Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

414 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
excreted by the kidneys and outlines the renal pelvis and ureters. Other selective
studies include CT scan and surgical exploration and biopsy of the
kidneys or the bladder.
Diseases of the Bladder and Urethra
There are four basic problems, often interrelated, in the lower urinary tract.
They are infection, obstruction, stones, and urinary incontinence.
CYSTITIS (BLADDER INFECTION)
Cystitis is a bacterial infection of the lining of the bladder. Urethral infections
in both males and females often precede bouts of cystitis. Other predisposing
causes include increasing age, diabetes mellitus, and being on long-term corticosteroid
therapy. In sexually intact males there may be a preexisting prostatitis.
Dogs who go long periods of time without eliminating have a greater risk
of developing bladder infections.
Urinary stones can occur as a result of cystitis. The bacteria form a nidus
(a central point) around which the stone develops.
The principal sign of cystitis is frequent, painful urination. The urine may
appear cloudy and have an abnormal odor. Females with cystitis may lick at the
vulva and have a vaginal discharge. The diagnosis is confirmed by a urinalysis
showing bacteria, white blood cells, and often red blood cells in the urine.
Treatment: Cystitis should be treated promptly to prevent kidney infection.
Your veterinarian will prescribe an oral antibiotic that is effective
against the bacteria in question. Antibiotics are administered for two to three
weeks, after which the urine should be checked again to be sure the infection
has been eliminated.
Urinary acidifiers may be used to help prevent bacteria from adhering to
the bladder wall. Blackberries and raspberries have compounds called ellagitannins
that prevent bacterial adhesions to the bladder wall. Cranberries have
a similar action, and all of these berries may help to lower urine pH. A second
attack suggests a secondary problem, such as bladder stones, and the need for
a veterinary workup. X-rays or an ultrasound may be done at this time. The
second attack is treated with antibiotics selected on the basis of culture and
sensitivity tests. A follow-up urine culture is obtained one to two months after
discontinuing treatment. Chronic forms of cystitis may require the use of urinary
antiseptics or long-term antibiotics given at bedtime.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been shown to help some cats
with recurrent urinary infections. These are safe supplements that might help
dogs—although so far there is no evidence that they affect urinary tract problems
in dogs.