by Dr. Abby Deuel, VeterinarianUrinating in the wrong place or at the wrong time is a very common reason for a dog or cat to make a trip to the veterinarian. There are a number of behavioral and medical reasons why this may occur. Diagnostic tools and a thorough history can help determine the cause and the solution.
Cats
A cat that suddenly starts to pee outside the litter box is definitely a signal that something is not right. In many cases, something in the house has changed. For example, if you suddenly buy a different litter type, a cat may decide not to use the box anymore. Cats are very sensitive to change and often show their disapproval with litter box issues. It is always a good idea to think about anything that changed at the same time that the cat started to have the problem.Common new things that can be the problem are: different food/treats, new litter substrate, not changing the litter pan frequently enough, an addition to the family (ie. another pet or a new baby), and changes in routines. Even things that you may not think of like a new air freshener, laundry soap, or radio station can send a cat into stress mode and cause inappropriate urination.
If there have been no changes whatsoever, then the next cause could be medical. After a thorough physical exam, a veterinarian will likely get a urine sample and check it for signs of infection, crystals, pH issues, or concentration abnormalities. Cats are prone to urinary tract issues that can cause irritation and result in urgency of urination that can prevent them from making it to the litter pan. Some diseases that can be associated with changes in urination are: diabetes, a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, crystalluria (crystals in the urine), and food allergies. Bloodwork may be necessary to help rule out diseases. Often a change in food can help limit the reoccurrence of urinary tract issues.
Urinary issues are so common in cats that there is an acronym, FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease), which encompasses idiopathic cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), urolithiasis (urinary stones), and urethral obstruction. Signs other than urinating outside the litter box that could indicate a serious issue would include: straining to urinate, frequent and/or prolonged attempts to urinate, vocalizing while urinating, excessive licking of the genital area, and blood in the urine.
Dogs
A dog that suddenly starts to pee inside is generally an indication of something medically wrong. If the dog doesn't know that they are peeing or they seem to leak while sleeping, incontinence may be the problem. In order for a dog to void urine, there is a symphony that must occur involving numerous muscles, nerves, and hormones. If one of these components is not functioning, it can affect the whole process. These dogs may need hormonal treatment with a pill given twice daily to correct the incontinence. A diabetic dog can have accidents in the house because they are producing so much urine that they cannot make it outside in time. Once the diabetes is under control, this problem tends to cease. However, diabetic dogs are also more prone to urinary tract infections.If your dog strains while urinating, pees frequently in small amounts, or seems to have discolored urine, this can indicate an infection, a bladder stone, or both. A veterinarian should perform a thorough exam and a urinalysis. If a bladder stone is suspected, an x-ray or ultra-sound would be indicated. Stones, depending on the size, number, location, and type, often require surgical removal. There are diets on the market now that can dissolve certain types of stones. Even if surgical removal is required, the special diets can be used to help prevent stone formation in the future.
Veterinarian
If your pet exhibits any abnormalities with regards to urination, have a veterinarian check them over. It may be the first sign of a more serious problem like diabetes or an infection. If you can bring a urine sample with you to the vet, it can facilitate a diagnosis. The first urination in the morning is the most valuable. You can use a soup ladle to capture the urine mid-stream. Try not to have any debris from litter or grass in the sample. Store the sample in a clean (or even sterile) jar at room temperature until you can get it to the vet appointment.| Dr. Abby Deuel, Veterinarian Deuel Veterinary Services, P.C. 2047 N Broadway Ave Salem, IL 62881 Phone: 618-548-6755 Fax : 618-548-6855 deuelveterinaryservices.com |
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This article originally appeared in the May 2013 edition of the Holistic Touch Therapy newsletter.