An infection that affects the lower or upper urinary tract of the pet which causes frequent urination or urge to urinate (lower urinary tract) or fever and flank pain (upper urinary tract). Urinary tract infections can develop within both cats and dogs, and they are characterized by difficulty urinating, painful urination, frequent urge to urinate and/or blood in the urine. There are many medical problems that can contribute to urinary tract infections in pets including staphylococcus bacteria, streptococcus bacteria, interstitial cystitis, calicivirus and gamma herpesvirus.
How to Recognize
Inability to urinate, straining while urinating, loss of bladder control, and/or cloudy urine are common signs that your pet may have a Urinary Tract Infection. Back pain, excessive thirst, and fatigue are also possible symptoms.
Causes of Urinary Tract Infections
Trauma, stress, prostate disease, stones in the urethra, hormonal imbalances, and a bladder infection are just some of the causes behind a UTI.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will take a urine sample from your pet and examine their kidneys and bladder.
Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections
Most UTIs can be treated with an increase in water intake and a prescribed medication such as antibiotics or an urinary alkanizer/acidifier, though some UTIs may require surgery.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.