Feline Kidney Infection Vs Feline Bladder Infection
When comparing feline kidney infection to feline bladder infection one could possibly discount any similarities. But on the other hand if you were to compare feline kidney infection (pyelonephritis) to feline bladder infection you would immediately draw the conclusion that they are closely related. Most cases of both infectious diseases are caused by dangerous bacteria such as: Staphylococci, Streptococci, Enterococci, Proteus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter. These bacteria gain entrance through the urethra, working their way up the urinary tract until they reach the bladder and then on to the kidneys. As you can see once this dangerous bacterial is allowed to infect both the bladder and kidney a very serious problem has materialized.
Exploring Feline Kidney Infection
This infectious condition begins with fever, vomiting, and pain in the kidney area (lower back region) and can be either acute or chronic. Acute kidney infection is recognized by a stiff legged walk or gate and a hunched posture. Sometimes your feline’s urine will be bloody. Chronic kidney infection is a dangerous disease that may or may not be preceded by signs of acute infection. When a kidney infection persists for a long period of time your feline will experience weight loss combined with the signs of kidney failure. If the disease is recognized and treated early enough it may prevent complications, or at least disrupt the progression of the disease.
Exploring Feline Bladder Infection
Cats most susceptible to feline bladder infections are those who have the distinction of being seasoned citizens, cats with weak or damaged immune systems, or those with diseases such as diabetes or thyroid disease. Healthy cats with strong immune systems are not often affected by this condition. Notable indications of feline bladder infection include frequent urination, painful or difficult urination, and urinating in unusual or unwelcome places. As with bladder infection their may also be blood in the urine. Almost always felines with bladder infection show some signs or the condition.
Confirming the Diagnosis
Since both conditions are bacterial the diagnosis will be based on a urinalysis to identify the offending bacteria. If the urinalysis fails to provide the anticipated results additional tests may be required. They would include urine cultures, ultrasound examination, and X-ray examinations of the abdomen. Additionally, other procedures may be required including CT scan, surgical exploration, and biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment options when comparing feline kidney infection to feline bladder infection revolve around picking the right antibiotic for the infection. This may seem simple upon first glance but a mistake here can empower the bacteria to become resistant to antibiotic treatment. Once this occurs it will become increasingly more difficult to cure either feline kidney infection or feline bladder infection.
Alternative Therapy and Prevention
To give your feline the best chance of avoiding urinary infection and promoting maximum health, a regime consisting of fresh, filtered water to drink, a diet of raw and unprocessed foods, diligent litter box maintenance and a homeopathic supplement will prove invaluable. Homeopathic pet remedies are very effective in maintaining urinary system health in general. They also have the added benefit of supporting immune system health. As discussed above bacterial infections are diagnosed much more often in felines with weakened or damaged immune systems. If homeopathy is an alternative which you would like to research further look for a homeopathic remedy that contains cantharis and uva ursi. Cantharis works naturally ot maintain a healthy urine flow and soothes the bladder while uva ursi maintains normal pH levels of the urinary tract and is known as a urinary tonic.
