Dysuria and Pollakiuria in Dogs
Dysuria is a condition that leads to painful urination in the animal, while pollakiuria refers to abnormally frequent urination. While the urinary bladder and urethra normally serve to store and release the urine, these two disorders affect the lower urinary tract by damaging the bladder wall or stimulating the nerve endings in the bladder or urethra. In other words, you'll have a pet that goes to the bathroom often, and it may even have pain or discomfort when it urinates.
The condition or disease described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects cats, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
Symptoms
- Extreme irritability
- Discomfort or pain during urination
- Frequent "accidents" occuring indoors after he has been housebroken
Causes
Dysuria and pollakiuria are generally caused by lesions, stones, cancer or trauma in the urinary bladder and/or urethra. (Lesions and stones are good indicators of a lower urinary tract disease.)
Other factors include:
For the Urinary Bladder
- Anatomic abnormalities
- Malfunction of bladder muscles
- Chemicals/drugs
- Medical procedures
For the Urethra
- Anatomic abnormalities
- Kidney stones
- Urethral plugs
- Increased tension of the urethral sphincter (muscle used to control urine flow)
- Medical procedures
For the Prostrate Gland
- Cancer
- Inflammation or abscess
- Cysts
pica
A type of ravenous appetite that causes animals to eat or lick at strange substances
nerve
A bundle of fibers that are used in the process of sending impulses through the body
ark
A term usually used in the context of care for rabbits; a little structure with a ridged roof that may be used to house rabbits.
dam
Any female animal that has given birth.
ion
An atom that has a positive or negative charge
genera
The plural form of the word ‘genus.’
dysuria
Having a hard time urinating; pain while urinating
spraying
The act of urinating on objects or areas as a method of marking territory
sphincter
A ring-shaped muscle that is used to close and open an opening
urethra
A tube found between the bladder and the outside of the body; used to assist in urination.
abscess
A localized infection, usually a lesion filled with pus. Can be large or small in size.
pollakiuria
A medical condition involving frequent urination
lesion
A change in the way that tissue is constructed; a sore