Urinary Tract Infections & Bladder Stones: Bladder infections, called cystitis, bladder stones (urolithiasis), and kidney infections (pyelonephritis) are quite common. Dogs and cats may be predisposed to these problems by obesity, dry food diets, infrequent walking, poor access to litter, dental disease, poor grooming, and infections of the area around the penis, vagina, or anus. Some infections seem to then be precipitated by stressful events, or changes in routine such as moving, holiday disturbances, thunderstorms, visitors, or diet changes. Symptoms include frequent attempts to urinate, straining, blood in the urine (hematuria), frequent trips to the litter box, urinating in the house or on furniture, "requests" to be taken out for a walk at night, and pain. Male cats exhibiting any of these signs should be seen on an emergency basis (See "Urinary Tract Obstruction of Male Cats"). Diagnosis is by urinalysis and urine culture. Blood testing, x-ray, and ultrasound are indicated when the kidney is involved or for recurring problems. Recurrence is common. Treatment can be as simple as an appropriate antibiotic and proper diet. Bladder stones can sometimes be dissolved with a special diet, but may require surgery. Serious cases and kidney infections often require hospitalization, IV fluids and antibiotics, and monitoring of blood values. Long-term care and prevention is by the use of special diets.