CYSTITIS

General Information:

Cystitis is an inflammation of the urinary bladder. It is usually caused by bacteria that enters the bladder through the external urinary opening (ascending infection). Kidney infections may spread to the bladder (descending infection). Occasionally, infections in other parts of the body spread to the bladder through the bloodstream. Prostatic infection can cause recurring bladder infections in males. Bladder stones (calculi) are a common cause of chronic cystitis. Females appear to be more susceptible to bladder infections than males.

Common signs of Cystitis include:

• frequent attempts to urinate
• straining to urinate
• Unusual color of urine (blood or pus in urine)
• painful urination
• frequent licking of the penis or vagina

Treatment Information:

1. Antibiotics:

Medication must be given as directed. Call your veterinarian's office if you cannot give the medication as directed. On occasion, extended treatment lengths may be indicated to totally eradicated the offending bacterial organisms (from weeks to months).
2. Walks:

Make sure your pet has frequent opportunities to urinate during the day, as prolonged urine retention tends to promote cystitis.
3. Water:

Allow ready access to clean, fresh water at all times.
4. Diet:

Depending on the cause of your pets cystitis,  a diet my be recommended to help reduce the recurrence of cystitis. Back|Contents|Forward