


This is often called an upper urinary tract infection. However, if your dog does not receive treatment or the bacteria involved are particularly insidious, the infection can spread upwards, allowing the bacteria to colonize the ureters or kidneys. This is called a lower urinary tract infection. In most cases, the bacteria cling to the sides of the urethra or the bladder. But unlike harmful bacteria, which don’t cause problems or are easy for your dog’s body to flush out, trouble-making bacteria start clinging to the lining of the urinary tract. Normally, the bacteria enter the urinary tract via the urethral opening. However, from time to time, pathogenic bacteria – that is, bacteria that can cause illness – gain access to the urinary tract. They simply get flushed out when your dog voids her bladder. But, in the case of a healthy urinary tract, the bacteria and other microorganisms present don’t cause any problems. However, while the ureters are paired, there is only one urethra.ĭespite notions to the contrary, healthy urine isn’t sterile. Urethra – Like the ureters, the urethra is just a tube that ferries urine from the bladder to the outside world.
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Urine is stored here until the bladder is full (or nearly so), at which time it is released via the urethra.
