Cystitis

What is cystitis in dogs?

Cystitis in dogs is an inflammation of the lower or draining urinary organs. These are the urinary bladder, the urethra and the ureters, which transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The inflammation can be triggered by bacteria, bladder stones, tumors or other factors. It can be acute or chronic.

Infectious cystitis in dogs

The most common form of bladder inflammation in dogs is infectious bladder inflammation. It is usually caused by bacteria that enter the dog's bladder via the urethra. The bacteria can originate from the intestines or enter from outside, for example through dirt or injuries in the genital area. Older dogs and bitches are particularly at risk, as their urethra is shorter than that of male dogs and the bladder sphincter may be weakened by castration. This means that bacteria can find a quicker way into the bladder and settle there. Incontinence in older dogs can also promote a urinary tract infection.

Non-infectious cystitis in dogs

Non-infectious cystitis in dogs is rarer than the infectious form. It has causes other than bacteria, for example:

• Bladder stones, also known as struvite stones, are crystals of minerals that form in the urinary bladder and can cause irritation and blockages.
• Urinary calculi, also known as urinary stones, are solid deposits of minerals or other substances that form in the kidneys or ureters and can lead to pain and inflammation.
• Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease in which the dog's blood sugar level is too high. This can lead to increased urine production and a disturbed acid-base balance, which increases the risk of bladder infections.
• Bladder and/or urethral tumors are malignant growths in the tissue of the urinary organs that can lead to bleeding and constriction.
• Malformation of the urinary tract is a congenital or acquired malformation of the urinary organs that can lead to impaired function or reflux of urine.

How do I recognize cystitis in dogs?

The symptoms of cystitis in dogs can vary depending on the cause and severity. The typical signs are

• Increased urge to urinate: Your dog has to go out more often or is suddenly no longer house-trained.
• Moderate urination: Your dog takes longer to urinate and only squeezes out a few drops.
• Pain when urinating: Your dog whimpers or howls when urinating or licks his genital area more often afterwards.
• Blood in the urine: Your dog's urine is reddish in color or contains visible traces of blood.
• Restlessness and loss of appetite: Your dog seems nervous, listless or listless and eats less than usual.
• Fever and vomiting: Your dog has an elevated body temperature and shows signs of nausea or gastrointestinal distress.

If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, you should see a vet as soon as possible. An untreated bladder infection can lead to serious complications, such as kidney inflammation or blood poisoning.

How is cystitis treated in dogs?

The treatment of cystitis in dogs depends on the cause and your dog's condition. The vet will first carry out a thorough examination to make a diagnosis. This will include:

• A medical history, where you answer the vet's questions about your dog's symptoms, diet, drinking behavior and general condition.
• A physical examination, during which the vet will palpate your dog's abdomen, bladder and genitals and look for signs of pain, injury or tumors.
• A urine sample that is analyzed in the lab for bacteria, blood, protein, sugar or other abnormalities.
• A blood sample that is examined in the laboratory for signs of inflammation, kidney values, blood sugar or other abnormalities.
• An X-ray or ultrasound scan to visualize the inside of your dog's urinary organs and look for stones, tumors or other changes.

Depending on the findings, the vet will then select the appropriate treatment for your dog. The most common treatment methods are

• Antibiotics: If the bladder infection is caused by bacteria, your dog will be prescribed an antibiotic to take for a few days or weeks. It is important that you stick to the exact dosage and duration of treatment to ensure a complete cure.
• Painkillers: If your dog is in severe pain, he can be given a painkiller to help him urinate and improve his quality of life. However, you should always follow the vet's instructions and not give any medication without prior consultation.
• Surgery: If your dog has bladder stones or tumors that cannot be treated in any other way, surgery may be necessary. This involves removing the stones or tumors from the bladder or urethra. The operation can be performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis, depending on the degree of difficulty.
• Diet: If your dog is prone to bladder infections or has certain risk factors, a change in diet can help to prevent or alleviate the problem. You should make sure that your dog drinks enough and is fed a high-quality food that meets his needs. In the case of bladder stones, it may also be useful to give a special diet food that regulates the pH value of the urine and prevents the formation of crystals.

How can I prevent cystitis in dogs?

A bladder infection in dogs is not always preventable, but you can take some measures to reduce the risk. These include:

• Plenty of water: Your dog should always have access to fresh water and drink regularly. This helps to flush his urinary tract and flush out bacteria.
• Frequent walks: Your dog should have the opportunity to relieve himself several times a day. This prevents urine from backing up in the bladder and reduces pressure on the urinary tract.