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Bladder disease in the dog has many causes. Simple
bacterial infections occur commonly. Bladder crystals
(material which combine together to form bladder stones)
and/or bladder stones, tumors (cancer) of the bladder,
inflammation of the bladder wall itself, and defects
in the bladder wall are other commonly seen causes of
bladder disease.
Diagnosis: A urine sample will often reveal
the underlying cause, but X-rays, and ultrasound can
also be used as to make a diagnosis. Some bladder
stones are difficult to see on an X-ray unless dye
has been added to the bladder. This provides a
contrast to the background to help see the stones better.
Tumor attached to the bladder wall, and defects in the
bladder wall can be seen by this technique as well.
Ultrasound can also be used to detect the presence of
bladder stones and tumors in the bladder wall.
In some long standing cases, surgery is done to take
a sample of the bladder wall for diagnosis.
Treatment depends upon the underlying cause.
If only a simple bacterial infection exists, a course
of antibiotic therapy is usually enough to cure the
condition. If bladder crystals or stones are present,
flushing out the stones if small enough, can be attempted.
Often times, surgery is necessary to remove them.
If crystals or stones are present, diet change is often
necessary to prevent them from returning. Certain
medications can be tried as well, if changing the diet
doesn't work.
Bladder tumors and defects in the bladder wall both
require surgery as the best chance for cure. Tumors
in the bladder if too far advanced for surgical removal,
can be treated with some success through medication
(chemotherapy).
Medical emergency: If blockage
of urine flow from the bladder occurs, this must be
attended to as soon as possible. Usually stones
lodged in the urethra (tube from the bladder to the
outside of the body), are the primary cause. Sometimes,
tumors in the exit area of the bladder, or the urethra,
can also be a cause. Placing a catheter (tube
which is inserted through the urethra into the bladder)
is attempted on all cases of blockage.
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