Dog Bladder Infection - A Sign of Underlying Health Problems?

The bladder is an organ in the body that stores urine. Bladder infection in dogs is commonly caused by bacteria. However, a recurrent or persistent infection may indicate other conditions such as bladder stones, bladder cancer, Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism), diabetes mellitus and anatomical defects.

Bacteria infection

The urinary bladder and urine are normally sterile. Infection occurs when bacteria enters the bladder via the urethra from outside the body. This type of infection can simply be treated with a course of antibiotics.

Canine bladder stones

There are various types of bladder stones. Oxalate stones are the type that cause dog bladder infection.

The substance that inhibits the formation of calcium oxalate stones is nephrocalcin. Due to some genetic disorder, this substance is defective in dogs that develop this type of bladder stones.

Calcium oxalate stones cannot be dissolved by special diets. In most cases, surgical removal is necessary. Nevertheless, dietary changes can prevent formation of new stones.

Bladder cancer

This type of cancer is rare in dogs. More than 50% of bladder tumors are malignant. The tumor usually grows in the neck of the bladder. As it becomes larger, it can block the flow of urine to and from the bladder.

Surgical removal is only possible if the tumor is located away from the neck of the bladder or it has not spread to other parts of the body. Other treatment options include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Cushing's disease

In dogs with Cushing's disease, the body over produces cortisol. Excessive levels of this hormone increase calcium in urine that leads to formation of calcium oxalate stones. As mentioned above, this type of stones cause bladder infection in dogs.

For Cushing's disease caused by adrenal tumor, treatment is by surgical removal and supplementing with cortisol until adrenal glands are functioning normally again.

Pituitary dependent Cushing's disease is treated with drug medications to restore cortisol production to normal level.

Diabetes mellitus

Dogs with diabetes mellitus have insufficient insulin to absorb and utilise glucose. Excess glucose promotes bacteria growth and bladder infection. Diabetes mellitus is treated with insulin injections.

Anatomical defects

Diverticuli in the bladder can harbour bacteria and is a hard to reach area for antibiotics. Surgical removal may be required if prolong treatment with antibiotics does not get rid of the infection.

Neurological problems

Older dogs may have difficulty emptying the bladder due to disc problem, spine tumor, liver disease and cauda equina syndrome.

Some of the symptoms of dog bladder infection are:

- blood in urine

- straining to urinate

- urinating more often and in small amounts

- urinating in odd areas

- increased drinking

- excessive licking of genitals

Not all dogs display the same signs. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, consult your vet for a proper diagnosis.