Crystallization and Urinary Track Infections in Dogs

As in humans, urinary tract infection (UTI) is a problem that also happens in dogs. Although a UTI can be relatively simple to treat, it can be serious if it goes untreated. Urinary tract infections shows some of the same symptoms as bladder and kidney stones.

  1. The Facts

    • Urinary tract infection is an infection in any of the organs involved in the urinary tract. Organs in this system include the kidneys, bladder and urethra. These infections often are missed in their early stages because of a lack of early symptoms, and can lead to renal failure if they're not treated.

    Causes

    • Urinary tract infections are caused by bacterial buildup in the system. The bacteria is exacerbated by a dog holding in urine and failing to eliminate toxic bacteria, stressful situations, poor diet leading to a weak immune system and lack of clean water.

    Symptoms

    • Dogs that have a UTI find it both difficult and painful to empty their bladder. Symptoms of a UTI in the lower urinary tract are increased drinking and urination. Symptoms of a UTI in the upper urinary tract are weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea. According to UTI-in-Dogs.com, insatiable thirst is almost always a sign of a UTI of some sort. Serious symptoms include blood in the urine, tender bladder, urine that smells foul and a failure to urinate. Any of these symptoms indicates the necessity of a veterinary visit.

    Treatments

    • Urinary tract infections are treated with a round of antibiotics, which must be prescribed by a vet. Treatments last from seven to 10 days, with antibiotics fed to dogs as pills or liquid. Health supplements to cure and prevent urinary tract infections include cranberry supplements, increases in nutrition and a supply of fresh and clean water.

    Urine Crystals

    • Vets test a dog's urine to determine the presence and cause of a UTI. This urinalysis turns up evidence of bacteria if the problem is a UTI, and often turns up evidence of urine crystals. Urine crystals are symptomatic of kidney and bladder stones, which often happen concurrently with a UTI. Stones also cause blood in the urine and difficulty with urination. Although a UTI and stones may happen concurrently, their similar set of symptoms often lead to misdiagnosis.