Cystitis in dogs

Dogs that have cystitis frequently experience bladder inflammation, which frequently results in pain and frequent urination. Dogs of all ages and breeds can get it, but some may be more susceptible than others.

Although bacterial infections are typically the cause of this condition, other causes include tumors or bladder stones. Early detection of the symptoms is crucial to keeping it from getting worse and ensuring your dog receives the right care.

Serious health problems may arise from untreated cystitis. Dog owners must therefore be aware of the warning signs and understand when to seek veterinary assistance.

Causes

Even in a healthy body, bacteria exist, but they are not dangerous because of their tiny concentration. Microorganisms are not eliminated with urine when urination issues arise, and they start to actively grow. This phenomenon has the following causes:

1. Infections. In this case, cystitis is secondary and occurs against the background of another disease. Infection from the affected organ penetrates in 2 ways:

1. Descending. Pathogenic microorganisms penetrate through the bloodstream from diseased organs (nasopharynx, teeth).
2. Ascending. Bacteria concentrate in the urethra due to obstruction (stones, adhesions, injuries, tumors).

Apart from the primary causes, there exist predisposing factors that debilitate the immune system:

• pregnancy and childbirth;
• long-term use of toxic drugs;
• intestinal dysfunction (diarrhea, constipation);
• helminthiasis;
• food allergies.

Idiopathic cystitis is a rare condition in dogs that has no known cause. Treatment for this diagnosis is symptomatic since the underlying cause cannot be removed.

Please be aware that cystitis is not a separate illness and can occasionally manifest as urolithiasis’s symptom.

Cystitis most frequently happens in:

• uncastrated animals vulnerable to cancer, pyometra and prostatitis;
• small breed dogs more sensitive to changes in temperature conditions;
• females with a shorter urethra than males, located near the anus.

Symptoms

It’s critical to see a veterinarian as soon as the first symptoms of cystitis show up. When the inflammatory process lasts a long time, the following factors make the disease worse:

• inflammation of the prostate;
• the appearance of cystic neoplasms in the genital area;
• the development of urethritis, accompanied by impurities of pus in the urine;
• the formation of stones in the urethra and bladder;
• the occurrence of enuresis (urinary incontinence), leading to renal failure;
• the development of pyelonephritis, thinning the heart muscle due to increased blood pressure (the disease often leads to death).

Due to the increased risk of secondary infection and the development of new diseases, it is necessary to begin treatment at the initial stage of the disease. To do this, it is important to understand the main symptoms that occur in a sick dog.

How it manifests itself

When the overt symptoms of cystitis do not manifest, the illness may occasionally be asymptomatic. It’s crucial to pay attention to even the smallest alterations in your cherished pet’s personality and behavior in this regard.

If the animal is clean-minded, then the sudden appearance of urine puddles all over the house should not be disregarded. It is improbable that a dog that has always been obedient would decide to express its displeasure with the owners and exact revenge by damaging a pricey parquet floor or beloved sofa.

The following symptoms will help to recognize the disease:

1. Change in color, smell and concentration of urine. The secreted fluid becomes cloudy, contains mucus, pus or a small amount of blood (with internal damage to the mucous membrane). A sharp and repulsive odor appears.
2. Refusal to eat. The animal loses interest in food and favorite treats.
3. Change in posture when urinating. Instead of the usual raising of the hind leg, the sick male urinates while squatting.
4. Pain during urination. Any attempt to urinate causes pain to the dog, so it becomes nervous and whines during and immediately after the process.
5. Decreased activity. Due to constant pain, the pet tries to stop any attempts to move and shows aggression towards the owners who try to move it from its place.
6. Increased temperature. A change in body temperature indicates intoxication and developing inflammation.
7. The appearance of a small amount of blood at the end of the genitals. Blood from the damaged mucous membrane lingers on the hairs at the exit of the urethra.
8. Decreased urine volume during urination. Inflamed tissues narrow the urethra, so when trying to urinate, the animal leaves one or more drops.
9. Increased frequency of urination. The narrowed canal does not allow the bladder to be completely emptied. The dog rushes around the house, constantly asks the owner to go for a walk and leaves small puddles or drops all over the house.
10. Acute pain during palpation of the bladder. Due to unpleasant sensations, the animal"s abdominal muscles tense up. The dog begins to growl and tries to run away.

The type of disease determines how severe the symptoms are:

1. Acute. Accompanied by all the listed signs, so it is easy to visually diagnose. In the absence of timely treatment, the symptoms subside, and the disease becomes chronic.
2. Chronic. Proceeds in a sluggish form, when periodic incontinence of a sick animal is attributed to an accident. Behavioral changes are absent. In some cases, the disease subsides for a short period, and each relapse occurs in an acute form.

Since the symptoms of cystitis are similar to those of ICD, self-diagnosis and drug use are prohibited. Long-term inflammatory processes rarely improve with conservative care and necessitate surgery.

