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The sight of blood in a dog's urine can be frightening and scary for dog owners. Blood in dog urine (hematuria) is a common symptom of a disease of the urinary tract and in this article, we will discuss what causes it and how to treat your dog's blood in the urine. The symptoms of bloody urine can be indicative of a kidney or bladder problem, so finding out which organ is causing the bleeding is essential for treatment. Once this information has been obtained, your veterinarian can prescribe appropriate treatments that are tailored toward these specific areas.
In almost all cases, blood in the urine signals a problem with the urinary tract, anywhere from the kidneys to the bladder. We separate the urinary system into the upper urinary system which includes the kidneys and the lower urinary system which includes the bladder.
Another cause of bloody urine in dogs is bleeding disorders. While this is the least common cause, it is still important to discuss. These disorders are usually caused by a lack of clotting factors in the blood. In some cases, these disorders may be inherited or acquired from other health issues such as liver disease or immune system problems. The most common symptom is the presence of fresh or clotted blood in the urine, alongside signs of bruising on the skin or bleeding from other areas of the body. Other signs include weakness, lethargy, and pale gums. Treatment for bleeding disorders in dogs is generally focused on managing the underlying cause and preventing further episodes of bleeding. Medications such as anticoagulants, antibiotics, and supplements may be used to help reduce the risk of recurrence.
If you notice blood in your dog's urine, you must seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. The diagnosis of blood in the dog's urine begins with a complete history and physical examination. Clinical signs that your veterinarian will look for during the exam include increased thirst and urination (polydipsia and polyuria), weight loss, vomiting, anemia (low red blood cell counts), and changes in behaviour. On the physical exam, your veterinarian will palpate your dog's kidneys and bladder to gain as much information as possible.
Once your veterinarian has gathered all of the information from the history and exam, they will likely order some diagnostic tests. The most common test to evaluate for blood in the urine is a urinalysis. This test looks at different properties of the urine including how much blood is present. Other tests that may be ordered include:
The treatment options for dogs with blood in the urine will vary depending on what is causing it. Many cases of blood in dog urine are caused by infections and can be successfully treated simply with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Other causes such as bladder stones may require surgical removal. If your dog has been diagnosed with urinary crystals, changing the diet to a prescription urinary diet can help.
Blood in dog urine can be frustrating because the cause is often difficult to determine. If you notice blood in your dog's urine, you must see your veterinarian as soon as possible so they can diagnose and treat whatever condition may exist. The best way to prevent dogs from developing kidney or bladder stones is a high-quality diet that maintains a proper urinary pH (around 6.3). If you are unsure that the food you are feeding is appropriate, please bring a urine sample to your veterinarian so they can measure the pH. For dogs that develop frequent bladder infections and all underlying causes have been ruled out (such as diabetes, Cushing's disease, etc.), supplementing with cranberry and D-mannose can be beneficial.
Dogs may experience blood in their urine for several different reasons. Understanding the causes and treatment options will give you peace of mind knowing that your dog is getting the best care possible, regardless of what has caused this symptom to present itself. And if you notice any symptoms like increased thirst or urination (polydipsia and polyuria), weight loss, vomiting, anemia (low red blood cell counts), and changes in behaviour; it's important to head on over to your veterinarian as soon as possible. There are many things they can do - from changing diet to administering antibiotics to correct these issues before they get worse!
