Bladder infections (or urinary tract infections) are a common problem in dogs. The urinary tract, including the bladder, has become infected by bacteria. Female dogs have a shorter urethra that is often wider than that of a male dog. This makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. As a result, female dogs are much more susceptible to infection than male dogs.
Cause of bladder infection
If your dog is urinating more often than usual, but only small amounts, there is a good chance that he or she has a bladder infection. The most common causes of a bladder infection are bacterial infections and bladder stones. It is also possible that a bladder infection has been caused by polyps, an abnormal anatomy of the bladder and tumors.
Symptoms of a bladder infection in your dog
You can recognize a bladder infection by a number of symptoms. Your dog pees very often. There is blood in the urine or the urine is cloudy. Your dog shows incontinence symptoms. And your dog is very thirsty and wants to drink a lot and often. Furthermore, your dog is in a lot of pain and discomfort and strains on an empty bladder.
Diagnosing a bladder infection in your dog
The symptoms of a bladder infection are quite clearly visible. However, it is also important to rule out other things. During the consultation with the vet, the vet will ask about the way the dog urinates. A lot of information can be obtained from this. Does the dog have difficulty urinating or is there incontinence? The vet will also look at the abdomen and feel the abdomen to see if the bladder and kidneys are in order.
The diagnosis of bladder infection can also be made by means of a urine test. The urine may not be older than four hours. The urine sample is spun down and the sediment is examined under a microscope. Unfortunately, a urine test is often not sufficient to determine the exact cause of the infection. Further examination is then carried out by means of a urine culture after a bladder puncture, an X-ray and/or an ultrasound.
Treatment of bladder infection in dogs
If a bladder infection is indeed diagnosed, treatment with a course of antibiotics often follows. The duration of the course of antibiotics depends on the severity and location of the bladder infection. Sometimes it is also necessary to rule out bladder stones or a bladder tumor, the vet can do this based on an ultrasound. Some bladder stones can be dissolved with an adjusted diet. Benign polyps can often be surgically removed. If a bladder infection has been present for a longer period of time and the bacteria have reached the kidneys, permanent damage to the kidneys can occur. It is therefore important to consult the vet in time if you have any doubts about the health of your dog. Always make sure that your dog can drink enough water so that the urinary tract is regularly flushed.
The Cost of a Bladder Infection in Your Dog
When your four-legged friend suffers from a bladder infection, the costs of diagnosis, treatment, and care can quickly add up. Bladder infections in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial infections, bladder stones, polyps, abnormal bladder anatomy, and even tumors. Symptoms include frequent urination and discomfort for your furry companion.
The medical care required for a dog with a bladder infection can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment method chosen. This may include urine testing, antibiotics, pain medications, and possibly even surgery.
The good news is that you can reduce these costs with pet insurance . At Pet Insurance Comparison.co.uk you can easily find the right insurance for your dog, so that you are prepared for unexpected medical costs. With pet insurance, you do not have to worry about the financial burden of treating bladder infections and other health problems in your pet.
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