Greencross Vets Urinary disease and my pet
The urinary system consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. The development of urinary disease in dogs and cats is common; however, males have a greater risk of urinary disorders becoming life-threatening if not treated early.
Symptoms of urinary disorders can vary depending on the stage of infection. It is important to become familiar with the warning signs so your dog or cat can commence treatment as early as possible.
Signs of urinary disease:
- Abnormally frequent urination
- Inappropriate urination (around the house)
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Inflammation around the external genitalia.
Urinary disease often returns in pets who have suffered from it previously. Ongoing management options include a specialised diet to prevent reoccurrence.
Specific urinary disorders
Feline lower urinary tract disease – (FLUTD)
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is not a specific disease but rather the term used to describe conditions that can affect the urinary bladder of cats. In the majority of cats with signs of lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), the cause is unknown.
Bladder stones (urinary calculi)
Calculi or bladder stones are rock-like collections of minerals that form in the bladder. They may be in the form of a large, single stone or multiple small stones similar in size to sand or gravel.
Prostatic disease
The prostate is a gland located in the pelvis behind the urinary bladder of male dogs. Enlargement of the gland is common with most prostatic diseases. Since the urethra passes through it, enlargement of the prostate compresses the urethra, making urination difficult.
Kidney disease in cats
Kidney disease (or chronic renal failure) is the most common medical disease affecting cats. Around 70% of the kidneys need to be affected by disease before any obvious signs are seen.
How a simple urine test could save your pet’s life
A simple yet important urine test can detect potentially life-threatening conditions before they become untreatable. It’s a window into your pet’s health.
What diseases and health conditions can a urine test help detect?
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Urinary tract infections
- Incontinence
- Liver disease
- Bladder stones
- Cushing’s syndrome.
How to obtain a urine sample from your pet
Obtaining a urine sample from a pet can be tricky. There are a few different ways you can do this. Below are some tips to help you.
Collecting a urine sample from a dog
- Use a dry, clean container, like a margarine container.
- Wait until your dog begins to urinate, then slowly place the container directly under the stream of urine.
- Only about a tablespoon of urine is required for a urine test.
- Once the urine has been collected, it is important to take it to your local vet as soon as possible.
Collecting a urine sample from a cat
- Remove the cat litter from their tray, leaving only a few pieces for your cat to scratch around with.
- Once your cat urinates in the tray, tip a small amount of the urine into a clean plastic container.
- If your cat is an outside cat, it can be much more difficult to collect a sample. We recommend bringing your cat into the practice with a full bladder, and then a veterinary nurse can express the bladder and collect the sample at the time of your consultation.
If you notice signs of abnormal toileting behaviour in your pet, contact your local Greencross Vets team today.
