Cat owners may not always understand that their pet needs urgent treatment due to hidden symptoms of the disease. These conditions include hematuria – the appearance of blood in a cat’s urine for various reasons. As a rule, this problem often goes unnoticed in time, since the animal urinates in a tray with filler, where it is almost impossible to distinguish the color of the urine. And even having noticed a brownish tint to the urine, not every owner understands the seriousness of this phenomenon. However, it is important to pay close attention to, as hematuria indicates that your cat is in need of emergency medical attention.
Causes
In 90% of cases, blood in the urine (a symptom called “hematuria”) occurs due to mechanical, inflammatory or tumor causes. These include:
- previous injuries
- inflammatory processes inside the organs of the urogenital tract
- recent birth
- formation of stones in the urinary system
Only in 10% of cases, urine staining with blood is associated with functional factors. The rarest cause of hematuria is severe intoxication (mainly poisoning with drugs or chemicals).
Cystitis
Inflammation of the bladder, which occurs either alone or against the background of kidney damage or another disorder. The disease develops due to the entry of a pathogenic microorganism into the organ, as well as due to the following factors:
- hypothermia
- using tampons during menstruation
- sexually transmitted infections
- suffered severe poisoning (drug, food)
- overly active sex life
- poor personal hygiene
- constipation or compression of the bladder by a bowel tumor
- vaginal candidiasis (thrush), in which cheesy secretion enters the bladder, inflaming it
- wearing thick underwear
It is divided into acute and chronic types (depending on the period of limitation of the pathology). Cystitis can be primary (if it occurs separately) or secondary (when it develops against the background of another disease).
The appearance of blood in urine is explained by the fact that the inflamed tissues tense, expand, and stretch the capillaries present inside them. As a result, the blood vessels burst, staining the urine with red blood cells. Signs of cystitis, in addition to the appearance of blood during urination, are an increase in body temperature to subfebrile levels, chills, and decreased performance. Additionally - burning and stinging when passing urine, lack of sensation of complete emptying of the bladder, nausea, weakness, lack of appetite, body aches.
Urethritis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the urethra develops due to the entry of pathogenic microflora into it. Favorable conditions for this:
- Failure to perform water procedures for intimate hygiene
- Reduced immunity
- Use of contaminated instruments or supplies by medical personnel during intravaginal procedures
- Intimacy with a partner who does not maintain personal hygiene
- Wearing excessively tight underwear
- Hypothermia
- Venereal diseases
- Diabetes mellitus (itching of the tissues of the vulva forces you to scratch the problem area, which causes irritation, swelling, inflammation)
Symptoms of urethritis are irritation inside the vagina, burning and bleeding during urination, the appearance of pus and curdled secretion from the genital tract. Associated symptoms are increased body temperature, insomnia, pain in the urethra (urethra). The causes of hematuria are the same as for cystitis.
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Urolithiasis disease
It is the formation of a stone (calculus) inside the kidney or bladder. In the first case, the deposit may move from the pelvis to the ureter. The reasons for the development of pathology are metabolic disorders, a sedentary lifestyle, and hereditary predisposition. The likelihood of stone formation increases if a woman overuses fatty, sour or spicy foods.
The appearance of blood in the urine indicates damage to the mucous membranes of the parts of the urogenital tract through which the calculus moves. Accompanying signs:
- cramping, nagging pain in the lower back or suprapubic region
- nausea, vomiting
- slight increase in body temperature
- general restlessness
- profuse sweating
- increased blood pressure levels
For a long time, you may not be aware of the presence of a stone in the kidney. Under certain circumstances (weight lifting, sports training), the stone changes position in the pelvis or moves into the ureter. Then a complex of debilitating symptoms arises (manifestation of renal colic), which prompts you to visit a doctor.
Vaginitis
The second definition is colpitis. Inflammation of the mucous epithelium of the vagina. Reasons for development:
- abuse of spicy foods
- sharp fluctuations in estrogen in the body (during pregnancy, after an abortion)
- psycho-emotional stress
- constipation, intestinal dysbiosis
- presence of chlamydia or ureaplasmosis
- allergies to condoms and lubricants
- Frequent use of tampons during menstruation
- use of low-quality products intended for intimate hygiene
Manifestations of vaginitis are pain during intimacy, irritation and the appearance of streaks of blood when urinating, cheesy discharge from the vagina. If left untreated, the disease leads to the formation of cracks and elongated wounds on the mucous membrane of the labia. The vulva becomes red and swollen, which increases pain.
