from your pet that may be analyzed and cultured for bacterial growth
- Urinalysis – to determine kidney status and analyze the urine cells
- Urine Culture and Sensitivity - to determine the exact pathogen responsible for the infection and which antibiotics will be effective
- Bladder X-rays – to search for bladder stones, tumors or other causes for chronic infections and/or cystitis
It is important to have your pet treated promptly to reduce the risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys. Other causes of urinary tract infections include diets high in ash content, medications, bladder or kidney stones, abdominal trauma resulting in bladder hemorrhage and tumors.
In Male Cats, straining or the inability to urinate is a life-threatening condition often caused by a blockage called urethral obstruction. If the blockage is not removed, the bladder may rupture and the pet die. If your male cat is constantly going to the litter box and not producing urine, crying out or exhibits pain in the stomach region, do not delay. Seconds count in this situation.
It is imperative that you seek medical attention as soon as you notice any of the symptoms of urinary tract infections.
