Food & Health

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Pets

Urinary tract infections in pets are common. A urinary tract infection is an infection caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites in the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The infection is usually caused by bacteria in the environment or the intestines that enters the urethra and proliferates in the urinary bladder.

The most common source of urinary infections in pets is fecal contamination and subsequent spread of bacteria up the urinary tract. Common bacteria involved include staphylcoccus, streptococcus, proteus, and E coli.

Which pets are most at risk for developing a urinary tract infection?

- UTIs are more common in dogs than in cats.

- Overweight pets with extra skin folds.

- Some female pets may have inverted vulvas that lead to bacterial buildup and secondary urinary tract infections.

- Pts with weaker immune systems including geriatric pets as well as those with dental disease.

- Chronic diseases such as diabetes, Cushing’s Disease, cancer, and immune suppressive viruses in cats such as feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

- Pets with a history of urine dribbling and involuntary urination.

UTIs symptoms:

- Increased frequency of urination

- Urgency of urination

- Straining to urinate

- Inappropriate urination

- Bloody urination

- Offensive odor to urine

Treatment

Antibiotics are the main form of therapy for pets with urinary tract infections. The course of therapy for pets with first time infections is typically 10-14 days. In pets with recurrent or prolonged urinary tract infections, therapy with antibiotics may last for three to four weeks or even longer. In these cases it is especially important to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, as well as which antibiotics will kill the bacteria. This is critical in helping veterinarians determine the appropriate therapy.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/SarawakSPCA/photos/a.10155925831354..

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The Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals believes that animals, as living creatures, have value beyond economic measurement, and are entitled to legal, moral and ethical consideration and protection. The Sarawak SPCA's mission is to act as an advocate on behalf of animals and as an enforcer of their rights; to provide for the well-being of the animals of the State of Sarawak who are abandoned, injured, subjected to unfair or cruel treatment, or otherwise in need; to cultivate in the people of our community an awareness of the animals whose world we share; to promote a bond of mutual assistance between people and animals; and to instill respect for and appreciation of all living things.

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