Pet Health And Care >> Dog Health >> Urinary tract infection in dogs

Urinary Tract Infection in Canines:

Much like in humans, it is very common for “stones” to form anywhere along the urinary tract of a dogs system.

Also known as urolith, the condition is characterized by the formation of microscopic crystals that precipitate in the urinary system. The presence of urinary crystals in dog’s can be classified into two types; namely – cystic calculi and urethral calculi. Cystic stones are more common in females and appear when urinary tract bacterial infection inside the bladder causes a shift in the pH factor of urine which causes the crystals to develop.

Over a period of time, these crystals will gradually start to merge and small grains of sand like material will be formed. After these small initials grains have developed, these tiny specks will slowly grow into stones that reach about 3 inches to 4 inches in diameter.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Stones in Dogs:

There are a number of dog bladder stones symptoms that will show up with the presence of urinary tract stones in dogs.

Some of the more common symptoms include pain during urination, a noticeable increase in the licking of the genitals, increased frequency of urination as well as the occasional presence of blood in the urine passed.

Causes of Dog UTI:

Genetics is known to play a very prominent role in the occurrence of urinary crystals in dogs and studies have shown that genetic physiology of some animals causes their bodies to produce higher levels of substances that are precursors of crystals. Bacterial infection of the bladders (also known as cystitis) also plays a major role in the development of urinary tract stones as it tends to make the urine more alkaline. Many of the bacterium that causes cystitis also produces an enzyme called urease that reacts with urea molecules and forms ammonia and carbon dioxide. These substances may possibly combine at some stage to form magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals along with the magnesium found in the urine. Urinary crystals in dog’s form quite rapidly and in large quantities to form stones.

Treatment for Canine Bladder Infection:

There are a number of treatment options available when it comes to taking pet health care. However, since the condition is internal, a healthy diet will tend to be the most effective form of treatment. There are a number of specially formulated diet plans freely available that help completely dissolve even larger urinary tract stones in dogs. The water consumption of the pet must be significantly increased with the help of canned diets replacing dry foods, while some plain water can also be added to the dry diets.

Submitted on May 7, 2010