What is Urinary Tract Infection?
The urethra and bladder are normally sterile environments. However, infectious agents can invade the urinary tract and easily colonize, especially if the normal urinary tract defenses are compromised. Defenses against bacteria can be diminished because of factors such as aging or disease (diabetes for example). E Coli (Escherichia coli) is the most common bacterium to cause a urinary tract infection (UTI).
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria adhere to the urinary tract and begins to multiply. Bacterial urinary tract infections are relatively common in canines, with females being more susceptible than males. If not attended to, a urinary tract infection can lead to serious complications, including scarring and eventual kidney failure.Urinary Tract Infection Average Cost
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Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs
Some dogs may be asymptomatic with a urinary tract infection. Signs that a dog is suffering from a bacterial invasion can vary, depending upon the extent of the infection and whether underlying diseases are complicating the illness. If you feel that your dog is having difficulty urinating, or is exhibiting any of the following behaviors, take him to the veterinary clinic without delay.
- Licking of the urinary opening
- Apparent difficulty urinating
- Urinating in small amounts, frequently (pollakiuria)
- Slow, painful voiding (stranguria)
- Cloudy or malodorous urine
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Incontinence
- Voiding large amounts of urine (polyuria) because of increased thirst (polydipsia)
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
Types
Urinary tract infection is usually classified in two ways.
- Uncomplicated UTI
- There is no underlying structural, functional or neurological abnormality found
- The UTI will usually improve within 48 hours of commencement of treatment
- The treatment course is 5 to 14 days
- Complicated UTI
- There is a predisposing cause for the UTI
- Treatment could involve a therapy course of 4 to 6 weeks
Causes of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs
While bacteria is one reason that a urinary tract infection may develop, there are many other factors that can predispose your canine family member, or further complicate the instance of a UTI.
- Immunosuppression from medication or steroids
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hyperadrenocorticism
- Prostatitis
- Neurological abnormalities
- Polyps
- Tumors
- Bladder stones
- Stress
- Anatomic abnormalities
- Reduced mucosal defense
Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs
When you decide to transport and bring your canine companion to the clinic, the veterinary team will be ready to quickly diagnose the reason for your pet’s discomfort. The veterinarian may begin the visit with the following questions.
- How long has your dog been unwell?
- Can you tell us about the behavioral changes you have noticed, such as dietary habits or activity level?
- Has your dog been prescribed any medications of late, and how did he respond to the treatment?
- What kind of urinary changes have you observed?
A physical exam will take place and will most likely include palpation of the abdomen to check for pain or renal abnormalities. Diagnostic tests could comprise of a biochemical profile (to check for underlying disease), and a complete blood count (to verify the increase in white blood cells). A urinalysis will likely be recommended, which may indicate the presence of proteins, pus, and blood, and to analyze the PH level of the urine. The urine may then be cultured in order to grow and verify the bacteria responsible for the UTI. (The existence of bacteria is a pretty definitive way to diagnose a UTI.)
The veterinary specialist may also want to perform an ultrasound or radiograph, to look for stones or lesions. A contrast study could be possible because it is an excellent way to look for anatomic defects.
Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs
Treatment of an infection of the urinary tract is typically straightforward. In cases of an uncomplicated UTI, treatment will be the administration of antimicrobials (an agent such as antibiotics, that destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms). The treatment will last between 5 to 14 days and is usually administered orally. There are also injectable options available.
In the case of a complicated UTI, antimicrobial therapy may be prescribed for 4 to 6 weeks, with a urine culture advised before starting treatment. If a tumor is involved, surgery may be an option. Any underlying cause or complication must be addressed along with the treatment for the urinary tract infection to have complete resolution. In both complicated and uncomplicated UTI’s, pain relief medication will be given if needed.
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Recovery of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs
Repeated urine cultures are sometimes necessary to verify if the antimicrobial agents have done the trick. In the case of a complicated UTI, the usual culture after one week of treatment will be repeated, prior to the end of the medication period, and then again a week to 10 days after the treatment has stopped. This may seem excessive but is absolutely essential in order to conclude if the chosen protocol will cure your pet of the pain and infection.
Though most UTI’s clear up without complication once the treatment has begun, there can be instances where the antimicrobials do not seem to be effective.
- Noncompliance by the pet owner. Never stop the treatment before the veterinarian gives the go-ahead.
- The treatment may need to be repeated because the initial course was not long enough.
