After we know the signs and causes of urinary tract infections, we want to know how to prevent and treat them. It's important to consult your veterinarian if you suspect a UTI in your dog or cat. This will rule out any serious issues. Your vet will do a physical exam, and possibly a urine analysis plus blood work to determine the exact issue and treatment plan.
Common UTI Treatments
Depending on your pets diagnosis, one of the following solutions may be recommended:
- Antibiotics
- Medications
- Urinary Supplement
- Dietary changes
- Increased water intake
- Urinary acidifiers or alkalinizers
- Intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy
- Surgery
- Treatment of underlying condition that is contributing to urinary problem (e.g. diabetes mellitus)
Common Causes and Prevention
As we mentioned in UTI 101 Part 1, one of the common causes of infection is bacterial. Once the pet has the infection they need antibiotics. But the infections can often be prevented before they start with the use of natural cranberry extract and D-mannose.
CRANBERRY EXTRACT
Cranberry is clinically proven product used for Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). Cranberries are rich in proanthocyanidins, which exhibit a strong anti-adhesion effect. This anti-adhesion effect is the mechanisms by which cranberries help maintain urinary tract health, as bacteria are unable to attach and colonize in the urinary tract. Cranberry proanthocyanins are easily absorbed by the digestive tract and excreted in the urine.
D-MANNOSE
D-Mannose is a simple sugar that occurs naturally in some plants. In the bladder, D-Mannose can adhere to bacteria preventing them from sticking to the lining of the bladder. Ultimately, bacteria is prevented from colonizing in the urinary tract as it is flushed away during urination, Because insubstantial amounts of D-Mannose are utilized by the body, it does not interfere with blood sugar regulation.
Nusentia®'s Utrin™ contains these two powerful ingredients to provide defense and support for urinary tract health. If your pet is suffering from what you think is a UTI, take action and get them diagnosed. Once you have the problem in control there are simple measures, which include nutrition like Utrin that can help to prevent further occurrences.
Recommended Bladder Support Remedies
CITES AND REFERENCES
Vet Rec. 1977 Jul 23;101(4):77-9. Lower urinary tract pathogens in the dog and their sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. Weaver AD, Pillinger R. Arch Intern Med. 2012 Jul 9;172(13):988-96. doi: 10.1001/archinternmed. 2012.3004.
Cranberry-containing products for prevention of urinary tract infections in susceptible populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Wang CH, Fang CC, Chen NC, Liu SS, Yu PH, Wu TY, Chen WT, Lee CC, Chen SC. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2005 Nov-Dec;41(6):373-81.
Fungal urinary tract infections in the dog and cat: a retrospective study (2001-2004). Jin Y, Lin D. Am J Vet Res. 1985 Feb;46(2):499-504.
Relationship of upper and lower urinary tract infection and bacterial invasion of uroepithelium to antibody-coated bacteria test results in female dogs. Ling GV, Cullen JM, Kennedy PC, Ruby AL, Brooks DL.