A large number of companion dogs live inside the house and are trained to urinate out in the open. When such dogs start urinating or dribbling in the house, it is time for owners to visit the veterinarian for a thorough check up of the urinary tract for any signs of bacterial infection.

Canine and feline urinary incontinence is the most significant symptom of a urinary tract malfunctioning. Incontinence, however, must be differentiated from frequent urination. It is this differentiation that often helps to differentiate a bacterial infection from serious conditions like bladder stones or cancer. Frequent urination is not involuntary and the dog is aware of it. There is just a strong uncontrollable urge to urinate caused by canine or feline urinary infection. Incontinence is involuntary urination and is caused by a blockage in the passage that causes accumulated urine to put back pressure resulting in leakage.

Blockage in the urinary passage may be caused by migratory bladder stones that obstruct free flow of urine or may be due to a cancerous growth. Cancer is a malignant growth caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division that forms a mass (tumor) of unwanted cells that perform no function. A tumor in the bladder may increase in size and block the passage. Bladder cancer in dogs is mostly malignant, invasive and difficult to operate.

Medication involves toxic drugs that have serious side effects. It is indeed an unlucky dog who is diagnosed with malignant growth in the bladder since the conventional treatment options are so limited and relatively ineffective. Dog owners can only hope to prolong survival time with medication.

Alternative medicine can help in improving the quality of life by providing significant relief from symptoms. Some herbs that can provide symptomatic treatment and help in slowing the growth of cancer and boosting the immune system include:

- Astragalus – Chemotherapy and radiation used for treatment of bladder cancer often compromise the patient’s immune system. Astralalus is a recommended herb that helps to restore immune functioning and may prevent spread of the tumor.

- Mistletoe – This herb has long been used for its anti-cancer properties and proves to be a good supportive treatment.

- Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) – This Ayurvedic herb is highly recommended for improving general health. Regular use of Ashwagandha also increases hemoglobin levels. Its anti cancer, anti-inflammatory and calming properties can help in providing the dog with a better quality of life.

- Milk Thistle – Milk thistle is an ancient herb that has been subjected to numerous clinical trials. It can be used to counter the toxic side effects of conventional drugs. Its ingredients are strong antioxidants that can block the entry of toxins in the liver.

In addition to the above herbs, the following herbs need to be mentioned as they can also play an important role in preventing and treating urinary tract infection in dogs along with managing bladder cancer.

- Echinacea purpurea

- Bladderack

- Buchu

- Dandelion

- Golden Seal

Even though bladder cancer is not completely curable, effective management of the disease can go a long way in enabling the unlucky animal to lead a comfortable life.

Article courtesy of PetAlive for Herbal Remedies for Pets!

References:

http://www.herbal-treatments.com/dog_cancer_bladder.html http://www.herbal-treatments.com/king.html

http://www.herbal-dogkeeping.com/dog_cancer_bladder.html http://www.dog-health-guide.org/bladdercancerfordog.html

An infected bladder can cause a strong urge to urinate and is a primary cause of canine and feline urinary incontinence.

A long standing bladder infection can damage the bladder rendering it unable to stretch when there is a need to hold urine. In generally cases of urinary incontinence the dog is unaware of dribbling or the passing of urine. However, when incontinence is cause due to a bladder infection the dog is aware of the urination but is unable to control the urge, which compels him to urinate at places where he is not meant to.

Bladder infection is more common in female dogs and affects the lower urinary tract. Though the urinary tract is otherwise sterile, the urethral opening, through which urine is passed out, is the entry point for the bacteria. These bacteria cause urinary tract infection in dogs. Bladder infection can occur at any age and UTI in puppies is also a common occurrence.

Dogs with an infected bladder tend to empty the bladder partially each time that they urinate. This occurs due to a difficulty in emptying the entire urinary bladder in one go and makes the urine extremely smelly. The urine may sometimes contain blood due to severe infections caused by calculi, cancer, or a tumor.

The diagnosis of urinary tract infections is not complicated at all. A simple laboratory examination of the urine and blood often determines its prevalence. The vet may suggest a urine culture to identify the pathogen that is causing the infection to be able to prescribe the most effective antibiotic. Since dribbling and urination in undesignated places can cause a fair amount of frustration among owners, the first attempt to cure such a condition is a complete diagnoses followed up with treatment.

Treatment modalities for bacterial bladder infection are different from what is required if the problem is due to some other condition and therefore consulting an expert is the best option.  Most of the lower urinary tract infections are simple to treat and dogs usually respond well to antibiotics.

Bladder infection that does not respond to antibiotics necessitates further investigation. And your pet may need to undergo an X-Ray of the bladder to confirm whether there is any formation of crystals, calculi or any indication of a tumor in the bladder.

Article courtesy of PetAlive for Herbal Remedies for Pets!

References:

http://www.thepetcheckup.com/works/screen/urinary_bladder_disease.html

http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-books/dog-bladder-infection.aspx?cm_sp=InternalClicks-_-RelatedArticles-_-dog-books/dog-bladder-infection

http://www.ygrr.org/doginfo/health-bladder.html http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/incont.aspx