- There could be an antimicrobial resistance, in which case a different one will need to be prescribed.
- There could be an underlying cause that was not previously discovered or recognized.
Chronic urinary tract infection might require low dose continuous therapy. Low dose therapy might be discontinued once the veterinarian verifies, through urine culture, 6 months of bacteria free urine.
Studies are in process to determine if giving your dog cranberry juice, or extract can be beneficial for non-adherence of bacteria to the urinary tract (the same as it seems to for humans).
As always, contact the veterinary team at any time if you have questions or concerns about the treatment prescribed for your furry family member.
Urinary tract infections can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your dog has a urinary tract infection or is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Urinary Tract Infection Average Cost
From 22 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,000
Average Cost
$350
Top
Urinary Tract Infection Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pomeranian
Eleven Years
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Painful Urination
My Pomeranian had blood work done on January 16-17 in the emergency vet hospital due to tobacco poisoning. He was home and fine until Thursday the 21st when there was blood in his urine. He is still eating drinking water seems to be happy but the pee smells fishy. Does he have a UTI
Jan. 26, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
7 Recommendations
Hello, this does sound like he may have a urinary tract infection. It would be best for your vet to check a urine sample and see if there is an infection or something more going on causing him to pee blood.
Jan. 26, 2021
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Pit Bull
Two Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing Licking Peeing On Bed All Of A Sudden
She breaths heavy, started peeing where she lays, seems more anxious than usual
Dec. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
10 Recommendations
Hello so sorry to hear about your dog . This could be many this from upper respiratory issue to seizure or UTI. It would be best for you vet to see your dog to see what is causing this to happen. They would be able to prescribe medications to help.
Dec. 29, 2020
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Border Collie
Nine Years
8 found this helpful
8 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Biting Genitals And White On Outside Of Urethra Area
my dog has started chewing around her groin and has a white powder looking on the outside of urethra. She has also started barking and nipping more which I think means she may be in pain
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
8 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It sounds like something might be going on with her urinary tract, and the best thing to do would be to have her seen by a veterinarian. They can examine her, analyze a urine sample if needed, and let you know what treatment she may need.
I hope that she feels better soon!
Oct. 5, 2020
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Goldendoodle
Eleven Months
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Urinating In House
CONSTANT urination. On oral antibiotics for a week
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
Puppies can have problems with ectopic ureters, or other types of infections. If it is not improving with antibiotics, It would be best to have your pet rechecked by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 15, 2020
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Labrador Retriever
Seven Months
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Constantly Wanting To Urinate. Urinating In House (She Is Potty Trained) And Sometimes Going Outside But Unable To Pee. She Just Finished Her Bleeding Part Of First Heat Cycle.
What can we do until she can be seen by her vet?
July 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
She does sound like she may have a urinary tract infection, and those can be quite uncomfortable as anyone who has ever had one will tell you. There is no treatment for that at home, and it would be best to have her seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible so that she is not in pain. They will be able to examine her and see more what's going on, and get medication so that she is comfortable and back to her normal self again. I hope that all goes well for her!
July 25, 2020
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Chihuahua
Rita
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Increased Urination
The vet performed a urinalysis on my dog and said it was good. I called and asked to see the results and I’m wondering if you agree. I collected the sample and brought it in. Here are the results:
Color: Med yellow
Appearance: clear
Spec gravity: 1.029
Protein: negative
Nitrate: negative
Casts: Occ Gram??? (Can’t read what he wrote next to this)
WBC: Occ
Bacteria: Few Cocci
Sugar: negative
Ketones: negative
Blood: negative
Bile: negative
Urobilinogen: normal
pH: 7.5
Epithelium: Occ
Siberian Husky
Sesco
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking At Genitals
my dog first started peeing in the house from three months and he only did it for few days and then stopped so i just thought maybe i didn't walk him enough but now its been a month and more and he hadn't stopped peeing in the house . at first he used to bark to let us know that he peed now he doesnt and pees in silence. he could be sleeping and suddenly gets up and pees, so we took him to the vet and he was dignosed with UTI and no kidney stones were found. the vet prescribed him ciprofloxacin for a course of 10 days but we're 8 days through and he's not getting any better. also when we asked other owners they told us maybe he wants to mate is that relatable? ( he's not neutered)
Urinary Tract Infection Average Cost
From 22 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,000
Average Cost
$350
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
