Dysuria and Pollakiuria in Dogs
Dysuria and pollakiuria in dogs refer to painful and frequent urination, respectively. Dysuria causes discomfort during urination, while pollakiuria leads to unusually frequent trips to the bathroom. These conditions affect the lower urinary tract by either damaging the bladder wall or overstimulating nerve endings in the bladder or urethra. Consequently, pets affected by these disorders may experience pain or discomfort when urinating and may need to relieve themselves more frequently than usual. This medical issue can impact both dogs and cats.
Symptoms
- Severe irritability
- Discomfort or pain while urinating
- Increased frequency of indoor “accidents” after the pet has been trained to use the restroom outside.
Causes
Dysuria and pollakiuria typically stem from lesions, stones, cancer, or trauma affecting the urinary bladder and/or urethra. Lesions and stones often indicate lower urinary tract disease. Other contributing factors include:
For the Urinary Bladder:
- Anatomic abnormalities
- Dysfunction of bladder muscles
- Exposure to chemicals/drugs
- Previous medical procedures
For the Urethra:
- Anatomic abnormalities
- Presence of kidney stones
- Urethral plugs
- Increased tension in the urethral sphincter (muscle controlling urine flow)
- Previous medical procedures
For the Prostate Gland:
- Cancer
- Inflammation or abscess
- Cysts
Diagnosis
Following a comprehensive examination of the dog’s medical and behavioral history, the veterinarian can eliminate various potential causes, including surgical procedures, territorial spraying or marking, and drug use. Subsequently, the veterinarian will conduct tests such as blood and urine analysis to identify the specific cause among those listed above that is affecting your pet.
Treatment
Dogs with milder, non-obstructive lower urinary tract diseases usually receive outpatient care, while more severe cases may necessitate hospitalization.
Treatment primarily hinges on addressing the root cause(s) of the condition(s). If an underlying illness has resulted in dysuria and/or pollakiuria, treatment will involve supportive therapies and appropriate medication to alleviate symptoms. Fortunately, these conditions often resolve quickly following the administration of proper treatment.
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