Bladder infections usually occur as bacteria normally living in and around the lower urinary tract ascend (go up) the urinary tract through the urethra and infect the normally sterile bladder. Clinical signs of either bladder infections or bladder stones are similar and include increased frequency of urination, painful urination or a burning sensation during urination, excess licking at the genitals, and occasionally blood in the urine. Increased thirst, increased volume of urine, and urinary incontinence are rarely associated with bladder disease and are more typical of kidney disease and diabetes. While infections commonly occur in dogs, sterile cystitis without infection is the most common cause of bladder disease in cats.

Treatment Options (Always Consult Your Veterinarian)

Antioxidants – Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, minerals such as selenium, and other substances such as coenzyme Q-10, bilberry, blueberry, resveratrol, OPC’s, etc., work by reducing cell-harming oxidizing chemicals released upon cell damage and death.

Herbs – alfalfa (to alkalinize the urine,) dandelion leaf, Echinacea, goldenseal , horsetail, marshmallow plantain, Oregon grape, uva ursi, yarrow.

Homeopathics – Canatharis

Homotoxicology – Cantharis, Reneel

Author – Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM