What are the common causes of blood in urine. How can hematuria be diagnosed and treated. When should you seek medical attention for discolored urine. What lifestyle changes can help prevent urinary bleeding.

Understanding Hematuria: What Causes Blood in Urine?

Hematuria, the medical term for blood in urine, occurs when red blood cells leak from the kidneys or urinary tract into urine. This condition can manifest as pink, red, or brown-colored urine, and in some cases, visible blood clots may be present. While the sight of blood in urine can be alarming, it’s essential to understand that it doesn’t always indicate a severe medical issue. However, it should never be ignored, as it could be a sign of an underlying condition that requires attention.

Common Causes of Hematuria

There are numerous potential causes of blood in urine, ranging from benign to more serious conditions. Some of the most common causes include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Kidney or bladder stones
• Enlarged prostate
• Kidney disease or injury
• Bladder or kidney cancer
• Certain medications (e.g., blood thinners, cyclophosphamide)
• Strenuous exercise
• Sickle cell anemia

It’s worth noting that certain foods and medications can also cause urine discoloration without the presence of blood. For instance, consuming beets, blackberries, or rhubarb may result in reddish urine. Similarly, some medications and vitamins can alter urine color. However, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional if you notice any changes in your urine color or consistency.

Recognizing Symptoms Associated with Blood in Urine

While discolored urine is the primary symptom of hematuria, there are several other signs and symptoms that may accompany this condition. Being aware of these can help you better communicate your concerns to your healthcare provider.

Additional Symptoms to Watch For

Alongside blood in urine, you may experience:

• Discomfort or pain during urination
• Increased urinary frequency or urgency
• Abdominal or lower back pain
• Fever and chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty urinating or inability to urinate

If you experience any of these symptoms in conjunction with blood in your urine, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. These additional symptoms can provide valuable clues to your healthcare provider about the underlying cause of your hematuria.

The Role of Dehydration in Urinary Health

While dehydration itself may not directly cause blood in urine, it can contribute to conditions that lead to hematuria. Chronic dehydration can increase the risk of developing kidney stones, which are a common cause of blood in urine. Additionally, dehydration may exacerbate the effects of strenuous exercise on the urinary system, potentially leading to exercise-induced hematuria.

Hydration and Urinary Health

Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for overall urinary health. Adequate fluid intake helps:

• Flush out toxins and bacteria from the urinary system
• Prevent the formation of kidney stones
• Maintain healthy kidney function
• Reduce the risk of urinary tract infections

While increasing fluid intake is generally beneficial, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing hematuria. They can provide guidance on the appropriate amount and types of fluids to consume based on your specific condition.

Diagnostic Approaches for Blood in Urine

When blood in urine is detected, healthcare providers employ various diagnostic methods to determine the underlying cause. The diagnostic process typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by a series of tests and procedures.

Common Diagnostic Tests for Hematuria

Depending on the suspected cause and severity of symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following diagnostic tests:

1. Urinalysis: This basic test can detect microscopic blood in urine and screen for urinary tract infections or kidney stones.
2. Blood tests: These may include a complete blood count (CBC), kidney function tests, and tests for blood disorders.
3. Imaging studies: CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds can provide detailed images of the urinary system to identify structural abnormalities or tumors.
4. Cystoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the bladder to examine the urethra and bladder lining.
5. Kidney biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of kidney tissue may be taken for microscopic examination.

The choice of diagnostic tests will depend on various factors, including age, gender, medical history, and the presence of other symptoms. It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Hematuria

The treatment for blood in urine largely depends on the underlying cause. Once a diagnosis is established, your healthcare provider will recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.

Common Treatment Approaches

Treatment options for hematuria may include:

• Antibiotics for urinary tract infections
• Medication to shrink an enlarged prostate
• Shock wave therapy or surgery for kidney stones
• Adjusting or discontinuing medications that may be causing the bleeding
• Treatment for underlying kidney diseases or blood disorders
• Surgery or other interventions for bladder or kidney tumors

In some cases, particularly if the hematuria is exercise-induced or due to a mild condition, your healthcare provider may recommend watchful waiting and lifestyle modifications. This approach involves monitoring your condition closely while making changes to your diet, exercise routine, or fluid intake.

Prevention Strategies and Lifestyle Modifications

While not all cases of hematuria can be prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk and maintain overall urinary health.