Cervical erosion
An ulcer on the mucous membrane of the cervix can take on different sizes. Occurs after childbirth or abortion, with excessive sexual activity, due to irritation of the cervix by the alkaline or excessively acidic environment of the vagina. Signs of the condition: pain during urination or intimacy, the appearance of blood in urine, increased body temperature, deterioration in general health.
Infections in the genitourinary system
The reason for the development is hypothermia, promiscuity, lack of personal hygiene. Urogenital diseases do not show any symptoms for a long time, and at the same time serve as the cause of other pathologies. If urination is accompanied by copious discharge of blood, the fact that the urine is colored is determined visually, and the condition is called gross hematuria. When the degree of saturation of urine with red blood cells is low, the symptom is defined as microhematuria. If blood during urination occurs due to infection in the urogenital tract, associated symptoms:
- Vaginal secretion of a curdled, purulent, putrefactive type.
- Increase in body temperature to low numbers.
- Aches in the sacral and lumbar region.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Pain when urinating.
Possible additional symptoms are inability to get pregnant, increased menstrual flow, irregular cycles, and bloating.
Endometriosis of the urinary system
The growth of the internal tissue of an organ beyond its limits with subsequent spread throughout the pelvic cavity. Initially, the uterus is susceptible to an unfavorable process, from which endometriosis spreads to the fallopian tubes and ovaries. The internal organs of a woman’s reproductive system are located near the urinary tract, so pathology quickly covers them. Endometriosis manifests itself:
- pain in the suprapubic region
- burning and feeling of fullness during urination
- menstrual irregularities (untimely periods, increased bleeding)
- decreased or complete absence of libido
- reduction in the amount of urine excreted
- increased body temperature
- insomnia, decreased performance
- pain during intercourse
The disease does not develop immediately - sometimes the period from the first changes to the initial symptoms of endometriosis takes more than 2 years. If you visit a gynecologist regularly, during an examination in the chair, a specialist will identify a health problem at the initial stage of changes.
Functional hematuria
This is a pathological condition in which blood is excreted in the urine after intense physical activity - physical activity, irregular sports training. Hematuria also occurs due to prolonged exposure of the body to high or low temperatures - overheating or hypothermia.
Host actions
If your dog has hematuria, you need to perform several mandatory steps that will allow you to make a correct diagnosis, according to which the veterinarian will prescribe the most effective treatment.
Watching the dog
If there is blood in the urine, the animal's behavior changes.
The pet owner should be alert to the following symptoms:
rapid breathing;- refusal to eat;
- loose stools;
- feverish condition;
- bouts of vomiting;
- increase in temperature indicators;
- pain in the peritoneum;
- blanching of mucous membranes.
If such signs appear, do not delay a visit to the veterinarian.
Urine and blood tests
To determine the concentration of elements such as leukocytes, platelets and red blood cells in the blood fluid, biochemistry and a general blood test are prescribed. These measures are also necessary to establish the level of hemoglobin, glucose, cholesterol, urea and bilirubin.
Using a urine test, a specialist detects the presence of protein, leukocytes, red blood cells and epithelium in the urethral fluid.
It is also important to pay attention to indicators such as transparency, shade, amount of urine released and the presence of an unpleasant odor.
Instrumental examination
Ultrasound diagnostics is performed if there is a suspicion of the development of pathologies affecting internal organs. Thanks to ultrasound, it is possible to determine the structure, size and condition of internal anatomical structures.
Such a study also makes it possible to identify the presence of stones, fluid formations and tumors.
If the pet suffers injuries to internal organs, an x-ray of the peritoneal cavity is performed.
Blood in urine in pregnant women
Develops with detachment of the fertilized egg, inflammation of the kidneys, and increased intra-abdominal pressure. Requires immediate contact with the observing gynecologist. In 90% of cases, the woman is hospitalized in the hospital department to maintain the pregnancy. When a miscarriage begins, cramping pain occurs in the lower abdomen and aching in the sacrum. Additionally, bleeding from the vagina is observed. Inflammation of the kidneys occurs with an unpleasant sensation in the lower back. When intra-abdominal pressure increases, pain spreads over the entire surface of the abdomen.
