Cystitis in dogs: causes, symptoms, treatment
Your dog has cystitis or you at least suspect it? Then you should read this guide carefully. I explain everything in detail, from symptoms to possible treatment options. We have also obtained advice for this article from veterinarian Mag.med.vet. Emin Jasarevic for this article.
What is cystitis?
Cystitis is an infection of the urinary bladder. Generally, bacteria, and less frequently viruses or fungi, are responsible. The germs usually enter the bladder from the genital area via the urethra. There they lead to inflammation and irritation of the bladder wall.
Inflammation of the bladder explained in detail (cystitis**)
**Briefly about my experience:**It was early summer and we were at the Mediterranean with Daisy in our vacation home. Times that Daisy likes best. She romps on the beach and goes swimming: Something every four-legged friend wants and won't miss out on when the opportunity presents itself.
On such days, of course, she is very active. She has an increased thirst and drinks her water bowl empty several times a day. She also has plenty of water to drink on the beach. There we are well equipped.
However, there was one thing we were not prepared for last early summer:
About a week after our arrival at the cottage, she was not at all cheerful and active as usual. She no longer jumped around and contorted her face when peeing.
That's when I knew something was wrong with her.
As briefly mentioned above, cystitis is the infection of the urinary bladder. It is mostly bacteria and in rare cases viruses, fungi and/or parasites are responsible.**
Bladder infections mainly occur in the wet and cold winter months. Long walks and damp fur give the bacteria a good chance of causing a bladder infection. In summer, swimming in cool lakes or the sea for too long can lead to bladder infections.
The most common trigger is Escherichia coli bacteria. They occur naturally in the intestine and are harmless there. Other pathogens include Proteus mirabilis, staphylococci, streptococci, Klebsiella or fungi such as the yeast Candida albicans. In rare cases, viruses or parasites can be responsible for bladder irritation.
If cystitis occurs more than twice in six months or more than three times in a year, it is chronic. In the case of chronic inflammation, urine samples are examined microscopically and chemically in the laboratory. Apart from this, a urine culture is taken to determine the pathogen more precisely.
Other causes that can lead to cystitis include:
- Urinary stones
- Malposition of the urinary tract
- Narrowing of the urethra
- Diabetes mellitus (diabetes)
- Tumors, polyps
Anyone who has ever had a bladder infection knows the burning pain when urinating. The symptoms in the four-legged friend are about the same. Until the treatment kicks in, it can be very painful.
If your furry friend has the following symptoms, it's time for an appointment with the vet:
The first signs are an increased urge to urinate. Although it takes a long time to urinate, only a few drops come out. Some dogs make alhumps and make sounds of pain.
The smell, color and consistency of the urine change. Some of the urine contains blood, is cloudy and/or foamy. It smells more pungent than usual. Your pet may no longer be house-trained during this phase because he no longer has control over his urge to urinate.
If you feel over his belly with your hand, this may cause him pain. The muscles may also be tense.
If the cystitis is more severe, the kidneys or renal pelvis may be affected. In this case, the symptoms extend to fever, tiredness and poor performance.
Both female and male dogs can get cystitis at any age.
Bitches are more susceptible. This is because they have a shorter and wider urethra than males. This means that the pathogens reach the bladder more quickly. The risk is higher in older dogs or spayed bitches.
Spayed bitches have a lower estrogen level. In addition, their connective tissue slackens more quickly. Therefore, the sphincter of the urinary bladder no longer closes tightly enough. This makes it easier for pathogens to enter the bladder.
Pets suffering from diabetes mellitus (diabetes) are more prone to bladder infections. If blood sugar levels are too high, the sugar passes through the kidneys into the lukewarm urine.
This is a good breeding ground for bacteria that cause inflammation. Frequent urination, drinking plenty of water and an appropriate diet can reduce the risk of inflammation. In male dogs, cystitis often occurs with inflammation of the prostate.
You can't avoid cystitis altogether. However, you can reduce the risk.
Especially in cold and wet weather, you should shorten the duration of the walks and walk more often. In addition, your pet should not rest too long on cold damp ground.
In cold weather, your faithful companion's defenses are weakened. This allows bacteria & co. to multiply more quickly. Your furry friend should not be too wet in cold weather, as there is a risk of hypothermia.
Therefore, after a "wet" walk, it is recommended that you dry your pet thoroughly with a towel at home. You can also use a hair dryer on a low heat setting.
If your fosterling has a general tendency to infection, you can give him a Raincoat or winter coat coat. This is especially true for small-breed dogs with little undercoat.
Nevertheless, you should not overdo the protection against the cold. Because walks in fresh air also strengthen his immune system.
Make sure that your furry friend doesn't lie on cold floors such as tiles at home. An insulating mat or a basket with a blanket inside will suffice. Make sure that your pet's place is warm, dry and free from draughts.
The bladder must always be thoroughly flushed. It is therefore important that sufficient water is available and drunk at all times.
Your four-legged friend should have the opportunity to "pee" several times a day. Thus, the bacteria do not find the time to multiply in the bladder and are flushed out faster.
A healthy immune system ensures that diseases are prevented as much as possible. That's why you should make sure that your dog has a balanced or at best organic food gets.
Treatment of cystitis generally proceeds without complications. This should not be a reason to delay a visit to the vet after a suspicion. Because otherwise the inflammation can spread to the kidneys.
It would be good to take a urine sample from your charge to the vet's appointment.
Your veterinarian will first examine the urine for pathogens. If necessary, he will use further diagnostic methods such as blood, X-ray or ultrasound examinations. In this way, he can either exclude other causes or detect and treat them more quickly.
As a rule, cystitis heals quickly and well. It is important that you strictly adhere to the medication treatment period. Even if the symptoms are no longer noticeable and your pet is feeling well again.
In order to flush out the urinary tract during the treatment, your little one should drink plenty of water regularly. If there are difficulties, you can add water to his food.
You can give your pelt nose in additionlukewarm chamomile or fennel teagive. The herbs have a soothing effect on the bladder and urinary tract. your vet will be happy to tell you about the dosage.
Although cystitis is generally relatively quick and easy to treat, you should contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect it.
Please note: That behind cystitis can be diseases that are serious.
I guarantee you one thing: your dog will look at you with relief at his first painless "pee pee".
