|
Printable Page | Home Page | Whitneys Services
Diagnosis | Treatment | Prognosis | Dictionary of Terms
What is Cystitis - Inflammation of the Bladder?
Cystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder.  The bladder wall can become irritated by crystals, bacteria, and chemical changes of the urine.
What are the symptoms of cystitis?
Symptoms of cystitis include straining to urinate, blood in the urine, vaginal or penile discharge, and pain on urination. It is common to notice the pet asking to go outside more often or spending more time in the litter box. Licking of the private areas is also seen.
What pets are likely to get cystitis?
Both dogs and cats, females and males, are affected by cystitis. As crystals can cause some cases of cystitis, some breeds tend to be more predisposed. A listing of susceptible breeds can be found in a handout entitled Crystalluria. Because female dogs and cats have shorter urethras than males, cystitis is more common in the female. However, male cats are more prone to blockage (secondary to cystitis) than female cats. For questions regarding blockage of urinary tract, please see our handout called Urolithiasis or Bladder stones.
How is cystitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of cystitis is based on microscope examination of urine samples. Physical examination and historical findings are also very important.
The preferred method of getting a urine sample involves ultrasound and cystocentesis. Cystocentesis is the collection of urine using a fine needle to aspirate sterile urine from the bladder.
"Free catch" urine samples are samples that are collected by the owner and are less sterile and, therefore, less desirable. In some cases, if this is the only urine sample available, a tentative diagnosis will be made based on the urine collected.
Urinalysis is the study of the urine sample that is collected. The urine is analyzed for the contents - including:
- protein level
- pH
- specific gravity
- glucose content
- blood content
- other chemicals
A sediment is also run. A sediment is the concentration of the urine after it has been centrifuged. The sediment will be examined for the type of cells, crystals, and bacteria present. The results of the urinalysis will  determine the treatment plan. Sometimes ultrasound and x-ray is required to determine if a stone has formed. Blood tests, especially those with kidney functions such as BUN and creatinine may also be performed.
What is the treatment for cystitis?
Because cystitis means inflammation of the bladder and has so many causes, the treatment will depend on what was found in the tests. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, while crystals are treated by diet change. The type of antibiotic and diet change is dictated by the type of bacteria and the type of crystals.
Sometimes culture and sensitivity of the urine is required to determine the correct antibiotic. This is especially true in the cases of resistant or recurrent infections. If stones are involved, a cystotomy be needed. For further questions on cystotomy surgery, please refer to our handout entitled Urolithiasis or Bladder stones.
Sometimes growths such as tumors or polyps may be the cause for cystitis. Your veterinarian will discuss treatment of these conditions. It is not uncommon for medication or surgery to be required if either of these two are present. If kidney damage is also suspected, blood work will determine the next step. If your pet has been diagnosed with renal insufficiency, please see our handout regarding renal insufficiency (kidney disease).
Are there any complicating factors?
Left untreated cystitis can lead to lifelong complications. It is suspected that recurrent, chronic infection can lead to an increased risk of bladder cancer. We also know that chronic urinary tract infections can lead to renal insufficiency. Damage to the kidneys can be irreversible and life threatening.
For further questions regarding cystitis, please contact us at 309-685-4707. We would be happy to answer any and all questions you have regarding cystitis, urolithiasis, crystalluria, and renal insufficiency.
References:
- Tilley, LP, Smith, FWK, The 5 Minute Veterinary Consult, Canine and Feline. 1997, Williams & Wilkins
- Mordecai Siegal (Ed.) The UC Davis Book of Dogs. 1995, HarperCollins Publishers
- Bonagura, JD (ed.) Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XIII Small Animal Practice. 2000,W. B Saunders Company
- Evans & Christensen, Miller's Anatomy of the Dog, 1979, W.B. Saunders Company
- Encyclopedia of Canine Veterinary Medical Information
Top
Home Page | Our Services
| 