The outcome of the listed pathologies is insufficient blood supply to the fetus or the placenta itself, which in both cases entails an unfavorable prognosis.
Possible complications
Consequences of conditions in which hematuria occurs:
- Hydronephrosis. Hydrocele of the kidney develops when a stone blocks the lumen of the ureter. There is an accumulation of urine inside the main organ of the urinary system and a gradual stretching of its membranes. If left untreated, the condition can lead to kidney loss or death.
- Miscarriage, premature birth. Occurs when the placenta or fetus has insufficient blood supply.
- Infertility. Endometriosis leads to the formation of adhesions. They interfere with fertilization and can only be removed surgically.
If the volume of blood removed during urination is not replenished, the patient’s hemoglobin level decreases and anemia develops. Its signs are decreased blood pressure, dizziness, pallor, weakness, and the appearance of wounds near the mouth.
What to do if your cat is peeing blood
If the owner has discovered unusual discharge in the pet's litter box, then one should not self-medicate. If you can’t immediately take your cat for an examination, you can get advice by phone. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe painkillers to slightly alleviate the patient’s condition. The main recommendations will be:
- ensuring peace for the pet;
- placement in a dry and warm room;
- feeding liquid food;
- ensuring access to clean water;
- the use of decoctions of juniper, parsley or horsetail to reduce inflammation.
Such measures will maintain the relatively normal condition of the mustachioed friend, but will not cancel visits to the doctor. Before this, it would be a good idea to collect tests on the animal so that the clinic can conduct research and quickly prescribe medications.
Which doctor should I contact?
If you find blood during urination, you need to visit a urologist. If a specialist in this profile assumes that the patient’s condition is caused by a genital pathology, he will refer you for a consultation with a gynecologist. When identifying sexually transmitted diseases, professional help from a venereologist is necessary. When diseases such as vaginitis or urethritis are caused by diabetes, the woman is referred to an endocrinologist.
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What is hematuria
The disease is not independent, but only a consequence of many painful human conditions. Blood appears. It can be either at the beginning or at the end of the process of emptying the bladder. In this case, the urine turns pink, red or brown. It occurs because the urine is congested with the presence of red blood cells.
There are two concepts:
- microhematuria;
- macrohematuria.
If we talk about the first case, then the blood in the urine will be negligible. It can only be detected using a special device when checking urine tests. It is impossible to notice with the naked eye. As for the second, the presence of blood is noticeable, and urination is quite painful.
To understand why the disease occurred, it is necessary to undergo a series of examinations and tests. In any case, blood at the end of urination, at the beginning or during the process does not bode well for the owner of the pathology. In men over 50, this is a sign of a serious illness, and possibly cancer.
Diagnostics
To determine the cause of hematuria, a woman needs to undergo:
- Blood test (biochemical, clinical), urine (general).
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs (with an emphasis on the condition of the uterus).
- Vaginal smear for cytological and bacteriological examination.
- A blood or vaginal secretion test to determine the causative agent of a sexually transmitted infection.
- Plain X-ray examination of the kidneys.
- Excretory urography (examination of the condition of the kidneys using a contrast solution).
- In women admitted with suspected detachment of the ovum, the size of the uterus corresponds to the duration of pregnancy.
- CT, MRI. Not primary methods of radiation diagnostics. CT and MRI are performed only when the listed types of examination do not provide sufficient information.
Beforehand, the woman undergoes a general examination in a gynecological chair, as well as a survey from which the doctor learns about the factors that preceded the disease.
Treatment
Depends on the type of pathology identified, how old it is, the general health and state of the woman’s immunity, drug tolerance, and the fact of pregnancy:
- For urethritis, cystitis, vaginitis, and infections of the urogenital tract, antibiotic therapy (intravenous or intramuscular) is primarily administered. A specific drug is prescribed taking into account the identified pathogen. Additionally, analgesics and hemostatic agents are administered, and physiotherapeutic techniques are recommended.
- Cervical erosion is eliminated using laser or liquid nitrogen. At present, classical cauterization of tissues (electrocoagulation) is almost never used. The reason is a high risk of complications, discomfort during the procedure, and the likelihood of relapse of the pathology.
