Urinary tract diseases

What are urinary tract diseases?

Urinary tract diseases are inflammations or infections of the urinary tract, which consists of the bladder, urethra and kidneys. The most common form is bladder inflammation or cystitis, which is usually caused by bacteria. The bacteria can enter the urethra from the intestine or the surrounding area and multiply in the bladder. This leads to irritation, swelling and damage to the bladder wall.

Another form is kidney inflammation or pyelonephritis, which is a more serious illness. In this case, the bacteria spread from the bladder via the ureters to the kidneys, causing inflammation of the kidney tissue. This can lead to kidney failure, blood poisoning or even death if it is not treated in time.

What are the symptoms of urinary tract disease?

The symptoms of urinary tract disease in dogs can vary depending on the severity and the organ affected. The most common signs include:

• Frequent urination in small amounts
• Difficulty or pain when urinating
• Blood in the urine
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Licking or biting in the genital area
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• lethargy
• Back pain
• vomiting

If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible to get a diagnosis and start appropriate treatment.

How is urinary tract disease treated?

The treatment of UTIs in dogs depends on the cause and severity of the condition. In most cases, antibiotics are prescribed to fight the bacteria and reduce the inflammation. The antibiotics must be taken for the duration recommended by the vet, even if the symptoms improve, to prevent a relapse.

In addition to drug therapy, it is important that your dog drinks plenty of water to flush the urinary tract and flush out the bacteria. You can also give him special food that regulates the pH value of the urine and prevents the formation of crystals or stones. These can block or irritate the urinary tract.

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove stones or tumors from the urinary tract or to correct a narrowing of the urethra. This can speed up healing and prevent complications.

How can urinary tract disease be prevented?

Urinary tract disease in dogs can't always be prevented, but there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk. These include:

• Ensure your dog always has access to fresh water and encourage them to drink.
• Keep your dog's genital area clean and dry, especially after walking or toileting.
• Avoid stress factors for your dog, such as noise, cold or loneliness.
• Have your dog vaccinated and dewormed regularly.
• Have your dog examined by a vet at least once a year to detect potential problems at an early stage.