Frequent urination, accidents, blood in the wee, or straining to pass urine — bladder and urinary problems are common, often distressing, and sometimes urgent. Especially in male cats, where blockages can be life-threatening.
Urinary problems can range from mild irritation to genuine emergencies. The bladder is also a window into wider health — kidney disease, diabetes, prostate problems and stress all show up in changes to urination habits. Proper assessment with urinalysis, imaging and bloods identifies the root cause quickly.
Common urinary problems we treat
Bladder infections (UTIs)
Bacterial bladder infections cause frequent urination, straining, blood in the urine and accidents around the house. Common in older female dogs and pets with underlying conditions like diabetes or kidney disease. We diagnose with in-house urinalysis and, where needed, send urine for culture to identify the right antibiotic.
Bladder stones (urolithiasis)
Mineral crystals that form in the bladder, ranging from sand-like sediment to large stones. Causes pain, recurrent infections, blood in the urine, and sometimes urinary blockage. Different stone types need different treatment — some dissolve on a prescription diet, others need surgical removal. Imaging and lab analysis tell us which type we’re dealing with.
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
One of the most common — and most misunderstood — cat conditions. FLUTD encompasses several issues, but the most common is feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), often triggered by stress, dietary factors and environmental change. Cats with FLUTD strain in the litter tray, urinate small amounts in unusual places, lick excessively at their genital area, or appear distressed when toileting.
Urinary blockage in male cats
This is a true emergency. A blocked male cat — unable to pass any urine despite straining — can develop kidney failure within 24–48 hours and die without urgent intervention. Signs include repeated trips to the litter tray with no result, vocalising in pain, vomiting and lethargy. If you suspect a blockage, ring us straight away.
Incontinence
Involuntary leakage of urine, often in older spayed female dogs (USMI — urinary sphincter mechanism incompetence). Most cases respond well to medication. Other causes include nerve problems, anatomical abnormalities, and underlying disease — all need investigation.
Increased thirst & urination
A pet drinking and urinating noticeably more than usual is showing one of the most important early signs of underlying disease — kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism in cats, Cushing’s disease in dogs. Bloods and urinalysis quickly identify the cause.
Prostate problems
Older entire male dogs are prone to prostate enlargement, infection or, less commonly, tumours. Signs include straining to urinate or defecate, blood in the urine, and difficulty passing motions. Castration is a key part of long-term management for many prostate conditions.
Signs of urinary problems
Suspect a blocked cat? Ring us NOW
A male cat unable to pass urine is one of the most time-critical emergencies in small animal medicine. Phone us immediately on 0113 868 6100 if your cat is:
- Repeatedly going to the litter tray with no result, or only producing tiny drops
- Crying out, vocalising or appearing distressed when toileting
- Vomiting alongside straining
- Lethargic, hiding, or unusually flat
- Showing a tense, painful abdomen
Out of hours? Contact Vets Now Bradford on 01274 722721 (515 Bradford Road, BD3 7BA) immediately.
Other urgent signs: blood in the urine, sudden incontinence, severe lethargy with urinary changes, or any pet who hasn’t passed urine in 12+ hours.
How we diagnose urinary problems
Most urinary investigations start with three simple tests — urinalysis, bloods, and imaging. Done together, they identify the cause quickly in the majority of cases.
In-house urinalysis
Dipstick chemistry, specific gravity (concentration), and microscopic sediment examination — results within minutes. Identifies infection, crystals, blood, glucose and protein.
Urine culture
For confirmed infections, we send samples to an external lab to identify the exact bacteria and confirm antibiotic sensitivity — particularly important for recurrent infections.
Abdominal ultrasound
Real-time imaging of bladder, kidneys, ureters and prostate — identifies stones, masses, wall thickening and structural changes. Available on-site at £200.
X-rays & contrast studies
For larger stones, kidney size assessment, and identifying anatomical abnormalities. Available on-site at £400 (up to 5 views).
Blood tests
Full biochemistry to assess kidney function, blood glucose (for diabetes), and screen for hormonal causes of increased urination.
Cystocentesis
Sterile urine collection directly from the bladder using ultrasound guidance — the gold standard for accurate culture results.
Treatment & long-term management
Treatment depends entirely on the cause. Bacterial infections respond to a targeted course of antibiotics. Stones may need surgical removal or dissolve on prescription urinary diets. FLUTD in cats is managed through stress reduction, environmental enrichment, increased water intake and specific diets. Incontinence usually responds excellently to medication.
For chronic urinary conditions — recurrent UTIs, repeat stone formers, FLUTD cats — the focus shifts to long-term prevention: prescription diets, stress management, monitoring, and regular re-checks. Companion Plan members get free consultations plus 20% off the medications that ongoing management requires.
Transparent pricing
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Consultation (15 min) | £39 |
| Extended / Emergency Consultation | £60 |
| In-house urinalysis | POA |
| Urine culture & sensitivity | POA |
| Abdominal ultrasound | £200 |
| X-rays (up to 5 views) | £400 |
| Bladder stone surgery | POA — full estimate provided |
Petplan direct claims supported. Companion Plan members receive consultations included plus 20% off medications.
Chronic urinary problems? We can help.
Pets with recurrent UTIs, FLUTD or stones often need ongoing prescription diets, regular consultations and repeat urinalysis. Companion Plan members get free consultations plus 20% off medications — substantial savings for chronic patients.
Frequently asked questions
How do I collect a urine sample from my pet?
For dogs: a clean shallow tray (an old saucepan or specifically purchased sample dish) caught mid-stream is usually fine. For cats: replace litter with a non-absorbent material like aquarium gravel or a urine-collection kit we can supply. Bring it in within 4 hours where possible. We can also collect by cystocentesis at the practice.
Why does my cat keep getting cystitis?
Most recurrent cystitis in cats is feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) — a stress-related condition rather than an infection. Triggers include changes in routine, multi-cat conflict, dietary changes, or environmental stressors. Long-term management focuses on stress reduction, water intake and dietary modification.
My older dog is wetting the bed at night — is that normal?
No, but it’s usually treatable. Urinary incontinence in older spayed females responds well to medication in most cases. Other causes include UTI, kidney disease, diabetes — all worth investigating with a urine sample and bloods.
My pet drinks a lot of water — is that a problem?
Increased thirst is one of the most important early warning signs in pets. Causes include kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing’s, and hyperthyroidism (cats). If your pet is drinking noticeably more than usual, please book a check-up — a few simple tests can pinpoint the cause quickly.
Can diet help with bladder stones?
For some stone types (notably struvite), prescription diets can dissolve existing stones and prevent new ones forming. Other stone types (calcium oxalate) won’t dissolve but diet can reduce recurrence. We’ll always identify the stone type before recommending a diet.
Should I be worried about a tiny bit of blood in my pet’s urine?
Yes — even small amounts of blood warrant investigation. Common causes include infection, stones and inflammation. Less commonly, blood can indicate more serious problems like bladder tumours. A simple urinalysis and ultrasound usually identifies the cause.
Don’t wait with urinary problems
Same-day appointments. In-house urinalysis. Honest advice when something needs urgent attention.