Help! My pet is struggling to pee…
Veterinary surgeon Laura Frost offers more advice for pet owners
It is common for cat, dogs and even rabbits to have difficulty passing water. A variety of diseases can cause this from simple cystitis to more serious urinary blockages.
Signs and symptoms:
Pain on urination
Urinating more frequently
Blood in the urine
Constant licking of the genital area
Straining to pee, but not producing any urine
Cats may urinate in abnormal places or repeatedly climb in and out of their litter tray
BEWARE OF BLOCKAGES
If the animal is producing no urine at all this is very serious and potentially life threatening. If left untreated it can lead to kidney damage, heart attack and death. If you have any concern about a blockage in your animal, alert your vet straight away. Cystitis This is a painful condition in which the bladder wall becomes inflamed. The animal may toilet frequently, emptying every last drop of urine from the bladder to try to relieve the discomfort. Sometimes this is caused by a urinary tract infection. In the dog this is most likely and a course of antibiotics are usually needed after analysis of a urine sample.
Cats, however, are a bit strange. Some cats have a condition known as ‘Idiopathic Cystitis’. These cats show signs similar to an infection but no bacteria are present. The inflammation is their bladder is often increased at times of stress. Anti-inflammatories and bladder support supplements are needed initially to relieve their distress. Long-term environmental management such as increasing fluid intake (water fountains can be helpful), calm places for your cat to hide at stressful times (building work, house parties) and extra toys to prevent the indoor cat from getting bored or stressed.
The blocked bladder
Blockages are more common in the male dog due to the smaller diameter of the urethra (the pipe coming from the bladder to the outside world). Bladder stones, blood clots and mucus plugs can all get stuck obstructing the normal flow of urine. Some animals will strain and have a sore abdomen, whereas others will be quiet and lethargic. As the bladder fills it becomes inflamed. Eventually it reaches capacity and the kidneys stop filtering the urine as they should. Toxins such as urea and creatinine, and the electrolyte potassium rapidly build up in the blood stream causing vomiting, a fast heart rate and potential collapse.
But it is not all doom and gloom as vets are very good at dealing with blockages (even if it is the middle of the night!). Treatment usually involves intravenous fluids, a blood test to see how the kidneys are doing and an anaesthetic to pass a catheter to relieve the blockage. Please help your vet and your pet by identifying blockages and infections early so that treatment can be prompt and effective.
Laura Frost MRCVS MA VetMB is a vet at local veterinary practice Pengelly and Mizen
Pengelly and Mizen Veterinary Surgeons 89-93 Park Road, Peterborough PE1 2TR T: 01733 554953 Emergencies only: 01733 896000
www.pengellyandmizen.co.uk
