Overview:
Urinary tract infection (UTI) typically result from normal skin and GI tract bacterial flora ascending the urinary tract and overcoming the normal urinary tract defenses. Unlike humans, animals are often asymtomatic, and the UTI may be an incidental finding. Possible consequences of untreated UTI include lower urinary tract dysfunction (incontinence), bladder stone formation, prostate inflammation, infertility, sepsis, and kidney infection that can eventually lead to kidney failure.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Increased water intake
- Increased urine output
- Bloody urine
- Straining to urinate
- Urinating small amounts frequently
- Urinating in inappropriate places
- Sometimes there are no signs at all
When to call the veterinarian:
Most urinary tract infections will go away fairly quickly once they are treated with antibiotics. But they can also get worse, sometimes very quickly. The infection can ascend into the kidney and cause very serious problems. If you suspect your pet has an infection, you should call your veterinarian. If your pet is straining to urinate, but nothing is coming out, go to your vet’s office immediately. Pets that cannot urinate could have a stone blocking the urethra. This is especially common in male cats. This requires emergency medical treatment.
For more information about this critical area of your pets health we invite to contact Pacific Coast Veterinary Hospital at 949.429.1555, or visit our website for more information on this, and other vital areas of your pet’s well being.
