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Pyuria in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 12/17/2015Updated: 12/14/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Pyuria?
Pyuria is a condition that is best recognized by the appearance of white blood cells, which are detected in the urine, and is usually associated with a urinary tract infection, though it may be caused by other diseases as well. It is sometimes diagnosed when a urinalysis is performed to test for other conditions. Treatment varies depending on the source of the pyuria, though the underlying cause must be addressed in order to resolve the issue.
Pyuria is a symptom of other conditions, typically of an infection somewhere in the urinary tract. It is characterized by the presence of white blood cells in the urine and is usually accompanied by bacteria, which may be addressed by treating the underlying cause.Pyuria Average Cost
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Average Cost
$750
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Symptoms of Pyuria in Dogs
Because pyuria itself is a symptom of another disease, dogs will not show clinical signs of the pyuria alone. Some dogs with a urinary tract infection, which is the most common cause of pyuria, are asymptomatic, but most will present with symptoms.. These clinical signs include:
- Frequent urination
- Cloudy urine
- Strong smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Lethargy
- Increased thirst
Causes of Pyuria in Dogs
When white blood cells are detected in a dog's urine, there is a high probability of an infection somewhere in the urinary tract. The infection may be anywhere within the tract, including the kidneys, the bladder, and the urethra. Pyuria can also be caused by kidney stones or by genital tract contamination, such as from the prostate gland or vagina. In some cases, noninfectious, or sterile, pyuria may occur, leading to white blood cells in the urine without any accompanying bacteria.
Diagnosis of Pyuria in Dogs
Pyuria is sometimes incidental finding, one that is diagnosed when the dog is examined for other conditions. Regardless of the reason for your visit, the veterinarian will conduct a physical examination and take a history of your dog's health. Based on findings and on the information you provide, further testing may be performed, including blood work and a urinalysis.
A urine culture is the standard diagnostic tool for discovering a urinary tract infection. The presence of pyuria, with or without accompanying bacteria, will be discovered through the urinalysis. A leukocyte esterase reaction tests for white blood cells in a dog's urine and will reveal pyuria if present.
Depending on the results of the tests and corresponding analysis by your pet's healthcare team, the veterinarian will make recommendations either for treatment or for more extensive testing to pinpoint the cause of the pyuria. Radiography, ultrasound, biopsy, or explorative surgery may be necessary to diagnose the underlying source of the pyuria.
Treatment of Pyuria in Dogs
Treatment for pyuria varies depending on the underlying cause. Most urinary tract infections can be addressed with medication, including antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, cefovecin, and tetracycline. Antimicrobial drugs are typically effective against these infections and may be prescribed as pills or as injections. If your dog is resistant to antimicrobials, or if the pyuria is a symptom of another disease, the veterinarian will recommend another treatment accordingly.
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Recovery of Pyuria in Dogs
Depending on the cause of the pyuria, recovery and management may vary. Provide your dog with a quiet place to rest regardless of the treatment, and make sure he has access to fresh water. If the veterinarian has prescribed medication, administer the full dose according to instructions. Always finish the course. Monitor your dog for worsening or new symptoms during this time, and let the veterinarian know if anything changes.
In most cases, the veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination to ensure that the treatment is working and that your dog is recovering. This exam may include a urinalysis to test for pyuria and to check that any urinary tract infection has resolved.
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Pyuria Average Cost
From 22 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,500
Average Cost
$750
Top
Pyuria Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
English Bulldog mix
Izzy
7 Years
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lathargic
Urination Pain
Refuses To Eat
Refuses To Eat, Drinks A Lot Of Water
Urinates A Lot
Dripping Blood
I rescued Izzy off the street. She has been at the vet constantly since we found her march 19 this year. Round and hook worms, fatty tumer, emaciated, and in heat. Now I'm thinking it may be pyuria instead of being in heat. At one point she threw up. I want to spay her but she is never well enough to undergo surgery. Preop blood work was done that found she had a high level of cholesterol but then she threw up and began refusing to eat again. Could this be pyuria instead of her being in heat?
July 19, 2018
6 Recommendations
Pyuria is the presence of a high number of white blood cells or pus in the urine, the symptoms may be related to an urinary tract infection but your Veterinarian would need to determine that by examining the urine. Without examining Izzy myself and doing urinalysis I cannot say for certain. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 19, 2018
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Irish terrior
Keva
12 Years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My dog was treated for 21 days with antibiotic for bacteria in the urine. The symptom which brought my dog to the vet was tinge of blood in the urine and difficulty peeing. The result of the recheck of the urine, was bacteria free but excessive amount of white blood cells. My vet is known to err on the side of caution, he is recommending an ultrasound of the bladder. Would you concur this is a necessary test. Could this condition subside on its own?
June 29, 2018
5 Recommendations
Generally white blood cells would indicate an infection but they may also indicate inflammation elsewhere in the urinary tract; the determination to continue with any testing is based on your Veterinarian’s discretion based on their findings during physical examination especially if they noted other symptoms at the time of examination. However, since I haven’t examined Keva I cannot legally question your Veterinarian’s rationale for an ultrasound, but you should think about having further testing done if there is no improvement in the numbers of white blood cells. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 30, 2018
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Pyuria Average Cost
From 22 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,500
Average Cost
$750
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
