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Urinary Tract Infections
If your pet is having "accidents" in the house, urinating more frequently or straining
to urinate, discolored or bloody urine, the most common cause is a urinary tract infection.
Urinary tract infections most often involve the bladder which is called cystitis.
Cystitis usually results from an ascending bacterial infection from the vulvar or
penile areas or from primary bacterial overgrowth in the bladder. A more serious,
life-threatening condition is a kidney infection or pyelonephritis. It is important
for you to seek medical attention so that your veterinarian may distinguish between
these two diseases.
The diagnosis of a urinary tract infection is based on:
- Clinical signs - such as frequent or abnormal urination and bloody urine.
- Urinalysis - to determine kidney status and analyze the cells in the urine.
- Urine Culture and Sensitivity - to determine the exact pathogen responsible for the infection and which antibiotics will be effective.
- Bladder X-rays - to search for bladder stones, tumors or other causes for chronic infections and/or cystitis
It is important to have your pet treated promptly to reduce the risk of the infection
spreading to the kidneys.
In MALE CATS, straining or the inability to urinate is a LIFE-THREATENING
condition often caused by a blockage called urethral obstruction. If the blockage is
not removed, the bladder may rupture and the pet die. If your male cat is constantly
going to the litter box and not producing urine, crying out or exhibits pain in the
stomach region, do not delay. Seconds count in this situation.
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