Treatment for Canine Cystitis

Canine cystitis involves the inflammation of the urinary bladder. Bacterial infections, the formation of stones in the bladder, a urinary pH imbalance or urinary tumors can cause canine cystitis. If your dog is affected by cystitis, you may notice symptoms such as blood in the urine, pain while urinating or excessive urinating. Canine cystitis can be treated with conventional medication or natural remedies. The treatment used will depend on the cause of the infection.

  1. Antibiotics

    • Since canine cystitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, the most commonly used treatment for it is antibiotics. A two- to three-week course of antibiotics is prescribed. Penicillin and amoxicillin are antibiotics that are commonly used for dogs.

    Diet

    • A poor diet can cause a weakened immune system and an imbalance in the pH levels in your dog's urinary tract. These conditions allow bacteria and bladder stones to flourish in your dog's urinary system. A special diet may help to dissolve bladder stones, strengthen the immune system and maintain pH levels. Diets that are free of sugars, preservatives and pesticides are ideal. Also, diets such as the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet, which is based on serving your dog a mixture of uncooked meat, bones and veggies, can be helpful for treating cystitis.

    Surgery

    • If polyps or tumors inside the urinary system are the cause for canine cystitis, then surgery may be a treatment option. Polyps that are not cancerous can be successfully removed; however, malignant tumors may be harder to remove. In cystitis cases where polyps or tumors are involved, a veterinarian will perform more extensive tests to determine the best treatment for your dog.

    Natural Methods

    • There are several natural herbs that work well for treating canine cystitis. The herb uva ursi is a disinfectant and antiseptic that effectively kills bacteria and promotes regular urination. Golden rod, an herb found mostly in North America, reduces urinary inflammation and spasms, and increases the flow of urine to help wash out bacteria from the urinary tract. Nux vomica and cantharis are other herbs that effectively combat bacteria in the bladder.

    Recurrence

    • If cystitis recurs after treatment and becomes more chronic, bladder stones may develop in the urinary tract. The bladder stones must be treated for cystitis to be treated effectively. Accordingly, a veterinarian may recommend surgical removal of the stones. If canine cystitis recurs without the presence of kidney stones, then a follow-up extended course of antibiotics is issued.