Tips for Promoting Urinary Health

Consider implementing the following lifestyle modifications:

• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Practice good hygiene to prevent urinary tract infections
• Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of bladder cancer
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your urinary system
• Exercise regularly, but avoid excessive, high-impact activities
• Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder
• Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Remember that these preventive measures are general recommendations. If you have a history of hematuria or are at high risk for urinary conditions, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice on prevention strategies.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Blood in Urine

While occasional, mild hematuria may not always require immediate medical attention, there are certain situations where prompt consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial.

Red Flags: When to Contact Your Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Visible blood in your urine, especially if it persists for more than a day
• Blood clots in your urine
• Severe pain or discomfort while urinating
• Difficulty urinating or complete inability to urinate
• Fever, chills, or other signs of infection accompanying blood in urine
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue along with hematuria
• A history of smoking and blood in urine (due to increased risk of bladder cancer)

It’s important to remember that even if the blood in your urine resolves on its own, you should still mention it to your healthcare provider at your next appointment. They may want to perform additional tests to rule out any underlying conditions.

Long-term Management and Follow-up Care

For individuals who have experienced hematuria, ongoing management and follow-up care are essential components of maintaining urinary health. The specific approach to long-term management will depend on the underlying cause of the hematuria and any associated conditions.

Key Aspects of Long-term Care

Long-term management of hematuria may involve:

• Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider
• Periodic urinalysis and other relevant tests
• Ongoing treatment for chronic conditions (e.g., kidney disease, enlarged prostate)
• Lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence
• Monitoring for potential complications or new symptoms
• Adherence to prescribed medications or treatment plans

Your healthcare provider will work with you to develop an appropriate follow-up care plan based on your individual needs and risk factors. It’s crucial to attend all scheduled appointments and communicate any new or worsening symptoms promptly.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and management strategies for blood in urine, you can take proactive steps to maintain your urinary health and overall well-being. Remember that while hematuria can be concerning, many cases are treatable with proper medical care and lifestyle modifications. If you ever notice blood in your urine or experience related symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice for proper evaluation and treatment.

What Causes Blood in Urine (Hematuria)?

Symptoms That Accompany Blood in Your Urine

If your urine is pink, red, or brown, you may be experiencing hematuria. A small amount of blood can change the color of your urine, but you may also notice that you’re passing larger blood clots. (2) 

Discolored urine, however, does not mean that you have blood in your urine. Certain foods such as blackberries, rhubarb, and beets, as well as some medications and vitamins, can change the color of your urine. (3) 

Regardless, it’s best to consult your doctor anytime that your urine is discolored to determine whether the change is harmless or more serious.

Additional symptoms that might accompany blood in urine can include: (4)

• Discomfort or pain while urinating
• Urgent need to urinate
• Frequent need to urinate
• Weight loss
• Inability to urinate
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Chills

Causes of Blood in Your Urine (Hematuria)

When you experience hematuria, red blood cells leak from your kidneys or your urinary tract into your urine. Blood in your urine is not always a sign of a serious medical condition, but it should be taken as a warning sign that something could be wrong. Hematuria can be a sign of many different medical conditions, including: (2)

• Bladder or kidney stones
• Kidney disease
• Kidney injury
• Enlarged prostate
• Urinary tract infections
• Blood clots
• Kidney infections
• Cancer of kidneys, bladder, or urethra
• Sickle cell anemia

If you notice blood at the beginning of urination, the origin of the bleeding could be the urethra. If you notice blood throughout urination, it’s possible that the origin is your bladder, kidneys, or ureters. If you notice blood at the end of a urination stream, the cause may be the bladder or prostate. (5)

If you’re over age 35 and are a smoker, blood in your urine is often a sign of bladder cancer. (5)

Certain medications can also cause urinary bleeding, including: (2)

• cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
• penicillin
• aspirin
• heparin
• Anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), dabigatran (Pradaxa), or apixaban (Eliquis)

Extreme exercise can also cause hematuria, possibly because it can cause bladder trauma, dehydration, or the breaking down of red blood cells. If you’re a runner, or have exercised strenuously, and notice blood in your urine, contact your doctor. (2)

Blood may also come from other sources, such as the vagina during menstruation, ejaculation in men (often because of a prostate problem), or a bowel movement due to hemorrhoids or other issues. (4)

What Causes Small Blood Clots in Urine?

Urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and prostate problems are common causes of small blood clots, which can sometimes look like coffee grounds. If you notice blood clots in your urine — even small ones — you should contact your doctor. Larger blood clots can block the flow of urine and cause discomfort, and they’re often a sign of a medical emergency. (6)

If you notice different shapes of blood clots in your urine, such as a wormlike form, it may be a sign that you are experiencing bleeding from the urethra or prostate. If the clots are painful, they might be coming from the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder, known as ureters. (5)

Can Dehydration Cause Blood in Urine?  

