Health Complications of UTI in Dogs
Urinary tract infection in dogs has to be addressed right on its onset. This is because of the fact UTI could develop into a more complicated disease if left ignored for a long time. It may lead to any of the following health complications in dogs:
1. Renal Failure.
Renal failure or kidney failure happens if and when the normal functions of the kidney are disrupted. The dog's body needs to produce and release urine in the average amount of 2 ml/kg per hour. If that isn't met, then the kidney processes become abnormal. And if it goes on for a long period of time, renal failure would follow.
2. Removal of kidneys.
UTI, in its advanced stages, may gradually reach the stage wherein the kidney has to be removed entirely to address the disease. While this doesn't happen to all dogs, the possibility is always there. This is a very alarming complication and it only proves the importance of treating UTI in dogs at the moment the disease is detected.
3. Fevers.
Dogs whose temperatures rise and fall frequently are likely to have urinary tract infection, especially if the other symptoms of the disease are present as well. Fever is the usual complication of infections inside the body. They are usually brought about by bacteria or any foreign element invading the body.
4. Kidney or bladder stones.
There are instances where in UTI is just the preliminary phase of a more complicated health concern, like kidney stones. UTI may occur when kidney stones had formed inside the kidney or the bladder of the dog patient. There are different ways to remove these stones, although for the most advanced cases, surgery is required.
5. Weakened immune system.
A weakened immune system is expected, whether or not UTI would develop into a more complicated disease. The mere presence of UTI indicates that most of the dog's antibodies already defeated by bacteria. If it continues, there are high chances that other unrelated diseases would develop.
These are the five reasons why urinary tract infection in your dog has to be treated right away. Ignoring the disease with the hope that it would go away unnoticed wouldn't help your pet at all. Make sure that your dog gets adequate medical care if you suspect that it may have acquired urinary tract infection for whatever reason. As its master, you ought to take care of your pet by providing for all of its medical needs.