Unexplained Blood in Urine

Dog Blood in Urine Reader Question: My 11-year old border collie started urinating more frequently with blood in her urine several months ago. The vet did an analysis of her urine and said she had crystals, bacteria, and white & red blood cells in it.

The Vet put her on an antibiotic and a urine acidifier for 3 weeks, but did not improve. Put her on another round of antibiotics but still did not improve. Did blood work and urine culture next. No bacteria or crystals in urine anymore.

Blood work showed possible dog liver problems, but that was the only thing unusual. She is now on Hills s/d (in case it is bladder stones), but has shown no improvement. This problem continues, may even be getting worse, but the dog acts completely normal otherwise. Still wants to go for long walks (stops every .10 - .20 miles to urinate), play Frisbee and eats normally. Does not seem to strain when urinating.

She appears as a completely normal dog, other than frequent urination and blood in urine. Do you have any recommendations? What should I do next?

Blood in Dog Urine Editor Comment:

Health issues related to the urinary system may be primary or secondary in nature, i.e. either caused primarily in the urinary tract or symptoms are exhibited due to any other underlying reason, i.e. the liver in this particular case.

The Canine Liver has to perform a number of vital functions in the body; detoxification is one of them. Detoxification is related to the urinary system. Even mild liver disease can affect the physiology of the urinary system, due to an association between the functionality and hormonal disturbance that occurs when there is a canine liver problem.

In most cases, due to a dog liver problem, different problems can arise in the urinary tract. These are related to recurring urinary tract infections, crystals and frequent urination. Due to toxins and the accumulation of crystals, the dog's immune system fails to control the microbial population, thus a dog may develop signs of infection and the passing of blood in the urine.

Urinary infections in such cases are mild to severe depending upon the immune status of the dog, but blood may pass frequently due to the presence of crystals, which continuously gathers in the dog's urinary tract.

On the other hand, due to an existing liver problem and related hormonal and enzyme disturbances, the urinary bladder fails to get empty after urination or micturation (discharge of urine), thus the affected dog exhibits symptoms such as frequent urination.

As far as treatment is concerned, it seems that your Veterinarian is following the correct protocol.

As you can tell from my response, Antibiotics and Urine acidifiers are only effective in controlling the urinary infections, not the underlying cause, i.e. the dog liver problem is yet to be addressed. Similarly, the diet being used is controlling crystals only.

I suggest that you discuss getting detailed liver tests performed, including a dog liver enzyme check and functionality tests etc. Once diagnosed and treated, the urinary symptoms will resolve themselves automatically.

While an exact diagnosis is being made, you can try some natural remedies such as DetoxPlus and Better-Bladder Control to support the liver, urinary system and immune system. These natural preparations will help with detoxification and to keep the dog urinary bladder and immune system strong.

Please keep us up to date on your dog's condition.