Blood in the Urine in Dogs

The primary symptom is blood in the urine itself, which can be seen in a range of discoloration, ranging from amber to red, orange or brown. This symptom may or may not be accompanied by abnormally frequent urination, evident abdominal pain or discomfort, and hemorrhages below the skin manifesting themselves as bruises. However, no other symptoms may be present, and the presence of blood in the urine, depending on its concentration, may not markedly change the color of your dog’s urine to the extent that you will notice it. Often, the detection of hematuria only occurs during routine health examinations or testing for another health problem that requires a urinalysis.

There are other possible causes for discolored urine. It is important to note that consumption of beets can cause red-tinted urine, so if the color is the only indicator, be sure that your dog hasn’t consumed beets recently.

Because of the possibility of very serious underlying causes, it’s important to take your dog into the veterinarian as soon as you notice symptoms. A detailed account of the onset of any symptoms and the possibility of any recent injury, ingestion of toxic substance or ingestion of new or odd foods or a new vitamin supplement will greatly aid the veterinarian in diagnosis.

A detailed physical examination will be conducted, and the veterinarian will be looking for any potential abnormalities such as swelling tenderness or growths. Additionally, a complete blood count will be used to detect abnormal red and white blood cell and platelet levels, and a chemical blood profile will be used to detect levels calcium, phosphorous, potassium, nitrogenous waste products, albumin, and liver enzymes.

A very important diagnostic tool will be the urinalysis. Your dog’s urine will be pH tested and analyzed for mineral content, presence of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and protein and glucose levels. If a high concentration of minerals is found that may indicate crystals or stones, the urine will be further examined under a microscope.

The veterinarian may require an ejaculate sample from your male dog, the analysis of which will determine the presence of prostatic disease. A vaginoscopy or cystoscopy may be necessary in order to examine fully your dog’s genital health.

If a tumor is detected or suspected, the veterinarian may order an ultrasound and/or x-ray in order to fully identify the presence of a tumor. In some cases, a biopsy will be necessary in order to determine if a tumor is benign or malignant.

Treatment will be varied and designed to address the underlying cause of the blood in your dog’s urine once your dog has been stabilized. Stabilization may require intravenous fluids to treat dehydration and/or a blood transfusion if your dog’s red blood cell count is dangerously low.

Infections

Antibiotics are the treatment of choice for bladder, kidney, urinary tract, and other infections. Specific antibiotics that your vet may prescribe will depend on your dog’s history with antibiotics and the site of the infection.

Stones

Bladder and kidney stones may be treated through diet low in protein, phosphorous and magnesium and designed to promote acidic urine as well as encourage increased water intake, or in more severe cases, removal of the stones through nonsurgical or surgical means.

Tumors

The treatment of tumors will depend on the site and diagnosis. The veterinarian may refer you to an oncologist for a more specialized diagnosis and treatment.

Poisoning

Treatment for poisoning will depend upon the substance ingested. If your dog has ingested rodenticide and is experiencing vitamin D poisoning, she will need to remain on an IV until her electrolyte, calcium, and phosphorous levels have stabilized. Your dog may be given a phosphate binder such as aluminum hydroxide in order to allow her to excrete the excess phosphorous in her system more quickly.

Injury

If the blood in your dog’s urine is the result of trauma, the treatment will depend upon the extent and location of the internal damage that is found during diagnosis.

Prostate

Treatment of prostatic disease will depend upon the diagnosis, as there are several possible diseases. For primary or secondary bacterial infections, your dog will be prescribed aggressive antibiotic therapy that may be much longer than a typical antibiotic regimen. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, cystic metaplasia, testicular tumors and cystic hyperplasia generally occur only in dogs that have not been neutered, and neutering is often the only treatment necessary. Paraprostatic cysts and prostatic abscesses must be surgically removed and drained.