Urinary Tract Disease
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Urinary tract disease occurs in the bladder and the urethra, the tube leading from the bladder that carries urine out of the cat's system. Characterized by blood in the urine and painful urination, urinary tract disease has no specific cause but several possible ones: cystitis, dehydration, bacterial infection or the high ash and mineral content in dry cat food. Cats experiencing urinary or bladder problems may strain while urinating, squatting and meowing in pain. Your vet may discover a thickened bladder wall, and blockage of urine flow or urinary crystals. With prescribed medication and a change in the cat's diet, the infection should cease within 10 days. Your vet will conduct several urinalyses to monitor the presence of blood in the urine. A low-stress environment and the proper nutrition can help prevent urinary tract infections.
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