Cystitis in dogs: symptoms, treatment and consequences

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

As a result of hypothermia of the animal, weakened immunity and concomitant diseases, the membrane of the bladder can become inflamed. As a result, veterinarians diagnose cystitis. In dogs, the pathology manifests itself quite specifically, so it is difficult not to notice the problem. The pet turns from a calm and friendly creature to a nervous and frightened one. At the time of urination, the dog unusually crouches, whines and tries to lick the genitals as soon as possible. This behavior is more likely to indicate inflammation.

Predisposing factors

In the intestines of any he althy dog lives a lot of various microorganisms. When a pet is he althy, bacteria cannot harm the body. But as soon as the immune system fails, they immediately begin to attack. Cystitis in dogs is caused by E. coli, streptococcus, and staphylococcus aureus. It is these microorganisms that are the first to rush into the bladder in case of problems withhe alth.

The most susceptible to the disease are pets that are constantly in inadequate conditions, receive poor-quality food or are subject to constant stress. Frequently ill and chronically cold dogs are also at risk.

Cystitis in dogs can develop against the background of inflammatory processes. In this case, the treatment depends on the pathogens that attacked the urinary tract. Animals diagnosed with urolithiasis or nephritis are more likely to develop bladder inflammation.

The problem often affects females who have pathologies of the genital organs. If there are problems with the uterus or ovaries, it is necessary to take preventive measures against cystitis.

Cystitis in dogs can develop on the background of low-quality feed. Cheap brands contain too many flavorings and dyes that provoke changes in the composition of urine. Increased acidity irritates the walls of the bladder. The mucous membrane gradually becomes thinner, becoming more vulnerable to the penetration of bacteria.

Types of pathology

Treatment of cystitis in dogs depends on the form of the disease. Indeed, often the pathology affects not only the bladder, but also descends lower, causing concomitant diseases. Veterinarians can diagnose the following types of cystitis:

1. Hemorrhagic. Hemoglobin is elevated.
2. Catarrhal. Characterized by increased protein in the urine.
3. Dystrophic. During a urine test, a specialist diagnoses the content of particles of inflamed and dead epithelium.
4. Purulent. A dangerous form when there is pus in the urine.

Treatment of cystitis in dogs should be entrusted only to a specialist. The veterinarian, based on the tests and history taking, will prescribe the necessary drugs and procedures.

Reasons

There are dog breeds that are at risk. Animals with short legs, such as dachshunds, are more likely to develop the disease. In females, the bladder is more likely to become inflamed. This is due to the peculiarities of the structure of internal organs, frequent pregnancies and childbirth.

Veterinarians consider the mating of the dog to be a non-specific cause. The procedure may affect the course of a sluggish process or cause a new disease. The latter happens in the case of an uncontrolled choice of a sexual partner for an animal and infection.

If cystitis is diagnosed in a pregnant bitch, then her treatment is carried out under the strict supervision of a veterinarian. This is due to the fact that many well-known drugs become contraindicated. If the pathology turns into chronic cystitis in female dogs, then their sterilization is recommended. The fact is that constant pregnancies undermine immunity and the disease is difficult to treat, because many pills are contraindicated.

Cystitis in a dog: symptoms

A loving and caring owner usually notices the early signs of illness right away. If earlier the animal was affectionate, friendly and playful, then with inflammationbladder becomes nervous, irritable and often refuses to communicate. Pain causes the pet to constantly ask to go outside, but in the end there is no urine at all or it is excreted in small drops.

To start treating cystitis in a dog in time, every breeder should know the symptoms of the disease:

• The constant urge makes the dog irritable. She often asks to go outside and may start to shit at home.
• During urination, the animal makes sounds, crouches and constantly licks the genitals.
• When trying to go to the toilet, the liquid comes out in small streams. In complicated cases, it stops coming out altogether.

If the above signs of cystitis in dogs are considered specific, then pain in the lower abdomen and fever signal a general intoxication of the body. Lethargy and apathy of the animal also provokes a complete refusal to eat.