Diagnostics in a veterinary clinic

Determining the disease’s cause is just as important as identifying it. The following diagnostic methods are used for this:

• collecting anamnesis, determining possible routes of infection (improper diet, errors in maintenance, infections, allergies) or existing pathologies in chronic form that affected the development of cystitis;
• general and biochemical blood and urine tests, demonstrating deviations in basic indicators;
• ultrasound, revealing the presence of stones or sand in the urethra, as well as other lesions of internal organs and systems;
• x-ray, demonstrating the presence of polyps or tumors;
• analysis of a smear from the urethra, determining sexually transmitted infections;
• bacteriological analysis of urine, revealing the type of pathogenic microorganisms and their sensitivity to antibiotic treatment.

The amount of biomaterial collected, the method of collection, the container selected, the timing and location of storage, and other factors can all affect the integrity of urine test results. In this sense, the sample is obtained while the animal is being examined directly in a veterinary clinic. The veterinarian feels the bladder to gauge its level of fullness. A catheter is used to remove extra fluid if there is a lot of it.

The type of disease determines how many diagnostic techniques are employed:

1. If the inflammation is catarrhal in nature (the infection affects only the mucous membrane of the urinary tract), then the dog is prescribed a trial treatment even before receiving the results of the urine test.
2. With hemorrhagic inflammation, characterized by a violation of the vascular walls, or the chronic form of cystitis, all of the listed diagnostic methods are used.

Dogs that have cystitis often have bladder inflammation, which makes them uncomfortable and urinate a lot. Urinating difficultly, having blood in the urine, or having accidents at home are some of the symptoms that may indicate an infection, stones, or other problem. Owners should contact a veterinarian as soon as they notice these symptoms because prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoiding complications.

How and what to treat

Depending on the underlying cause and the diagnosis, drug therapy may involve the following:

• antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Baytril, Furadonin, Cephalexin, Ceftriaxone), which fight pathogenic microorganisms;
• hepatoprotectors (Gepatovet, Divopride) and immunomodulators (Gamavit, Vestin, Immunofan, Ribotan), normalizing the immune system;
• antihistamines (Allervet, Suprastin), prescribed when allergic cystitis is detected;
• drugs that stop bleeding in the presence of blood flakes or clots in the urine (Vikasol, Dicynone);
• painkillers (Analgin, Cyston, No-Shpa), reducing pain;
• anthelmintics (Milbemax, Drontal, Prazitel, used for helminthiasis;
• herbal medicines (Stop-cystitis, Urolex, Cyston), reducing pain and spasms, and also having an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect on the body.

Surgery may be necessary in certain situations to remove stones or urethral blockage. Bacteria that have accumulated inside the bladder are removed using room-temperature antiseptic solutions based on furacilin, potassium permanganate, or boric solution.

It is advised to consume decoctions of medicinal herbs (corn silk, lingonberry, horsetail) in addition to immunomodulators. Add them to food, but only after consulting a veterinarian and no more than seven days in a row.

The length of the treatment varies from one to three months, depending on the diagnosis and state of the animal. It’s crucial to do the following in addition to taking the vet’s prescribed medications:

• change the previous diet;
• exclude the dog from being in drafts;
• do not use heating pads that can aggravate the inflammatory process;
• choose a comfortable place with a soft and warm bed (stop any attempts to settle on the tiled floor).

Antibiotics

Antibiotic use contributes to the destruction of harmful bacteria by preventing their division. In 97% of cases, these medications are deemed necessary for treating cystitis.

Antibiotics are taken in conjunction with medications that strengthen the body’s defenses because of the strong aggression of the active ingredient.

The table has a list of the most widely used medications.

Name	Price (RUB)	Effect
Amoxicillin	250-600	After injection, the active substance is distributed through the bloodstream and reaches its maximum concentration in the plasma after 1-2 hours. The effect lasts up to 2 days.
Baytril	400-450	After injection, the active substance is distributed through the bloodstream and reaches its maximum concentration in the plasma after 20-30 minutes. The effect lasts for 1 day.
Furadonin	65-200	Used to suppress Proteus, E. coli, hemolytic streptococcus, Shigella and Salmonella. The active substance is distributed through the bloodstream within 30 minutes, and after 60 minutes it gets into the urine. The effect lasts for 3 hours.
Cefalexin	70-90	After injection, the active substance is distributed through the bloodstream and reaches its maximum concentration in the plasma after 1 hour. The effect lasts for 6-8 hours.
Ceftriaxone	20-50	After injection, the active substance is distributed through the bloodstream and reaches its maximum concentration in the plasma after 1.5 hours. The effect lasts for 1 day.

It is important to note that the animal experiences excruciating pain during the Ceftriaxone injection. Veterinarians typically recommend using Baytril, a more costly but efficient medication. This antibiotic is prescribed for a period of five to ten days.

The duration of antibiotics may be extended to two or three weeks in cases of the chronic form of the illness. Please be aware that stopping the recommended medication is not allowed if the pet’s condition gets better. The test results dictate the course of treatment, so any medication changes or cancellations should be overseen by a veterinarian.

