Pyelonephritis in Dogs

Pyelonephritis is a serious and painful kidney infection that can affect dogs, just as it can affect humans. This condition, if left untreated, can lead to severe health complications for our furry friends. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for pyelonephritis in dogs is crucial for ensuring their well-being.

What is Pyelonephritis?

Pyelonephritis is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that specifically affects the kidneys. Unlike lower urinary tract infections that typically involve the bladder and urethra, pyelonephritis is characterized by the inflammation and infection of one or both of the kidneys.

This condition usually occurs when bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), enter the urinary tract and ascend from the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) into the upper urinary tract (kidneys). Pyelonephritis can be acute or chronic:

Acute Pyelonephritis: This is a sudden and severe form of kidney infection. It can cause symptoms like high fever, chills, flank pain (pain in the side of the abdomen), nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination. Acute pyelonephritis requires prompt medical treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications.

Chronic Pyelonephritis: Chronic pyelonephritis is a long-term, ongoing inflammation of the kidneys, often resulting from repeated or untreated episodes of acute pyelonephritis. Over time, this condition can lead to kidney damage and impaired kidney function, which may not cause noticeable symptoms until later stages.

In dogs, urinary tract infections are more commonly associated with the lower urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra. However, pyelonephritis can also occur in dogs, albeit less frequently. It may present with similar symptoms as in humans, such as fever, lethargy, and changes in urination habits.

Is Pyelonephritis a UTI?

Yes, pyelonephritis is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI), but it differs from lower urinary tract infections (such as cystitis or urethritis) in that it specifically affects the kidneys. UTIs can occur anywhere in the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Pyelonephritis is an upper urinary tract infection that primarily involves the kidneys.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of UTIs:

• Cystitis: This is a UTI that affects the bladder. It typically causes symptoms such as frequent urination, a strong urge to urinate, burning or pain during urination, and lower abdominal discomfort.
• Urethritis: Urethritis is an infection of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Symptoms of urethritis can include burning during urination and discharge from the urethra.
• Pyelonephritis: Pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidneys. It is a more serious condition compared to bladder infections and is associated with symptoms such as fever, chills, flank pain (pain in the back or side), nausea, and vomiting, in addition to the symptoms commonly seen in lower UTIs.

Pyelonephritis vs Glomerulonephritis

Pyelonephritis is typically an acute kidney infection caused by bacteria, while glomerulonephritis is a group of kidney diseases that primarily affect the glomeruli and can have various underlying causes, including infections and autoimmune disorders. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for both conditions to prevent complications and preserve kidney function.

What Are the Clinical Signs of Pyelonephritis in Dogs?

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidneys in dogs, and it can be a serious condition. Clinical signs of pyelonephritis in dogs can vary in severity but often include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Fever
• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Increased heart rate (Tachycardia)
• Urine changes with cloudy or bloody urine
• Lower back pain
• Dehydration

What Are the Causes of Pyelonephritis?

Pyelonephritis is typically caused by a bacterial infection that ascends from the lower urinary tract to the kidneys. The most common bacteria responsible for pyelonephritis in dogs are Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus. However, there are other bacteria that can also play a role in causing this condition. These may include:

• Proteus
• Streptococcus
• Klebsiella
• Enterobacter
• Pseudomonas

These bacteria are often associated with lower urinary tract infections and can move up to infect the kidneys if left untreated.

In some rare cases, pyelonephritis can also be caused by bacteria that are capable of surviving and multiplying in low-oxygen or no-oxygen environments. Additionally, fungal organisms can also lead to pyelonephritis, although this is less common than bacterial infections.

Diagnosis of Pyelonephritis in Dogs

If you suspect that your dog may have pyelonephritis, it is crucial to seek prompt veterinary care. The veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination and may recommend the following diagnostic tests:

• Urinalysis: This will help identify the presence of bacteria, blood, or pus in the urine.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can indicate kidney function and assess for signs of infection.
• Ultrasound or X-rays: These imaging tests can reveal any structural abnormalities or kidney stones that may be contributing to the infection.

What Antibiotics Treat Pyelonephritis in Dogs?

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidneys and typically requires antibiotics to treat. The specific antibiotic prescribed by a veterinarian may depend on factors such as the dog's overall health, the suspected or identified bacteria causing the infection, and any potential drug sensitivities or allergies.

Common antibiotics used to treat pyelonephritis in dogs may include:

• Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid (Clavamox): This is a broad-spectrum antibiotic often used to treat urinary tract infections in dogs, including pyelonephritis.
• Enrofloxacin (Baytril): Enrofloxacin for dogs is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacteria. It is sometimes used to treat more serious cases of pyelonephritis.
• Cephalexin (Keflex): Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic that can be used to treat various bacterial infections, including those in the urinary tract.
• Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ or Bactrim): This combination antibiotic is effective against many urinary tract bacteria and can be used in the treatment of pyelonephritis.
• Amikacin or Gentamicin: These are aminoglycoside antibiotics that are reserved for severe or resistant cases of pyelonephritis.

In cases of severe infection, certain dogs may require hospitalization to manage acute kidney injury, which involves administering intravenous fluids and providing additional supportive care. Treatment also involves addressing any underlying medical conditions.

Related: Enrofloxacin for Dogs

What is the Typical Duration of Treatment for Pyelonephritis in Dogs?

The standard treatment course typically lasts for 4 to 8 weeks. During the initial 5-7 days of treatment, it is recommended to conduct urine cultures to assess the effectiveness of the antibiotics being used. After this initial period, urine analysis and cultures should be repeated within 3-7 days, followed by monthly assessments for the next 3 months. If all these follow-up cultures yield negative results, the intervals between urine cultures can be extended. It's important to note that dogs with pyelonephritis are at a heightened risk of persistent or recurring infections, as well as secondary infections at other sites, such as bacterial endocarditis and discitis.

How to Prevent Pyelonephritis in Dogs?

Preventing pyelonephritis in dogs involves a combination of good hygiene, proper care, and proactive measures to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Here are some steps to help prevent pyelonephritis in dogs:

Maintain Good Hygiene

Ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times.
Regularly clean your dog's water bowl and change the water daily to prevent bacterial growth.
Keep your dog's living area clean and free of urine and feces.

Avoid Holding Urine for Extended Periods

Ensure your dog has ample opportunities to urinate during the day. Take your dog outside for regular bathroom breaks to prevent the buildup of bacteria in the urinary tract. Holding urine for too long can increase the risk of infection.

Maintain Good Anal Hygiene

For female dogs, wiping the genital area from front to back after urination can help prevent the introduction of bacteria into the urethra.

Prevent Obesity

Obesity can increase the risk of UTIs, so maintain a healthy weight for your dog through proper diet and exercise.

FAQs

Is canine pyelonephritis painful? 

Canine pyelonephritis is typically associated with discomfort and can be painful for affected dogs. This condition involves a bacterial infection of the kidneys, which can lead to inflammation, kidney damage, and discomfort. Dogs with pyelonephritis may exhibit symptoms such as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, painful or difficult urination, and abdominal discomfort. While the level of pain can vary from dog to dog, it is generally an uncomfortable condition.

Can canine pyelonephritis heal on its own?

Pyelonephritis in dogs does not typically heal on its own. It is considered a serious medical condition that requires prompt veterinary intervention and treatment with antibiotics. Left untreated, pyelonephritis can lead to severe kidney damage, systemic illness, and potentially life-threatening complications.