Cystitis is when the lining (epithelium) of the bladder becomes inflamed and is a commonly diagnosed condition in dogs of both sexes.

The sign is blood stained urine, together with an increase in frequency. There is often straining and the dog will spend several minutes passing only a very small quanity of urine, and this is known as dysuria.

Haematuria and dysuria are probably the two most common signs of cystitis, irrespective of its cause. In complicated cystitis there are usually no other major signs. One of the problems is distinguishing between inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) and a much more serious condition of urinary obstruction. Since cystals or stones in the urine can cause cystitis due to irritation of the bladder lining, simple cystitis can literraly, within hours, become a major case of obstruction. Urinary obstruction, although it can happen in any dog, is seen more frequently in males because the urethra, the tube from the bladder to the exterior, is much longer and in the dog has to pass through the os penis, a bone in the penis which restricts the expansion of the uretha.

Bitches have a much shorter and wider uretha and are therefore less likely to have urinary obstruction, although it can happen on occasions. There are disadvantages for the bitch with this short wide urethra since infection is much more likely to enter from the vulva. This can result in a severe inflammation of the epithelium ie: cystitis.

Because of the risk of obstruction, any dog showing signs of straining, with or without blood, together with frequency to pass water should be checked out by a vet without delay.

The most common infections are by far the commonest cause of canine cystitis. E.coli, Proteus species and Staphyoloccocus aureus are the three main organisms and these account for altogether about 80% of the cases of bacterial cystitis in the dog. Other organisms, eg: Pseudomonas species and Mycoplasmas somtimes are fund.

Diagnosis will start with a clinical examination with the vet feeling the bladder. This is to detect any stones etc, or thickening of the bladder wall due to inflammation. A urine sample will also be required. Sometimes further examinations, including x rays, ultrasound scans may be required. Blood samples may also be required and may show increased numbers of white cells indicating that infection is present in the dog and in complicated cases, x rays and scans may be required.

It is treated with appropriate antibiotics in most cases, but if the cystitis is caused as a result of mineral crystals or actual stones, treatment centres on trying to remove the irritation by dissolving the stones using special diets, or, in some cases, by surgery.

It is important that treatment is started as soon as possible during the acute phase of the cystitis as if the bladder wall becomes permanently thickened and chronic cystitis supervenes, treatment can be difficult and long term.