Haematuria in pets

What It Is

Haematuria means blood is present in a pet's urine, whether obvious as pink or red urine or detectable only on a lab test. Blood at the very start of the stream suggests a problem near the urethra or genital tract; blood throughout the stream points toward the bladder or kidneys; blood only at the end often traces back to the bladder wall. Dogs and cats are seen most often for this sign, though horses and rabbits can show the same problem.

Common Causes

Bacterial urinary tract infection is a frequent cause in dogs, while cats more often develop haematuria from feline idiopathic cystitis, a bladder inflammation without an infectious cause. Bladder or kidney stones can irritate the lining enough to cause bleeding, and trauma from an accident is worth ruling out with an exam. Tumors of the bladder or prostate become more likely in older animals, and clotting disorders, tick-borne infections, or rodent poison can cause bleeding anywhere, including the urinary tract.

When It Is an Emergency

A male cat straining repeatedly and producing only drops of bloody urine or none at all has one of veterinary medicine's true emergencies: a blocked urethra that can turn fatal within a day or two. Heavy, ongoing blood loss, pale gums, weakness, or a painful, distended abdomen also need immediate care, as does haematuria following known trauma or alongside unexplained bruising elsewhere.

What the Vet Will Do

A urinalysis and often a urine culture check for infection, crystals, and the degree of blood present. Abdominal imaging looks for stones, thickened bladder walls, or masses, and bloodwork screens for clotting problems and kidney function. In a male cat showing signs of obstruction, the vet will pass a urinary catheter as an emergency step to relieve the blockage before pursuing further tests.

Home Care and Prevention

There is no safe home remedy for bloody urine; the cause needs to be identified before treatment can help. Fresh water and normal urination habits support overall urinary tract health. Rodent poison and other household toxins should be stored well out of reach, since some cause bleeding disorders that show up first in the urine. Following the prescribed prevention plan afterward reduces the chance of recurrence.