Just as us humans begin to notice an increase in health problems as we age, our senior pets’ health can also decline with age. Generally, a dog is considered a senior when he reaches seven years of age. This is also determined by his breed size. Larger breeds may show signs of senior health issues at six, while a much smaller breed may only develop problems after nine years of age. Geriatric pets are those between eight and 12 years of age, depending on the size.
In this first article of our new geriatric series, we focus on problems and conditions involving the bladder. The urinary system comprises the kidney, ureters, bladder and urethra. The kidneys are important organs, located under the spine, just slightly past the middle of your dog’s back, towards the tail end. The kidneys filter blood, remove waste and balance electrolytes in the body. Urine accumulates in the bladder and is expelled from the body as the dog urinates. Dogs also use urine as a tool for marking territory.
There are various common kidney and bladder issues that can affect our geriatric pets, from a weakening of the muscles that control the bladder to diminishing kidney function. Some of these issues may be easier to cope with than others, which can severely compromise your pet’s quality of life, or they could even be life-threatening.
Disorders of the urinary system
Let’s take a closer look at five of the more common urinary tract problems vets see in geriatric pets. It is important to note that while older pets may be at greater risk, some of these issues can occur at a younger age.
- Urinary incontinence
What you’ll notice: accidents around the house – even during sleep; could be an occasional trickle of urine, or larger amounts.
The cause: the dog loses control of the urethral sphincter, a muscle which prevents urine from leaking out of the bladder.
Treatment options: your vet will investigate the cause and prescribe treatment. Most dogs respond well to medical treatments.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
What you’ll notice: frequent urination, pain when urinating, blood in the urine.
The cause: A bacterial infection in the urinary tract and bladder. A UTI is a painful condition and your dog may whimper when he urinates. Other signs include licking around the urinary opening and fever. UTIs are more common in females.
Treatment options: See your veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics. If left untreated, a UTI may lead to kidney or bladder stones or a more serious kidney infection.
- Bladder or kidneys stones
What you’ll notice: Pain and straining when urinating; loss of appetite; blood in the urine.
The cause: Minerals crystallise in the urinary tract and become stones or uroliths. Small stones may be passed out in urine, but larger ones can block the tract. This is a serious medical emergency. If your dog stops urinating, see your vet immediately. Not all dogs show clinical signs of bladder stones. Your vet may pick them up at a routine health check. Struvite bladder stones are more common than kidney stones.
Treatment options: If you suspect bladder or kidneys stones, see your vet immediately.
Treatment depends on your pet’s diagnosis – medication could be all that’s required, or sometimes surgery might be necessary to remove the stones. A switch in diet may also be advocated to help dissolve the stones.
- Bladder cancer
What you’ll notice: Signs similar to those of a UTI; recurrent UTIs.
The cause: Cancer can affect all parts of the urinary tract. Tumours of the cells that line the bladder wall, called transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), are a malignant cancer that is seen in dogs. Senior females are more at risk.
Treatment options: Your vet will run various tests to make the diagnosis. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, depending on the stage and spread of the cancer. The first consideration will be the dog’s quality of life going forward.
- Kidney disease
What you’ll notice: Early signs include weight loss (vomiting), lethargy, loss of appetite, frequent urination (drinking more) and urinary incontinence (especially at night).
The cause: Some dogs are more at risk of getting kidney disease than others – age and breed, as well as genetic problems and diseases, including kidney stones and cancer, are all contributing factors. If any of these are noted, you must see your vet.
Treatment options: Your vet will examine your dog for signs of pain and enlarged kidneys. Tests include blood and urine tests, x-rays or ultrasound, among others. Prognosis is dependent on the progression stage of disease. With a diet change and active management, some dogs can live several years beyond diagnosis.