Any breeder should be wary if a dog refuses to be petted. The pet is especially nervous about trying to feel the stomach.

Acute cystitis

Cystitis medicine for dogs is selected based on its shape. The disease is divided into acute and chronic. In the first case, the signs of cystitis in dogs are quite noticeable and any veterinarian will immediately make a diagnosis. If treatment is prescribed on time, then the prognosis is favorable.

In the acute course of the disease, the clinical picture is clearly expressed and the symptoms clearly characterize progressive inflammation. But it is necessarytake a smear and urinalysis to identify the nature of the pathogenic microflora. After that, a course of antibiotic therapy and medications aimed at eliminating specific symptoms are prescribed. It is also important to calm the dog and relieve pain. Therefore, the doctor will recommend mild sedatives and painkillers.

After a well-appointed course and following all the recommendations of the veterinarian, the animal is completely cured. The whole process takes less than a week. Relapses are rare if preventive measures are followed.

Chronic disease

Many unpleasant minutes brings cystitis in a dog. How to treat inflammation is decided depending on the form of the disease. If the pathology has become chronic, then it is important to find out the cause that provokes exacerbations. Chronic cystitis is extremely rarely an independent form of the disease. Most often, it is provoked by a number of other problems:

• Urolithiasis;
• tumor processes;
• anomalies in the structure of internal organs;
• tuberculosis of the bladder.

Therefore, if chronic cystitis is diagnosed in a dog, how to treat and a set of examinations should concern the root cause. Only a doctor, based on the collected history, is able to determine the underlying disease.

Necessary Dianostics

An appointment with a specialist begins with a general examination and palpation of the abdomen. To do this, you will need to completely empty the bladder, which can be difficult with inflammation. Therefore, the doctor may place a catheter. Enoughan unpleasant disease is cystitis in dogs. Treatment at home is acceptable, but in the case of an acute course of the disease. A blood and urine test will help determine the form of the pathology, in which leukocytes and erythrocytes are sharply increased.

But before home procedures, you should undergo a full examination. All the necessary drugs can be prescribed only by a doctor. To do this, the overall pH level in the urine and the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotic therapy are detected. In the chronic course of the disease, the initial problem is established, causing permanent inflammation. This requires the following mandatory procedures

• Ultrasound of the prostate gland and males and uterus in bitches.
• X-ray examination of the pelvic organs.
• Complete blood and urine tests.

When treating at home, you can do many activities yourself. But for these procedures, you will have to contact a veterinary clinic.

Treatment measures

If cystitis is diagnosed in dogs, the doctor should select drugs for treatment based on the form of the disease, the general condition of the pet, its age and he alth. It is important not to delay contacting the veterinary clinic, otherwise the problem may develop into a chronic one. However, the measures taken do not always lead to a stable result. If the pet has a genetic predisposition to the disease, then it can return again and again. In this case, only strict adherence to all recommendations andthe implementation of preventive measures will help lead to a stable remission.

It is useful for any pet owner to know how to treat cystitis in a dog at home. Of course, all procedures are carried out under the constant supervision of a veterinarian. A sick pet is shown dry heat in the abdomen and pelvis. You can use special heating pads, in the absence of such - an ordinary plastic bottle. However, only warm water can be used, avoiding hot water. The heating pad is kept in the bladder area for up to 20 minutes. 3-4 procedures can be carried out per day. If the animal goes outside, then during the cold period of time it is necessary to put on warm pants with a hole for urination on the dog.

It is important to completely overhaul the pet menu. Cereal crops during treatment are excluded. S alty and spicy foods are prohibited. Doctors recommend feeding the sick pet with meat broths for the first 2-3 days. If the dog is completely transferred to dry food and weaning is not planned, then a treatment line should be purchased.

Used medicines

To effectively and quickly defeat the disease, cystitis pills for dogs should be recommended by a doctor after a full examination. The optimal dosage regimen and dosage may depend on the obtained urine and blood tests. So, with the predominance of an acidic environment, "Urotropin" will be effective. If there is an alkaline environment in the urine, then "Salol" should be prescribed.