- Urolithiasis can be treated with medication or surgery. The calculus is removed from the body by drinking large amounts of water and then administering a diuretic. Herbal medicines are also used. Such products destroy the stone into small fragments and it is easier for them to leave the body during urination. If conservative therapy is ineffective, laser lithotripsy is performed. Without making any cuts to the body, the calculus is destroyed to the consistency of sand and washed out of the body.
- For vaginitis, the patient is prescribed the introduction of special suppositories into the vagina, which restore the microflora of this canal. Additionally, the vagina is washed with antiseptic solutions (Miramistin, Chlorhexidine).
- Endometriosis is eliminated surgically. Postoperative recovery takes up to 2 weeks. The required period of sexual rest is 1 month.
Functional hematuria is eliminated by stopping exposure to the irritant and then maintaining physical rest. Treatment of these pathologies combines the need to administer drugs to normalize temperature, eliminate nausea and stop hematuria.
Forecast
If cystitis is not eliminated in a timely manner, in the future, even with slight hypothermia, an exacerbation of this disease occurs. The acute form of inflammation can be eliminated quite easily - it is important not to stop therapy when the initial feeling of well-being improves.
Aggravated cervical erosion can potentially lead to a tumor process, as well as be a source of chronic inflammation in the urogenital tract.
Urethritis responds well to medication, but in the absence of it, it quickly turns into cystitis and pyelonephritis.
If a woman continues to have sex with vaginitis and does not use contraception, her partner develops fissures and dryness on the penis.
Stones inside the kidneys can reoccur even after crushing. To prevent relapse, a woman should monitor the quality of her diet and avoid a passive lifestyle.
Sexually transmitted infections can be easily eliminated, but only on the condition that sexual rest is maintained, and at the same time as the patient, her partner undergoes treatment.
Prevention
To prevent the development of conditions that are accompanied by blood during urination, you should:
- Avoid hypothermia – avoid getting wet in the rain; When choosing clothes, take into account weather conditions.
- Do not use only tampons during menstruation - you must also use sanitary pads.
- For diabetes mellitus, visit an endocrinologist in a timely manner and adjust blood glucose levels.
- Carefully perform hygiene measures (especially during menstruation, after intimacy or visiting the toilet).
- Take regular walks in the fresh air, pay attention to fortifying the body (especially during the off-season).
- If your partner is sick with sexually transmitted infections, temporarily stop having sex.
- Restore intestinal microflora in a timely manner, preventing the development of vaginal dysbiosis.
- Visit medical centers with a good reputation - they maintain sterility, which eliminates the risk of pathogenic microflora entering the body.
- Visit a gynecologist regularly (especially after childbirth, abortion, previous tumor process or cervical erosion).
- Expand your daily routine with training or at least a small amount of physical activity.
- Always use contraception when having intimacy with a new sexual partner.
It is also necessary to monitor the quality of food, avoid overeating, and eating the same type of food (only sour or salty). To prevent the development of allergies and, as a result, urethritis or cystitis, you need to use only hypoallergenic detergents.
95% of conditions that lead to the appearance of blood when urinating in women can be avoided. To do this, it is important to control the quality of food, normalize working and living conditions, and monitor health. When visiting a doctor, it is necessary to describe the disturbing symptoms as accurately as possible, and while undergoing a course of treatment, do not interrupt it until the pathology is completely eliminated.
Poisoning
Rat poison is dangerous for dogs and cats. The dog may swallow a poisoned rat or eat the poison left for it. This poison stops blood clotting because it is a hemolytic poison. That's why the dog pees blood. What to do in this case?
Urgently give the dog a sorbent and take it to a veterinary clinic. If the dog has recently eaten a poisonous substance, then he will undergo gastric lavage. When more than 8 hours have passed since the poison entered the body, this procedure is no longer useful. Drug treatment will be provided, which may include IVs and blood transfusions.
Poisoning is not something to joke about; the poison acts too quickly. It is important to notice the first symptoms promptly and contact a veterinarian. Considering the huge number of flayers that have appeared, poisoning is not such a rarity; it can happen at any time. You need to carefully monitor your pet. If he is seen picking up from the floor, then they play it safe by putting on a muzzle.