Diet and nutrition

In order to lessen the strain on the afflicted organs and strengthen the body’s defenses, you must alter your regular diet. Nutrition adjustments depend on the type of feeding:

1. Dry food. The dog is transferred to hypoallergenic food or a professional line of food recommended for diseases of the genitourinary system:

1. Advance Veterinary Diets Urinary Canine Formula;
2. Farmina Vet Life Canine Struvite;
3. Hill’s Prescription Diet U/D Canine Non-Struvite Urinary Tract Health dry;
4. Trovet Urinary Struvite ASD;
5. Hill’s Prescription Diet C/D;
6. Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Canine UR Urinary dry;
7. Farmina Vet Life Canine Oxalate;
8. Hill’s Prescription Diet S/D Canine Urinary-Dissolution canned.

1. exclude meat and meat products, which put additional strain on the kidneys due to the high protein content;
2. increase the content of natural fermented milk products (yogurts, fermented baked milk, kefir), which normalize the intestinal microflora during antibiotic treatment;
3. exclude any food from the human table, rich in preservatives, dyes and other substances harmful to the dog;
4. use oatmeal and buckwheat cereals, which have an enveloping and gentle effect on the gastrointestinal tract (when cooking porridge, you can add non-rich meat broth);
5. include prebiotics and probiotics in the daily diet, which help preserve beneficial microorganisms in the intestines;
6. add cranberry juice to food, which boosts immunity;
7. exclude fatty foods (choose low-fat dairy products to avoid putting stress on diseased organs);
8. serve vegetables only boiled, which reduces the load on the liver.

Make sure you are getting enough fluids in your diet. Water contributes to lowering toxin concentrations, which lessens the damaging influence on the irritated mucous membrane. The dog experiences less discomfort when urinating and the regular process returns when the urine is less concentrated.

Make sure the water your pet is receiving is:

1. Fresh. Do not leave water in the bowl for more than a day. This will protect the animal from infection with new bacteria that form in stagnant water.
2. Clean. Be sure to filter or boil the water before giving it to your dog. Heavy metals and salts contained in running tap water can aggravate the course of the disease.

Alkali, a substance found in every home, can neutralize the acidic environment of the urinary tract, which attracts pathogens. Add 0.5 teaspoons of baking soda to one liter of water to achieve this.

Prevention

It’s critical to adhere to the following guidelines for your pet’s health because untreated cystitis can lead to severe complications:

1. Neuter the animal if you are not going to mate it in the future. This will protect the dog from diseases of the genitourinary system. Also do not forget that frequent births greatly undermine the body"s defenses. Try to knit the dog no more and no later than the set standards.
2. Take care of the resting place. Animals cannot be lying on the cold floor from concrete in a place blowing with drafts. Buy high-quality bedding and place it in a warm and protected place. Avoid places near heating devices that cause overheating.
3. Treat any identified gynecological diseases in a timely manner. Pay special attention to female pets after giving birth and during estrus. Owners of male dogs should stop females from licking their loops.
4. Wrap up your dog before going for a walk in the cold season. Buy a protective suit and reduce the usual walking time to minimize the risk of hypothermia. Pay special attention to small-breed dogs without an undercoat.
5. Visit the veterinarian for preventive purposes at least once a year. If the animal has a genitourinary disease or another chronic disease, increase the frequency of visits to 2 times a year.
6. Don"t be afraid to request documents confirming the health of the mating partner. All animals must be dewormed and vaccinated.
7. Monitor the balance of the diet. Prevent dehydration and use high-quality food or natural products. Please note that holistic class feeds enriched with protein components are not suitable for animals with cystitis.
8. Try to walk your dog at least 3 times a day. If your work schedule prevents such frequency, buy a litter box and train your dog to relieve itself in a specially designated place. In this case, the animal will not have to endure until the owners return.
9. Be sure to visit a grooming salon if your dog is a long-haired breed. A haircut near the anus will protect the genitals and oral cavity from feces stuck in the hairs.
10. Brush your teeth 2-3 times a week. Caries and inflammation of the oral cavity are open gates for pathogenic microorganisms that penetrate the genitourinary system in a descending way.

Symptom	Description
Frequent urination	The dog may need to urinate more often than usual, even indoors.
Straining to urinate	Your dog might struggle or take longer to urinate.
Blood in urine	You may notice traces of blood in your dog"s urine.
Discomfort or pain	The dog may show signs of discomfort, like whining when urinating.
Lethargy	Your dog may seem more tired or less active than usual.
Increased thirst	Dogs with cystitis might drink more water than normal.

When detected early, canine cystitis is a common but treatable condition. You can detect the problem before it gets worse by keeping an eye out for symptoms like pain, frequent urination, or blood in the urine.

Consistent veterinary examinations, a nutritious diet, and adequate hydration are crucial in averting cystitis in dogs. Prompt intervention and appropriate care can guarantee your dog’s complete recuperation and prevent further issues.

See your veterinarian right away if your dog exhibits any symptoms. The best way to maintain your pet’s health and happiness is to act early.

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