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Pet Article
CATS AND UTI
UTI, known as Urinary Tract Infection, is a very uncomfortable problem, not only for us
humans but for your pet also, especially cats. UTI can sometimes be accompanied by bladder
stones, which can both initiate and promote infection in the bladder.
Whilst dogs can get urinary tract infections, cats are much more susceptible. Female cats
are also more susceptible than their male counterparts. This may be because the urethra
(opening from the bladder to the outside world) is very short in female cats and, it is
close to the rectum, where a large amount of bacteria can be present. In addition, cats
do more grooming than dogs, which can spread the bacteria.
Dogs tend to be housebroken and because they go outside, there is more opportunity for an owner
to notice when there could be a problem. The pet owner may notice straining or blood in the
urine sooner. Infections can often go unnoticed in cats because the pet owner may not see
the cat using the litter box. Often, cat owners don't notice that there is a problem until
their pet stops using their box. Whilst some cats may stop using their litter box for
behavioral reasons, it is important to rule out any medical problems before assuming that
the cause could be behavioral.
Since urinary tract infections can be caused by a multitude of factors, it is
often difficult to discover the cause. The origin of an infection could be as
simple as an overgrowth of bacteria or as complicated as bladder stones. The formation of a
bladder stone is very much like the formation of a pearl inside an oyster. It often forms
from a single irritating particle called a nidus, which consists of tiny particles such as
small bacteria. Minerals are then deposited onto its surface, and over time it grows larger
and can become very irritating to the lining of the bladder.
In female cats, these stones can cause recurrent infections with signs such as
straining and blood in the urine. Infections caused by bladder stones often
respond to antibiotics but return once the antibiotics are discontinued. In male
cats, stones can cause infection and, if a bladder stone becomes lodged in the
urethra, can make the cat unable to urinate. Such an obstruction will result in the
accumulation of urine in the bladder, which in turn can cause the bladder to rupture, creating
a medical emergency that could be fatal if untreated.
If bladder stones are suspected, it is a good idea to take X-rays as well as an
ultrasound examination. Some stones can be seen on a regular X-ray, while others
require ultrasound in order to see them. Ultrasound can also identify the
presence of sandy residue and thickening of the bladder wall, both of which are
signs of possible bladder stone formation. Because there are several kinds of bladder
stones, it is important to find out what kind of stone an animal has before starting
treatment. Some stones can be dissolved with medication, while others, such as calcium
oxalate stones, cannot.
The only treatment for some stones is surgical removal. Surgically removed stones
should be analyzed so a plan can be made to avoid the recurrence of stones in the
future. Prevention may include a change in diet, medication and prevention of
bacterial infections that lead to the formation of stones. Chronic problems
with stones and bladder infections that do not respond to standard treatments may
require a consultation with a surgeon or specialist.
If you have any questions regarding urinary tract infections or bladder stones,
please contact your local veterinarian.
Mark Woodcock
1 Flea Control
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