However, pills and potions will not be able to have the desired effect,if the dog does not consume fluid in the required amount. The owner must strictly monitor the drinking regimen of the pet. If necessary, water is poured forcibly with a syringe. This is the only way to speed up the elimination of pathogenic bacteria. Ammonium chloride can enhance the effect.

But it is not always possible to cure a dog at home. If cystitis is accompanied by the release of pus, then temporary hospitalization will be required to flush the bladder. The doctor uses a catheter to inject an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic solution. The most commonly used furatsilin, boric acid, potassium permanganate. This procedure is best done in a medical office under anesthesia.

Use of antibiotics

Antibiotics for cystitis in dogs are a prerequisite for a complete cure. But you can choose the right drug after the tests and it is better if they are prescribed according to an individual scheme. The most prescribed drugs are:

• "Ceftriaxone";
• "Monural";
• "Baytril";
• "Amoxicillin".

Often practicing veterinarians prescribe homeopathic remedies. They help to reduce frequent urges and reduce pain. Such remedies include "Nux vomica-Homaccord" and Atropinum compositum."

People's First Aid Kit

Folk remedies always come to the aid of dog breeders, which have proven themselves well. However, they cannot completely replace the complex treatment recommended by the doctor.

Toto reduce the acidity of urine and constant irritation of the mucous membrane, you can offer the dog cranberry juice. But it is worth remembering that a large number of berries leads to precipitation of oscalates.

Healing herbs are quite effective and have a healing effect. With difficulty in urination, lingonberry leaves with nettle help well. In addition to the antiseptic effect, the infusion has a diuretic effect and promotes the rapid elimination of pathogens.

Prevention is important

In order not to provoke inflammation of the bladder, it is always important to fully cure infectious diseases. If the veterinarian has deemed it necessary to prescribe antibiotics, then it is important to take them for the recommended time, and not to give up after the disappearance of the main symptoms of the disease. Pathogenic microorganisms can be suppressed, but not completely defeated, and as soon as the pill is finished, they rush from the intestines down the genitals. Thus, cystitis often occurs.

It is important to ensure that the animal is not supercooled. If this is a decorative dog or devoid of a thick undercoat, then veterinarians advise walking the pet in winter in special clothes that cover the stomach. Craftswomen can sew such a jumpsuit on their own. The main thing is to leave a hole in the abdomen for free urination.

During chronic infections, it is important to find the source of their spread and purposefully act on it. Indeed, sometimes there are cases when cystitis was caused by completely unrelated pathologies. Such problems includeperiodontitis or gingivitis. Veterinarians advise you to carefully monitor your pet, conduct regular preventive examinations and, at the slightest suspicion of feeling unwell, seek advice from a specialist.

How you can help at home

If it is not possible to show the dog to the doctor, then up to this point you can help the pet yourself and relieve the pain syndrome. To do this, it is always necessary to have medicines for cystitis in the home medicine cabinet. There is a special kind of drug that is designed for pets. Veterinarians recommend using Stop Cystitis suspension. The tool helps to remove cramps, relieves inflammation, removing pathogenic microflora, and has a diuretic effect.

You can use the pills that are used in the practice of treating cystitis in humans. Furadonin gives a pretty good effect. The drug has a low price, but has a powerful effect against many pathogenic bacteria. The tablets are practically tasteless, so they can be mixed into the feed. However, it is better to entrust the calculation of the dosage to the doctor. It is important to take into account the weight of the dog and its well-being. The drug often causes vomiting, so the intake is strictly controlled by a specialist. Among the contraindications is the pregnancy of the animal.

Conclusion

It is better to prevent the development of cystitis in a dog than to treat it later. The disease is quite unpleasant and makes a friendly pet nervous and naughty. The animal may start to shit at home, but scolding it is not recommended. The cause of such incidents are constant urges and uncontrolled urination. If the problem has gone too far, then you can put a diaper on the dog at home.