green living blue planet - Natural Awakenings Magazine Charlotte
green living blue planet - Natural Awakenings Magazine Charlotte
green living blue planet - Natural Awakenings Magazine Charlotte
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naturalpet<br />
Urinary System Primer<br />
The urinary system is vital to any animal’s<br />
health, because it is responsible<br />
for removing waste products such as<br />
chemical byproducts, toxins and drugs<br />
from the bloodstream and eliminating<br />
them as urine. Other vital functions of<br />
the system include balancing the body’s<br />
pH, transforming vitamin D into an active<br />
form, and releasing hormones that<br />
aid in regulating blood pressure.<br />
Urinary tract disease may show up in<br />
several ways, including common bacterial<br />
infections easily treated with antibiotics,<br />
and bladder or kidney stones,<br />
which often require surgery. Just as in<br />
people, urinary tract disease causes pets<br />
pain and is dangerous if left untreated.<br />
Many urinary diseases share<br />
similar symptoms, any of which should<br />
prompt a proper professional diagnosis:<br />
n Frequent straining to urinate, often with<br />
little success; if a pet likely has a full bladder<br />
and attempts to urinate but nothing<br />
passes, consult a veterinarian immediately<br />
n More than the usual licking of the<br />
genital area<br />
n Increased urination, sometimes in<br />
inappropriate areas, such as inside the<br />
home or outside the litter box<br />
n Crying or whimpering when urinating<br />
n Cloudy/bloody urine with a strong odor<br />
As always, providing the veterinarian<br />
with details as to changes in recent<br />
28 Greater <strong>Charlotte</strong> Awakening<strong>Charlotte</strong>.com<br />
UrinaryHealth<br />
Illness Care and Prevention Tips<br />
by Dr. Matthew J. Heller<br />
Dogs and cats can suffer from diseases and disorders similar<br />
to those that can trouble their owners. Urinary tract disease<br />
is a common cause for concern for pets.<br />
potty habits is helpful. Based on a detailed<br />
medical history, many veterinarians<br />
will proceed to diagnostic testing that<br />
usually begins with a basic urinalysis.<br />
Urinary Tract Infections<br />
The most common cause of urinary tract<br />
disease is bacterial infection. For most<br />
urinary tract infections (UTI), an antibiotic<br />
regime will treat the present infection<br />
and lifestyle changes accompanied by<br />
veterinarian-recommended nutraceuticals<br />
may aid in preventing future problems.<br />
Certain underlying conditions may<br />
predispose a pet to infection, such as<br />
a weakened immune system or diabetes.<br />
Most canine UTIs are bacterial<br />
in origin and as a general rule, female<br />
dogs are more prone to experience<br />
them because the wider female urethra<br />
potentially allows more unwanted<br />
bacteria to enter. If bacteria then travels<br />
to the bladder and is left untreated, it<br />
may go on to contaminate the kidneys<br />
and other organs, presenting a serious<br />
health risk.<br />
Bladder Stones<br />
Bladder or kidney stones pose a more<br />
serious type of urinary disease, and either<br />
is of more concern for pets. In suspect<br />
situations, radiographic imaging such as<br />
X-rays or ultrasounds will help determine<br />
treatment. Small female dogs between the<br />
ages of 4 and 8 that have a history of bladder<br />
infections are the most vulnerable.
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