What does it mean by Lower Urinary Tract Problems?
Urinary tract disease is actually just a general term used to describe several afflictions that can affect the urinary tract, the body's drainage system for removing wastes and extra water.
There are soo many problems that can really affect your dog's urinary system. Let's begin by answering all the common questions related to 'lower urinary tract problems in dogs'.
What Causes Dogs Lower Urinary Tract Problems?
Here are a few leading causes of LUTP in dogs:
- Stones, crystals or debris accumulation in the bladder or urethra
- Bladder inflammation or infection
- Incontinence from excessive water drinking or weak bladder/hormonal issue
- Trauma
- Cancer
- Stress
- Spinal cord abnormalities
- Congenital abnormality
- Prostate disease
What are the common symptoms of Dogs Lower Urinary Tract Problems?
Frequent Attempts to Urinate
Is your dog peeing a lot throughout the day? Dogs with lower urinary tract problems tend to urinate abnormal amount of times each day because of no or very less urine is being expelled each time.
This is very frustrating and dangerous for your dogs as they are unable to take out the unwanted body toxins through their urine.
You must take your dog to your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog is unable to pee as Dogs Lower Urinary Tract Problems can be life threatening.
Painful Urination
Sometimes the urination can be so painful that your dog will try to soothe itself by licking their penile or vaginal area. Dogs with lower urinary tract disease will get more irritated than usual.
Blood in the Urine
Dogs with urinary tract disease will often have urine which is blood-tinged or discolored. Females are often at greater risk for urinary tract infections that lead to blood in the urine than are males.
Urinating Indoors
Urinating indoors is not always a medical issue, but you should be concerned of it, especially when combined with any of the other aforementioned symptoms.
What are the treatments and cures for Dogs Lower Urinary Tract Problems?
A veterinary visit for lower urinary tract issues will start with a physical examination and usually will include an examination of the kidneys and bladder, a urinalysis and possibly urine culture, blood work, radiographs or ultrasound.
Depending on your dog’s diagnosis, one of the following may be recommended:
- Antibiotics
- Medications or supplements
- Dietary changes
- Increase in water intake
- Urinary acidifiers or alkalinizers
- Intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy
- Surgery or other procedures to remove bladder stones or tumor
- Surgery to correct congenital abnormality
- Treatment of underlying condition that is contributing to urinary problem (e.g. diabetes mellitus)