Urinary Tract Infections, Bladder Infections

A urinary tract infection can occur anytime the army of bacteria existing in the moist area outside the urinary opening decides to march up the urethra, especially if your pet does not urinate often enough (at least every 6 hours). The bacteria proliferate in the bladder urine, and from there to the kidneys. These infections occur mostly in female dogs, but are also increasingly seen in male dogs.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria invade any part of the urinary tract, particularly the urethra or urinary bladder. The most common organisms that cause UTI are Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus and, Enterobacter, Proteus, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas. E. coli is the most common organism found in canine and feline urine. Bladder infection, also called cystitis, is very common in female dogs (particularly spayed female dogs).

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Recurrent or untreated UTIs are a significant problem and can cause progressive damage (scarring of the bladder), and in more rare cases, kidney failure. In one study, urinary tract infection was suggested to be the cause of the bacterial arthritis. Certain medications and diseases can predispose your pet to the development of UTI, including antibiotics, corticosteroids, glucocorticoids; diabetes, tumors and urogenital diseases (such as epididymitis, or inflammation of testicles). Treatment of these conditions can effectively prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.

Breeds at Risk

Recurrent and persistent UTI are most commonly seen in middle-aged to older German Shepherd dogs, Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodles, and Labrador retrievers (both sexes).

Signs of Urinary Tract Infections

Signs may include increased urination, cloudy, foul-smelling, or dark urine, increased licking of the genitals, and lower abdominal tenderness.

Causes of Urinary Tract Infections

Some experts believe that urinary tract infections are directly related to diet in both cats and dogs. Dry commercial pet foods are often contaminated with bacteria, which may or may not cause problems. Improper food storage and some feeding practices may result in the multiplication of the E. coli bacteria. For example, adding water or milk to moisten pet food and then leaving it at room temperature causes bacteria to multiply. Yet this practice is suggested on the back of packages of some kitten and puppy foods.

Natural Treatments for Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are usually treated with antibiotics. The same diet recommended for controlling struvite bladder stones is recommended for dogs and cats with chronic urinary tract infections. If processed foods must be fed, most holistic veterinarians prefer canned foods (which contain large amounts of water) rather than dry foods.

Dietary Therapy

Dietary therapy is a useful preventive measure for pets with urinary tract infections. Since most infections commonly occur in alkaline urine (urine with a high pH), diets should help maintain an acidic urine (low pH) as much as possible. Vegetarian or cereal-based diets are more likely to cause an alkaline urine, while animal-based protein promotes acidic urine.

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to take advantage of the benefits of cranberries in preventing or treating urinary tract infections is to drink cranberry juice. Cranberry juice does not inhibit bacterial growth and does not effect on the pH of the urine. Rather, the positive effect of cranberry juice can be attributed to inhibition of bacterial adherence to the cell walls of the urinary tract. Proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins) from cranberry appear to be the compounds responsible fro preventing pathogenic bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.¹

Cran-Max is an extract made from 100 percent cranberry fruit solids through a highly effective process that intensifies the natural benefits of the whole cranberry without any additives or preservatives. It is more powerful and works faster in treating UTIs than cranberry juice because of its time-release mechanism that protects it from destruction by stomach acids.

References:
1. Mandell, Douglas and Bennett's principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases