Noninfectious Diseases of the Urinary System in Dogs

There are a variety of noninfectious disorders that can impair the urinary system. All of these diseases and conditions can be serious threats to the health of your dog.   Kidney Dysfunction The kidneys’ most important function is to filter waste from the blood. When this does not happen, waste products can build to dangerous levels in the blood. This is called azotemia

Most infections of the urinary system are caused by bacteria. The infection usually develops when bacteria enter the body through the urethra. The bacteria then travel to the bladder, and in some cases they set up an infection there. Sometimes bacteria continue to move up the urinary tract to the kidneys, which can result in kidney infection (pyelonephritis). There are several factors that increase the risk of urinary system infection. These include problems with uri

Certain urinary tract abnormalities are inherited or congenital (present at birth). These abnormalities are caused by abnormal genes or produced by injury, disease, or exposure to toxic substances in the womb. They may or may not cause health problems later in your pet’s life. They are rare, but important to consider, if your dog has urinary tract problems.   Disorders of the Kidneys There are many congenit

Your veterinarian can diagnose many common problems with the urinary system by taking a history of how your dog has acted in the days prior to its becoming sick, performing a physical examination, and performing tests on the dog’s blood and urine. The history that your veterinarian takes might include information regarding changes in how much water your pet drinks, how often it urinates, how much urine it produces, how the urine looks, and how your pet behaves. Your veterinarian

The urinary system or tract includes the kidneys, the ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder), the b