Cystitis

                            --------

                      General Information



Cystitis is an inflammation of the urinary bladder.  It is

usually caused by bacteria that enter the bladder through the

external urinary opening (ascending infection).  Kidney

infections may spread to the bladder (descending infection).

Occasionally, infections in other parts of the body spread to

the bladder through the bloodstream.  Prostatic infection can

cause recurring bladder infections in males.  Bladder stones

(calculi) are a common cause of chronic cystitis.  Females appear

to be more susceptible to bladder infections than males.



Common signs of bladder infection include frequent licking of the

urinary opening, frequent voiding of small amounts of urine,

blood in the urine, painful urination, and unproductive

straining to urinate.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Medication must be given as directed.  Evening medication

    should be given after the last trip outdoors, and morning

    medication should be given after your pet is allowed the

    opportunity to urinate.  Call the doctor if you cannot give

    the medication as directed.



2.  Make sure your pet has frequent opportunities to urinate

    during the day, as prolonged urine retention tends to promote

    cystitis.



3.  Water:  Allow ready access to clean, fresh water at all

    times.



4.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Feed the normal diet.



    ____Feed Prescription Diet as follows:





    ____Add ______ teaspoons of table salt to each meal.



    ____Other:





        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet continues to have discomfort when urinating.



    * Your pet cannot urinate.



    * Your pet vomits or has diarrhea.



    * Your pet continues to have bloody urine.



    * Your pet's problem recurs after apparent recovery.



    ____A urine sample is requested.