While dehydration is less likely to be a direct cause of blood in the urine, it can lead to conditions that can cause hematuria. For example, low urine volume due to consistent dehydration can lead to kidney stones that can cause blood in the urine. Dehydration may also be a contributor when extreme exercise causes blood in the urine. (7)

Diagnosing the Cause of Blood in Urine

More on Diagnosing Causes of Urine in Blood

10 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Blood Tests

To determine the cause of blood in urine, your doctor will usually begin by discussing your medical history with you. They may ask if you’ve had any recent infections or have a family history of hematuria. (2) You can prepare for your appointment by making a few notes about the color and odor of your urine, as well as how frequently you’ve been urinating and whether you experience any pain while urinating. You may want to take a photo of your discolored urine on your mobile phone that you can show to your doctor during your appointment.

Your doctor may also perform a number of tests. A urinalysis can detect microscopic hematuria and also test for a urinary tract infection or kidney stones. If a urinalysis does not determine the cause, your doctor may also perform a CT scan, an MRI, or an ultrasound. They may also want to examine the bladder and urethra via cystoscopy, where a tube with a camera attached is inserted into your bladder. (2) Additional tests may include: (4)

• Antinuclear antibody test
• Blood creatinine level
• Kidney biopsy
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Strep test
• Blood disorder tests
• Coagulation tests
• Blood chemistry tests
• 24-hour urine collection

“Many doctors and patients underestimate the importance of searching for a cause for blood in the urine,” says Anne Schuckman, MD, associate professor of urology and urologic oncology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC in Los Angeles. She recommends that patients with hematuria receive both a CT scan and a cystoscopy. “Unfortunately, many patients who have blood in the urine may also have some white cells in the urine and are treated for a presumed urinary tract infection. The antibiotics may help for a while. However, a serious underlying reason for the blood can be missed without a full investigation.”

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Conditions That Can Cause Blood in Your Urine

Medically Reviewed by Minesh Khatri, MD on November 28, 2022

It sounds strange, but you may not always know that you have blood in your urine. Sometimes, there’s so little that it only shows up under a microscope when your doctor is testing you for something else. When you can see it, it can be alarming. But most of the time, the causes aren’t serious. In some cases, though, the symptom points to a bigger health problem.So you should always let your doctor know about it.

It happens when bacteria infect the parts of your body that make and store urine, such as your bladder or urethra. You may hear it called cystitis. Along with seeing blood, you might feel like you have to go all the time, and it could burn when you do. In serious cases, you may have pain in your belly or groin. But sometimes, especially if you’re older, you may not have any symptoms. UTIs are very common, and antibiotics can usually clear them up.

A UTI can make its way to your kidneys through the connecting tubes of the urinary tract. The symptoms are often similar, but with a kidney infection, you’re more likely to have a fever and pain in your sides. And it can be more serious, especially if it spreads to other parts of your body. So be sure to let your doctor know if you notice the signs. This UTI is called pyelonephritis.

They start to form in your kidneys when your body has built up too much calcium or other minerals. And they can really hurt, especially in your back near your hips and ribs, if they grow big enough. You might see blood or even a piece of a stone in your urine. Smaller ones sometimes “pass” on their own in your pee, but you might need surgery to get rid of larger ones.

Infection, surgery, or a sudden hit to this small gland near a man’s bladder could inflame it. Besides seeing blood, you may find it hard or painful to pee. You also might have pain in your groin and lower belly when you poop or ejaculate. Treatment depends on the cause, but you might need antibiotics or pain medicines.

Also called glomerulonephritis,it can damage the tiny filters in your kidneys. That makes it harder for them to get rid of waste. People usually don’t know they have it until their doctor detects it with a urine test. But your pee may have blood or look foamy and brownish, and you may notice swelling in your face, legs, and belly. The issue may get better on its own, but if it doesn’t, treatment can prevent kidney damage.

Genes from your parents cause small, fluid-filled cysts to grow on your kidneys. They can damage the organs and cause blood in your urine. Most people don’t have symptoms until age 30-40, but the first signs can be a bigger belly, a lot of UTIs, and back and side pain. You’re more likely to have high blood pressure and feel chest fluttering, pounding, or pain when you have PKD. There’s no cure, but your doctor can help manage symptoms.

PKD isn’t the only genetic disease that could put blood in your urine. It’s also a symptom of other conditions like sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, or Alport syndrome, which affects the eyes, ears, and kidneys. And sometimes, the symptom can run in families for no clear reason. If that’s the case for you, you may not need any treatment.

