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Cystitis (Bladder Inflammation) Causes and Treatment
The cause of the cystitis is, in most cases, a bacterial infection, which reaches the bladder generally from the lower urinary or genital tract, but can also descend from a kidney infection into the bladder, or form an infection elsewhere in the body via the blood.
There are a number of factors which predispose a dog to cystitis, and these include:
- Urine retention due to narrowing of the urethra from calculi (stones), trauma, or tumors. Bacteria grow more rapidly in urine which is retained or stagnant.
- Urine retention due to damage to the nerve supply to the bladder from the spinal cord lesions such as slipped discs, infections, or tumors.
- Urine retention due to congenital defects of the bladder.
- Urine retention from dogs forced to hold urine for long periods.
- Deficiencies of fluids and vitamin A.
- Diabetes mellitus or other causes of sugar in the urine, resulting in a good medium for bacterial growth.
- Trauma to the bladder from accidents.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of the cystitis are increased frequency of urination, sometimes with evidence of straining or pain. The urine may be bloody, particularly the urine expelled at the end of urination. While actual blood is not always seen, in most cases of cystitis there is blood in the urine which gives the urine a pinkish tinge. Otherwise, the dog is usually alert, with normal appetite and temperature.
If the dog cannot urinate at all due to obstruction of the urethra or nerve damage to the bladder, then signs of uremia will be evident, and immediate treatment is essential. Cystitis is more frequent in female dogs, but more serious in males. This is because the female urethra is wide and seldom becomes blocked with stones, whereas in the male the urethra cannot dilate as much and readily becomes blocked.
DIAGNOSIS Analysis of the dog's urine will confirm the diagnosis, and if bacteria are evident, culture and sensitivity testing will be recommended in most cases to determine the antibiotics to use. If the primary cause of the cystitis cannot be determined, x-rays and even a biopsy may be required. Another technique helpful in diagnosing the cause of cystitis is cytoscopy, in which a special instrument is used to inspect the lower urinary tract.
TREATMENT Most cystitis cases are caused by bacterial infections, and antibiotics are effective in clearing them up. Some cases will require long-term treatment. A number of different antibiotics may be tried before an effective one is found. Antispasmotics, pain relievers, and urinary antiseptics are used initially in severe cases to relieve the symptoms. Urinary acidifiers—such as ammonium chloride, methionine, mandelic acid, and vitamin C—are given, often for years if recurrences occur. Most of the bacteria that cause cystitis in dogs do not grow well in acid urine.
To prevent urinary stagnation, the dog owners should salt the dog's food, as this leads to increased drinking and increased urination, both of which help to keep the bladder flushed out. The dog with cystitis should never be allowed to hold urine, but should have free access to the outdoors.
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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