“Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole.”
—Roger Caras, former President ASPCA

“A meow massages the heart.”
—Stuart McMillan

Urinary Bladder Disease

Definition

Bladder disease is often referred to as urolithiasis, cystitis, urethritis, urinary calculi, bladder stones, or other names. Bladder disease is usually associated with bacterial infection, bladder stones, crystals (minerals which merge to form bladder stones), infection within the bladder wall, cancer or tumors in the bladder.

In the majority of cases, there is bacterial infection, often with crystals present as well. Sometimes only crystals are present. If crystals are present, they usually cause irritation and infection in the bladder before merging into forming bladder stones.

Bladder stones can occur in animals as young as 2 months, but normally occurs between the ages of 2 and 10 years. Bladder disease can occur in dogs and cats, both in males and females.

Symptoms

• Frequent urination (often in unusual places)
• Bloody urine
• Dribbling urine
• Straining
• Weakness
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and pain

How using ThePetCheckup regularly can help

Early detection is extremely important, as untreated bladder disease may develop into a serious health problem. Early detection can prevent complicated and costly treatments, and can save your dog or cat from pain and illness. If detected early, urinary bladder disease can often be treated with antibiotics and a change in diet. Stones are often removed by ultrasound, surgery or through a change in diet. Some cats have a genetic disposition to crystal development, and require special diets or medications to control crystal formation.

ThePetCheckup is an in-home early detection test that can help you protect the good health of your animal companion.