Myelitis and UTI in Dogs

Myelitis in dogs is a spinal cord inflammation. It occurs alone or combined with other spinal and brain inflammations, such as meningitis and encephalitis. A urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs is a common infection of the bladder, urethra, ureters, kidney and prostrate gland. Fourteen percent of the dog population worldwide will develop a UTI. Female dogs are diagnosed with UTIs more frequently than male dogs, due to a shorter urethra.

  1. Symptoms

    • Myelitis, especially when combined with meningitis or encephalitis inflammations, causes neurological deficiencies. Look for behavioral changes, lack of coordination and even seizures. Severe cases lead to dementia and coma. Symptoms of UTI are minimal-to-nonexistent in the early stages. Excessive thirst, incontinence and unsuccessful urination are symptoms of a strong infection. If your dog yelps during urination, or the urine contains blood, take it as a sign that the infection is at a dangerous stage.

    Causes

    • Myelitis in dogs develops from infectious and noninfectious disorders. Infectious causes include bacterial infections from tick bites, fungal infections and viral infections such as rabies and distemper. Noninfectious causes of myelitis are due to disorders found in certain breeds of pugs and terriers. A UTI develops from a bacterial infection, typically found in contaminated water or food. The bacteria overwhelms a dog's immune system and settles in the urinary tract. Severe infections spread beyond the urinary tract.

    Treatment

    • Veterinarians typically prescribe antibiotics for myelitis in dogs. Your veterinarian assesses possible infectious causes and any possible disorders specific to your dog's breed. CT scans are available to determine the inflammation's progression. Veterinarians treat UTIs with antibiotic or antimicrobial medications. Your veterinarian determines the extent of your dog's UTI through urine tests. Medical procedures are available for dogs with advanced infections. Ask your veterinarian about any home remedies to make your dog more comfortable during the recovery process.

    Prognosis

    • Myelitis typically responds well to antibiotic treatment. Expect a longer recovery for dogs diagnosed with viral or species-specific inflammations. Despite treatment, continued neurological deficiency is a potential complication. UTI symptoms disappear within a few weeks of treatment. To prevent future infections, clean your dog's water and food bowls. Assess your dog's health with your veterinarian through regular health visits. Myelitis and UTI require quick treatment plans for a successful recovery. Adhere to your veterinarian's after-care instructions.