It tends to affect runners more than other athletes. But it’s not that common, and doctors don’t know exactly why it happens. It might be a lack of water, injury to the bladder, or the breakdown of more red blood cells in aerobic exercise.

Some drugs, like the antibiotic penicillin or the cancer drug cyclophosphamide, can cause blood in your urine. It also might happen if you take medications like aspirin or the blood thinner heparin, especially if you already have a condition, like a urinary tract infection, that makes your bladder bleed more easily. Blood thinners by themselves are not the cause of blood in the urine, so the cause still needs to be investigated.
 

A hard hit, typically in your lower back area, can make blood show up in your urine. It might happen in a fall or a car accident or if something heavy hits you. Often it gets better on its own with rest, though a doctor should keep an eye on you to make sure you’re recovering well. If your injury is severe, you may need surgery. 

Blood in the urine is a key sign of bladder cancer. It also may be a sign of kidney or prostate cancer. In some cases, you might not have any other symptoms. That’s one reason why it’s important to let your doctor know when you notice any blood. They can rule out more serious conditions or start any treatment you may need.

To find out why there’s blood in your urine, your doctor will examine you and ask about your health and family history. A lab will test your urine for red blood cells, infection, and other possible problems. In some cases, your doctor may test your blood or take pictures of your kidney or bladder with an ultrasound, a CT scan, MRI, or a special camera called a cystoscope. Sometimes, your doctor may need to test a sample of your urine for cancer cells.

The right one depends on what’s causing the symptom. An infection can be cleared up with antibiotics. Different cancers require different approaches, and genetic diseases may need long-term management. Talk to your doctor about what kind of treatment is likely to help you.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1) angelp / Thinkstock

2) David Mack / Science Source

3) John Bavosi / Science Source

4) Ingram Publishing / Getty Images

5) David Mack / Science Source

6) Eraxion / Thinkstock

7) PDSN / Medical Images

8) LWA / Dann Tardif / Getty Images

9) Jacob Ammentorp Lund / Thinkstock

10) James King-Holmes / Science Source

11) Keith Allison / Wikipedia

12) SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI / Science Source

13) Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

14) Fuse / Getty Images

SOURCES:

American Cancer Society: “Kidney Cancer Signs and Symptoms,” “Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer.”

American Kidney Fund: “Glomerulonephritis,” “Polycystic kidney disease,” “Kidney infection.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Urinary Tract Infections,” “Bladder Cancer,” “Sickle Cell Anemia,” “Hematuria.”

Mayo Clinic: “Prostatitis,” “Blood in urine (hematuria). ”

Merck Manual: “Stones in the Urinary Tract.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: “Hematuria (Blood in the Urine).”

NIH Genetics Home Reference: “Alport syndrome.”

National Kidney Foundation: “Hematuria in Adults,” “What is Glomerulonephritis?”

Nemours Foundation: “Glomerulonephritis.”

Prostate Cancer Foundation: “Prostate Gland.”

Urology Care Foundation: “What is Kidney (Renal) Trauma?”

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Blood in the urine (hematuria) | Symptoms, complications, diagnosis and treatment

Blood in the urine may be a warning sign. Although in many cases the cause is harmless, blood in the urine (hematuria) can indicate a serious disorder. Treatment depends on the cause.

Blood in the urine can be referred to by two terms. If the blood is visible to the eye, that is, the urine has a pink or burgundy color, then this condition is called gross hematuria. If the urine has a normal color, but an increased content of red blood cells, that is, blood elements, is detected in the urine test, then this condition is called microhematuria. This article will focus on the visible admixture of blood in the urine (gross hematuria).

Some medicines and foods, such as beets, rhubarb, and certain types of berries, can cause urine to turn red. To determine exactly whether the cause of this discoloration of urine is an admixture of blood or not, it is necessary to pass a urine test.

Symptoms

Hematuria produces pink, red, or cola-colored urine due to the presence of red blood cells. Urine has a pink color, or the color of the color of “meat slops”. In the urine, blood clots can also be determined in the form of black “worms”, “cakes”, long threads. At the same time, there may be pain when urinating, or pain in the lumbar region.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor any time you notice blood in your urine.

Some medications, such as laxatives and certain foods, including beets, rhubarb, and berries, can cause urine to turn red. Urine discoloration caused by drugs, food, or exercise may disappear within a few days.

Blood urine looks different, but you can’t tell the difference. Best consult a physician any time you see red-colored urine.

