- Oftentimes the first sign will be increased thirst and urination, with the animal straining and only passing a few drops of urine, which may have blood in it.
- Urinalysis will reveal the presence of blood cells, bacteria or crystals. Bacteria and blood point toward infection, while crystals indicate possible bladder stones. Rarely, a tumor is present.
- While infections are treated with antibiotics, stones are removed through surgery. Dogs who produce stones must be kept on a strict diet to avoid recurrences.
- All antibiotics should be taken and additional urinalysis performed to ensure the infection has been cured.
- Stones and tumors can block the urethra, causing the bladder to fill and eventually burst. Infection can also spread to other parts of the body.
