Staff of BAH Blog

Blog Series: Medical Emergencies for Pets

PT 5: Straining to Urinate / Cystitis

Euraysia Duhaime: BA, Veterinary Assistant BAH

“Be honest and be kind.”

Pets are prone to a wide variety of illnesses, and it can be difficult to sort out which symptoms are emergencies. I’ve written a series of short blogs to help you determine when your fur-baby needs immediate medical attention. Today, we’re discussing straining to urinate/cystitis.

Urinary issues in animals is a cause for concern and can be quite painful. Straining to urinate, blood in urine, or inability to urinate are all emergency situations. There are many reasons for straining/inability to urinate or blood in urine. These include urolithiasis, urinary tract infection (UTI), and urethral obstruction (UO).

Urolithiasis: Urolithiasis is a urinary tract disease in which crystals or stones form within the urinary tract and cause irritation, pain and possibly blockage. Urinary bladder stones (also known as uroliths) are collections of mineral crystals that combine together with normal organic debris in the bladder to form a stone. The causes for this include:

  • Infection: bacterial infection of the bladder causing alkaline urine is the main cause of struvite crystal formation;

  • Lower Water Intake: Not taking in enough water leads to more concentrated urine, which may increase the likelihood of stones forming;

  • Breed Predisposition: Small breed dogs are more susceptible than large breed dogs;

Symptoms of urolithiasis are:

  • Blood in urine,

  • licking in genital area,

  • incontinence or an inability to control urination,

  • decreased urine flow,

  • frequent attempts to urinate,

  • reduced appetite,

  • lack of energy or interest in normal activities,

  • small urinations.

Dog drinking water.

Published under CC BY by unknown author.

UTI: The most common causes of UTIs in dogs are bacterial. Most dogs get UTIs when normal skin and gastrointestinal (GI) tract flora get past the urinary tract’s defenses. These bacteria then colonize the urinary tract, leading to an infection. UTIs also have an increased rate of occurrence in dogs with other health problems, such as Cushing’s disease. Symptoms of UTI include:

  • bloody and/or cloudy urine,

  • straining or whimpering during urination,

  • accidents in the house,

  • needing to be let outside more frequently,

  • licking around the urinary opening,

  • fever,

  • small or frequent urinations.

Dog had an accident indoors.

Published under CC BY-NC-ND license by unknown author.

Urethral Obstruction (UO): UO (a blockage more common in cats) is a life-threatening blockage of the lower portion of the urinary tract. It prevents an animal from being able to urinate. Although UO can occur in any cat, it is more prevalent in young to middle aged male cats. Orange male cats have highest risk.

Cat in litterbox.

Published under CC BY-SA license by unknown author.

Unfortunately, this condition can be quite advanced before owners notice. Symptoms can include:

  • increased vocalization,

  • frequent trips to the litter box with straining,

  • accidents in the house, especially small urinations.

Because of the seriousness of UO and its rapid progression, any cat that is straining in the litterbox should be brought to a veterinarian for evaluation.

 

 
 

If you have any questions, or would like to book an appointment, fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours. If you have a possible emergency during our hours of operation, please call the clinic at 519-648-9738. If you have an after hours emergency, please contact Campus Estates Animal Hospital at 519-837-1212.