Section: Overview
Dysuria is defined as difficult or painful urination. It is characterized by straining to urinate, frequent attempts at urination, and evidence of discomfort when urinating. Discomfort may be demonstrated by crying out during urination, excessive licking at the urogenital region or turning and looking at the area.
What to Watch For
Straining to urinate
Frequent attempts at urination
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Excessive licking at the urogenital area
Passage of only small amounts of urine
Vocalization when attempting to urinate
Inappropriately urinating (in the house)
Unproductive urination (no urine passed)
Causes
Causes of dysuria include a number of different conditions including:
Urinary tract infection
A stone in the urethra
Bladder stones
Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)
Masses (tumors) in the bladder or urethra
Stricture (narrowed area within the urogenital tract)
A neurologic problem resulting in increased urethral tone or decreased bladder tone
Treatment
Treatment will depend upon the underlying cause of the problem. It may require:
Antibiotics to treat infections
Surgery to treat stones or a stricture
An anti-inflammatory dose of steroids to treat inflammation
Home Care
Administer as directed any medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Observe your dog's urination patterns. Make sure urine is being passed in adequate amounts. Observe your dog's general activity level, appetite and attitude.
Make sure your dog has plenty of water and has frequent opportunities to urinate. Follow dietary recommendations of your veterinarian.
