Hematuria is the medical term for blood in the urine. The condition affects both cats and dogs and can indicate a wide range of underlying health issues.
Causes of Hematuria
There are many potential causes of hematuria in pets. Some of the most common of these include urinary tract infections, urinary stones, trauma, and bladder or kidney infections. Hematuria can also be idiopathic, this means that it has no identifiable cause. In some cases, the condition can indicate serious underlying illnesses including cancer, diabetes, and prostatic disease.
Symptoms of Hematuria
The most obvious sign of hematuria is discolored urine. However, this symptom is not always present in animals with the condition. Please visit your veterinarian immediately if you notice blood in your pet’s urine or any of the following symptoms associated with hematuria.
- Frequent urination
- Pain while urinating
- Abdominal pain
- Straining while urinating
- Lethargy
- Hemorrhages below the skin
- Excessive grooming of the genital area
Diagnosis of Hematuria
Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of their symptoms. They will then perform a complete physical examination to check for clinical signs of hematuria.
A series of diagnostic tests will be carried out to assess your pet’s overall health and determine the underlying cause of hematuria. Routine tests include a urinalysis, complete blood count, and biochemistry profile. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend X-rays, ultrasounds, urine cultures, or other specialized tests to reach a definitive diagnosis.
Treatment of Hematuria
Treatment of hematuria will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, hospitalization will be necessary to stabilize your pet and monitor their health. Pets with serious underlying illnesses will also require specialized treatment.
Potential treatments for hematuria include antibiotics to address infections and surgical removal of tumors or urinary stones. Your veterinarian will recommend appropriate treatment methods based on the cause of the condition and your pet’s overall health.
Prevention of Hematuria
Since there are so many potential causes of hematuria in pets, the condition can be difficult to prevent. However, there are measures you can take to help minimize the risk of your pet developing urinary tract problems that can lead to hematuria.
Always provide plenty of fresh drinking water to help flush out your pet’s urinary tract. It’s also important to keep your pet clean and well-groomed to prevent bacterial growth, especially around the urethral opening. Finally, please schedule regular appointments with your veterinarian so your pet’s overall health can be monitored throughout their lifetime.
