Hematuria in Dogs

Hematuria (Blood in Urine) in Dogs

By: Dr. Bari Spielman

Section: Overview

Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine. It may be gross (visible to the naked eye) or microscopic. Possible causes of hematuria include:

  • Bacterial infections of the urinary and genital tracts such as cystitis (bladder infection), vaginitis or prostatitis

  • Cancer of the urinary or genital tracts

  • Calculi (stones) in the urinary tract

  • Congenital urinary tract abnormalities (those present at birth)

  • Rare parasites of the urinary tract

  • Clotting (bleeding) disorders including anti-coagulant rat poison (warfarin)

  • Trauma

  • Normal reproductive or heat cycles (estrus)

  • Medication-induced (e.g., cystitis caused by cyclophosphamide, a drug used to treat some types of cancer and immune-mediated diseases)

  • Benign idiopathic ("of unknown cause") hematuria originating from the kidney

    What to Watch For

    The effect of hematuria on the pet may range from no obvious effect to severe.
    Severe bleeding into the urinary tract may cause the dog to become anemic and may cause weakness or collapse.

    Other symptoms that commonly accompany hematuria include:

  • Painful or difficult urination

  • Straining to urinate

  • Frequent passage of small amounts of urine

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    You should have your pet examined by your veterinarian if you observe hematuria or any of these other symptoms.

     
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