Urologic diseases
Diseases of the kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract are common in pets. They can develop quickly, as in infection, or slowly and gradually, as in kidney failure. These diseases are usually associated with changes in elimination routine, discomfort, and pain.
Here are some common urinary tract diseases of dogs and how tracking your dog using a PetPace collar may help with early identification and disease management.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also called renal failure or renal insufficiency, is a metabolic disease in which the kidney fails to do its job of removing waste products and regulating fluids inside the body.
Common signs of CKD include increased frequency and amount of drinking and urinating, lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, weight loss, and bad breath.
Breeds
Breeds that may have a genetic predisposition to develop CKD include Bull Terriers, English Cocker Spaniels, Cairn Terriers, German Shepherds, Samoyeds, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, and Alaskan Malamutes.
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system can help in the early detection of diseases:
- Decreased Wellness score
- Deviations from the Health Profile
- Decreased activity score
- Irregular pulse rate
- Decreased HRV
- Decreased calories burnt
- Decreased pain score
- Changes in posture routine
Bladder stones (also called uroliths or cystic calculi) are mineral deposits in the urinary bladder that crystalize to form rocks. Stones can come in various sizes, numbers, types, and shapes. Typical symptoms include urinary accidents, straining, increased frequency of urination, bloody urine, and licking around the urinary opening.
Breed
Breeds genetically predisposed to form urinary stones include Miniature Schnauzers, Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apsos, Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, Miniature Poodles, Pekingese, Dachshunds, Maltese, Pugs, English Bulldogs, and Dalmatians.
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system can help in the early detection of disease:
- Decreased pain score
- Changes in posture routine
- Decreased Wellness score
- Deviations from the Health Profile
- Decreased HRV
- Decreased Sleep Quality
Lower urinary tract infections in dogs are usually caused by bacteria invading the urinary bladder and/or the urethra. It is more common in female than male dogs, and the occurrence may increase with age.
Common signs include frequent voiding of small volumes of urine, straining, urgency, apparent loss of house training, increased thirst, and bloody, smelly, or cloudy urine. In severe cases, in which the infection travels up the urinary tract and reaches the kidneys, the dog may develop a fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
Breed
Any breed can develop a urinary tract infection, but dogs with a higher risk of developing bladder stones (see a list under the Bladder Stones section) are also at risk of having repeated or chronic UTIs.
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system can help in disease detection and recovery:
- Decreased pain score
- Changes in posture routine
- Decreased Wellness score
- Deviations from the Health Profile
- Decreased HRV
- Decreased Sleep Quality
Incontinence is an involuntary leakage of urine. Incontinent dogs are unaware that they leave wet spots, usually where they rest or sleep. Some older dogs, more commonly females, may develop weak sphincters that lead to incontinence. It is important to rule out other medical conditions that may involve inappropriate urination, such as UTI, bladder stones, diabetes, cognitive decline, etc.
Breeds
The following breeds may be at higher risk of developing incontinence due to a weak sphincter: Bearded Collie, Boxer, Collie, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, English Springer Spaniel, German Shepherd Dog, Irish Setter, Old English Sheepdog, Rottweiler, and Weimaraner.
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system can help in disease detection and recovery:
- Changes in posture routine
- Deviations from the Health Profile
- Decreased Sleep Quality
