Cause of Bladder Infections in Female Dogs

Bladder infections in female dogs are prevalent because their urethras are much shorter, thereby providing less of a barrier to bacteria. Tumors can also cause bladder infections in female dogs, as can nerve degeneration, irritable bladder, calculi (stones) and injury to the bladder̵2;the latter two being particularly uncommon, but not unknown. The most frequent cause of a bladder infection is a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is common in female dogs.

  1. Physiology

    • The bladder is the body̵7;s reservoir for urine. It is a hollow, muscular organ situated behind the pubic bone and protected by the pelvis. According to the American Medical Association, ̶0;At the lowest point within the bladder̵2;the neck̵2;is the opening into the urethra; this is normally kept tightly closed by a sphincter (circular muscle).̶1; The urethra carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. The female version is short, opens to the outside and is just in front of the vagina.

    UTI and Cystitis

    • A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection anywhere within the urinary tract and is primarily caused by bacteria from the rectum, which has spread via the urethra to the bladder or kidneys. Cystitis (bladder inflammation) is very common in females and is almost always caused by bacterial infection. Drinking plenty of water and regular emptying of the bladder can reduce the incidence of UTIs. Conversely, making your dog ̶0;hold it̶1; for prolonged periods can increase the incidence of UTIs.

    Spaying

    • Spaying your female dog has a number of adverse effects associated with bladder problems. According to a study of primarily retrospective epidemiological research done by Laura J. Sanborn, M.S., spaying female dogs ̶0;causes urinary ̵6;spay incontinence̵7; in four to 30 percent of female dogs, increases the risk of persistent or recurring UTIs by a factor of three to four and doubles the small risk (less than one percent) of urinary tract tumors.̶1;

    Urogenital Disorders

    • Urinary incontinence in spayed females can occur either immediately after surgery or up to several years afterward. Sanborn contends that the ̶0;incidence rate in various studies is four to 20 percent for spayed females compared to only 0.3 percent for intact females.̶1; In addition, Sanborn̵7;s study reveals that recurring UTIs were three to four times more likely in spayed females, with increased risk for adolescents spayed before 5 1/2 months of age.

    Symptoms

    • Left untreated, bladder infections can cause serious health problems in dogs.

      Symptoms of infection include a frequent urge to pass urine, lower abdominal pain, blood in the urine and, sometimes, mild fever with malaise. Watch for your dog̵7;s dribbling urine in the house, particularly in her sleeping area, or for inappropriate peeing in the house, particularly if your dog is house broken. Monitor your female to see if she exhibits pain while urinating or picking her up. Consult your veterinarian immediately if any of these signs or symptoms persist for more than one or two days.