犬と猫の膀胱炎（尿路感染症）
尿路感染症は頻尿、失禁、不快感を引き起こします。再発性感染は潜在問題のシグナルかもしれません。
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs and less common but more serious in cats. Bacteria enter the urinary tract, causing inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) and sometimes the kidneys (pyelonephritis). While uncomplicated UTIs are easily treated, recurrent infections may indicate an underlying condition. RVC diagnoses and treats UTIs. Call +853 6677 6611.
- UTIs are caused by bacteria ascending the urethra into the bladder
- More common in female dogs due to shorter urethra; less common in cats
- Symptoms: frequent urination, straining, blood in urine, accidents
- Diagnosis requires urinalysis and urine culture to identify the bacteria
- Antibiotics are chosen based on culture results
- Recurrent UTIs may indicate bladder stones, diabetes, or anatomical abnormalities
Symptoms of UTI
Dogs: frequent urination (pollakiuria), straining to urinate (dysuria), blood in urine (hematuria), accidents in the house, foul-smelling urine, licking the genital area excessively, and lethargy. Cats: frequent trips to the litter box with small amounts of urine, straining or crying in the litter box, blood in urine, urinating outside the litter box, and excessive genital grooming. IMPORTANT: straining in cats can also indicate urethral obstruction — a life-threatening emergency.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis starts with a urinalysis: urine is examined for bacteria, white blood cells, red blood cells, and crystals. A urine culture identifies the specific bacteria and which antibiotics will be effective. This is critical — using the wrong antibiotic leads to treatment failure and antibiotic resistance. For recurrent UTIs: bladder X-rays or ultrasound (look for stones, tumors, or anatomical issues), blood tests (diabetes, Cushing's, kidney disease), and cystoscopy (camera in the bladder).
Treatment
Uncomplicated UTIs: 7-14 days of appropriate antibiotics based on culture results. Symptoms usually improve within 48 hours, but the full course must be completed. Complicated or recurrent UTIs: longer courses (3-6 weeks), sometimes with initial IV antibiotics. Underlying causes must be addressed: bladder stones may need surgery, diabetes requires insulin, and anatomical abnormalities may need surgical correction. Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication help during treatment. Recheck urine culture 5-7 days after finishing antibiotics to confirm eradication.
Prevention
Ensure unlimited access to fresh water — dilute urine is less prone to infection. For dogs: frequent bathroom breaks to prevent urine stagnation in the bladder. For cats: clean litter boxes (scoop daily, change litter regularly) to encourage normal urination. Cranberry supplements may help prevent bacterial adherence to the bladder wall. Probiotics support urinary health. For recurrent UTIs, low-dose preventative antibiotics or urinary antiseptics (methenamine) may be prescribed. Address underlying diseases promptly.
- Frequent urination or straining to urinate
- Blood in urine
- Accidents in the house (dogs) or outside litter box (cats)
- Crying or vocalizing while urinating
- Lethargy or fever with urinary symptoms
- Male cat unable to urinate (EMERGENCY — possible blockage)
RVC
RVC provides urinalysis, urine culture, and treatment for UTIs. If your pet has urinary symptoms, schedule an appointment at +853 6677 6611.
+853 6677 6611