VET Hansel answers your questions about pet care in this weekly advice column, created in partnership with the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA). We will also be highlighting each week some of the animals in the BSPCA sanctuary, in the hope of finding each of them a loving home.
Question: My four-year-old dog Kenneth at times strains to urinate. I have also noticed him urinating frequently. What could be the cause of this?
Answer: The symptoms could suggest an inflammation of the urinary bladder, a condition called cystitis.
This causes discomfort and pain, with dogs straining to urinate and urinating more frequently.
Another common sign could be blood in the urine.
The most common cause of cystitis in dogs is due to infection caused by bacteria. Other common causes include bladder stones, tumours or polyps in the bladder, and abnormal anatomy (especially in female dogs).
Diagnosis is mainly by urinalysis, urine culture, and bladder palpation.
Bladder radiographs (x-rays) are taken to evaluate the bladder for common types of bladder stones. An ultrasound examination is extremely useful in evaluating the bladder.
Treatment depends on the cause. Bacterial infections are generally treated with antibiotics.
Some bladder stones can be dissolved with special diets while others require surgical removal. Benign bladder polyps and bladder diverticulum have to be removed surgically.
Dogs with cystitis benefit from increased water consumption which will dilute the urine and help flush out bacteria, inflammatory debris, and dissolved crystals.
- Dr Hansel Geo is a veterinary consultant and surgeon for the BSPCA. Please send questions to bspca@batelco.com.bh
BSPCA’S DOG OF THE WEEK IS PEARL
Breed: Mixed
Sex: Female
Age: Five years and two months
Neutered: Yes
Pearl is sweet and friendly. She is fun to be with, well-behaved and obedient. There is never a dull moment with her around. Pearl is neutered, tick-treated and fully vaccinated.
BSPCA’S CAT OF THE WEEK IS PATTY JO
Breed: DSH
Sex: Female
Age: One year and two months
Neutered: Yes
Patty Jo is energetic, playful and loves attention. She welcomes all the cuddles and treats that comes her way and is more than happy to receive as much as she can. Patty Jo is neutered and fully vaccinated.
l If you are interested in adopting Pearl, Patty Jo or any of the shelter’s cats, kittens, dogs and puppies, visit the Animal Welfare Centre in Askar. Directions can be found at www.bspca.org