Canine Bladder Problems

Canine bladder problems can be serious. Some common causes of bladder problems in dogs are urinary tract infections, bladder cancer and bladder stones. If your dog seems to have bladder problems, contact your veterinarian promptly for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

  1. Identification

    • The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters, urethra and bladder. These work together to help a dog produce, transport, store and excrete urine. Urination eliminates waste from the body and helps control the volume of fluids.

    Types

    • Bladder stones may cause bladder problems in dogs. Struvite stones are the most common bladder stones. These can be dissolved by changing your dog's diet. Female dogs may develop bladder problems--incontinence, in particular--as a result of being spayed, especially if the spaying is done before puberty. Urinary tract infections are also a common problem in dogs, especially females because a female dog's urethra is shorter and wider and may allow bacteria to enter. Kidney infections and kidney damage may result if urinary tract infections are left untreated. Perhaps the most serious type of bladder problem in dogs is bladder cancer. This is an uncommon condition but when it occurs, it often affects the entire urinary tract system. Bladder cancer may spread and affect other organs such as the liver, lungs or spleen.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of canine bladder problems may include frequent urination, urinating in small drops, accidents after being housebroken, blood in the urine and straining to urinate. A bladder infection may also cause swollen lymph nodes.

    Diagnosis

    • Your veterinarian may perform a physical examination and urinalysis to diagnose bladder problems. Other tests may include X-rays to check for bladder stones or a CBC (complete blood count).

    Treatment

    • Treatment for bladder infections will often help bladder control problems in dogs. You may have to give your dog oral antibiotics for 14 days and then get another urinalysis. According to the Dog Health Guide, bladder stones may be treated with medication to dissolve the stones. If this is not effective in eliminating the stones, surgery may be required. Treatment for bladder cancer may depend on the type of cancer present. Surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor if possible, followed by radiation or chemotherapy.