Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common ailment among cats and dogs. A UTI is technically an infection present in any part of the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra), but a bladder infection is the most typical form of a UTI. Today we’re going to take a swim in the pool of urinary knowledge; keep reading to learn more about how UTIs start, what symptoms pets may experience, and how veterinarians test for and treat infection.
The origin of a urinary tract infection
Urine is created by the kidneys and then moves to the bladder for storage. The urinary bladder is a sterile organ (meaning bacteria do not normally live in it) that holds urine until the body is ready to release it. A UTI occurs when bacteria gain access to the bladder and then multiply. This usually happens because bacteria climb their way from the lower urinary tract (ie. the external genital area) up into the bladder.
How to recognize a UTI
Urinary tract infections are usually localized to the bladder, which means that other body systems are rarely affected. Pets with UTIs won’t experience fever, appetite loss, vomiting/diarrhea, changes in blood work, or other symptoms that could indicate a health concern. Common signs of a UTI in a dog or cat include:
- excessive drinking
- urinating small amounts at a time
- urinating more frequently and/or with urgency
- straining or discomfort while urinating
- excessive licking of the genital area
- bloody urine
Testing for a UTI
Any owner who has dealt with a pet UTI has probably heard of a urinalysis. This is usually the go-to test for veterinarians when screening for a urinary tract infection, and may be followed (or performed in conjunction with) a urine culture. What is the difference between these two tests, and what do they measure for?
A urinalysis analyzes chemical properties of the urine, including the pH, specific gravity (how concentrated the urine is), protein levels, etc. Lab analysts also visually inspect the urine to look for crystals, cells and bacteria.
The findings of a urinalysis usually determine if a urine culture is necessary. Urine samples that contain the following may indicate the need for a urine culture:
The urine culture test is the only way to absolutely confirm a UTI. The only issue with this test is that it takes a couple days to show results. A sample of urine is incubated to allow for bacterial growth, and it can take 48 hours for any growth to show. For this reason, many veterinarians will start a patient on an antibiotic before they receive the results of the urine culture, especially if the urinalysis showed any concerning results and/or if the patient is showing symptoms indicative of a urinary tract infection. The urine culture is still an important test even though it takes time; the results will show if there is bacteria in the urine, what type of bacteria is present, and which antibiotics will work to eliminate the infection.
A urinalysis analyzes chemical properties of the urine, including the pH, specific gravity (how concentrated the urine is), protein levels, etc. Lab analysts also visually inspect the urine to look for crystals, cells and bacteria.
The findings of a urinalysis usually determine if a urine culture is necessary. Urine samples that contain the following may indicate the need for a urine culture:
- An excess of white blood cells (indicating that the body is fighting off infection)
- bacteria
- protein (which the urinary tract normally conserves, but will begin to show up in the urine in times of inflammation or kidney protein loss)
The urine culture test is the only way to absolutely confirm a UTI. The only issue with this test is that it takes a couple days to show results. A sample of urine is incubated to allow for bacterial growth, and it can take 48 hours for any growth to show. For this reason, many veterinarians will start a patient on an antibiotic before they receive the results of the urine culture, especially if the urinalysis showed any concerning results and/or if the patient is showing symptoms indicative of a urinary tract infection. The urine culture is still an important test even though it takes time; the results will show if there is bacteria in the urine, what type of bacteria is present, and which antibiotics will work to eliminate the infection.
Treating a UTI
Typical bladder infections often resolve after 10-14 days of treatment with an oral antibiotic. Symptoms will usually disappear within a day or two, but it is important to continue giving the antibiotic for the entire course of treatment. If an antibiotic is stopped early, any bacteria that weren’t eliminated can begin to grow again. Not only will infection recur, but the new growth of bacteria can become more resistant to that same antibiotic.
It is standard for another sample of the pet’s urine to be collected a week or so after treatment ends. This sample will be tested to verify that the infection has completely resolved.
UTIs usually resolve with the first round of antibiotic treatment. Sometimes urinary tract infections occur because of a more concerning health issue; these types of UTIs typically will recur or will not completely resolve with the standard treatment approach. If your pet experiences recurring UTIs or UTIs that appear resistant to antibiotic treatment, consult with your veterinarian.
UTIs that go untreated can also cause other complications, such as a urinary blockage. This is a very serious condition that we will cover in more detail in a couple of weeks.
It is standard for another sample of the pet’s urine to be collected a week or so after treatment ends. This sample will be tested to verify that the infection has completely resolved.
UTIs usually resolve with the first round of antibiotic treatment. Sometimes urinary tract infections occur because of a more concerning health issue; these types of UTIs typically will recur or will not completely resolve with the standard treatment approach. If your pet experiences recurring UTIs or UTIs that appear resistant to antibiotic treatment, consult with your veterinarian.
UTIs that go untreated can also cause other complications, such as a urinary blockage. This is a very serious condition that we will cover in more detail in a couple of weeks.
Stay tuned for more information about urinary tract conditions: in our next post we’ll be covering a condition in felines called Idiopathic Cystitis. Cats with this syndrome display symptoms almost identical to those of a UTI even though no infection is present.