Causes of hematuria.

• Urinary tract infections (most commonly acute cystitis) – this happens when bacteria enter your body through the urethra and multiply in your bladder. Symptoms may include a constant urge to urinate, pain and burning when urinating, and extremely smelly urine.
• Kidney infection (acute pyelonephritis) – This can happen when bacteria enter the kidneys from your bloodstream or travel from the ureters to the kidneys. Signs and symptoms are often similar to bladder infections, although kidney infections are more likely to cause fever and side pain.
• Bladder, kidney or ureter stone – Minerals in concentrated urine sometimes form crystals on the walls of the kidney or bladder. Over time, the crystals can become small, hard stones.
  Stones are generally painless, so you probably won’t know you have them unless they cause blockages or are passed on. Then usually no symptoms occur – kidney stones, especially, can cause excruciating pain. Bladder or kidney stones can also cause both severe and microscopic bleeding.
• Enlarged prostate in older men – The prostate gland, which lies just below the bladder and surrounds the top of the urethra, often enlarges as men approach middle age. It then compresses the urethra, partially blocking the flow of urine. Signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) include difficulty urinating, an urgent or persistent need to urinate, and visible or microscopic blood in the urine. An infection of the prostate gland (prostatitis) can cause the same symptoms. .
• Infection of the prostate gland (acute prostatitis) .
• Diseases of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis) – microscopic urinary bleeding is a common symptom of glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the filtering system of the kidneys. Glomerulonephritis may be part of a systemic disease such as diabetes, or it may occur on its own. Viral or streptococcal infections, blood vessel disease (vasculitis), and immune problems such as IgA nephropathy that affect the small capillaries that filter blood in the kidneys (glomeruli) can cause glomerulonephritis.
• In women, urine contamination with menstrual blood during menses.
• Kidney Injury – Striking or other injury to the kidneys from accident or physical contact may cause visible blood in the urine. .
• Bladder cancer (most often smokers suffer).
• Cancer of the kidney, pelvis, ureter – Visible urinary bleeding may be a sign of kidney, bladder or prostate cancer. Unfortunately, there may be no signs or symptoms in the early stages, when these cancers are most treatable. .
• Medications (eg, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve joint pain) – the anti-cancer drug cyclophosphamide and penicillin can cause urination. Visible urinary blood sometimes occurs if you are taking an anticoagulant such as aspirin and the thinner heparin and you also have a condition that causes bladder bleeding.
• Intense exercise Rarely, intense exercise can lead to gross hematuria, but the cause is unknown. This may be due to bladder injury, dehydration, or the breakdown of red blood cells that occurs with prolonged aerobic exercise.

When to see a doctor.

The admixture of blood in the urine can be a symptom of a serious illness, so it is necessary to consult a urologist . The urologist will prescribe examinations to find a clarification of the diagnosis. First of all, it is necessary to exclude malignant lesions of the urinary system, which, although not often detected, can pose a serious threat to health

Almost everyone, including children and teenagers, can have red blood cells in their urine.

Factors that make this more likely include:

• Age. Many men over 50 experience occasional hematuria due to an enlarged prostate.
• Recent infection. Inflammation of the kidneys after a viral or bacterial infection (post-infectious glomerulonephritis) is one of the leading causes of visible urinary blood in children.
• Heredity. You may be more likely to urinate if you have a family history of kidney disease or kidney stones. Sickle cell anemia, an inherited defect in hemoglobin in red blood cells, causes blood in the urine, both visible and microscopic hematuria. This can cause Alport’s syndrome, which affects the filtering membranes in the glomeruli of the kidneys.
• Some medicines. Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers and antibiotics such as penicillin are known to increase the risk of urinary bleeding.
• Physical activity. Long distance runners are particularly susceptible to exercise-induced physiological bleeding. In fact, this condition is sometimes referred to as runner’s hematuria. But anyone who works hard can have the symptoms described.

Diagnostics

Your urologist will determine the presence of risk factors for urinary tract cancer and possible other causes of blood in the urine. The most common risk factors for the development of cancer are smoking, previous radiation or chemotherapy, exposure to adverse production factors (dyes, solvents). Depending on age, the presence of risk factors, symptoms, the urologist will assess the amount of the necessary examination.

Examination

The purpose of the examination is to find the source of blood in the urine. To examine the bladder, ultrasound and cystoscopy are usually performed . To examine the upper urinary tract (kidneys and ureters), ultrasound or computed tomography with contrast injection (CT urography) is necessary. Laboratory tests usually include a urine culture to rule out infection, a blood test for creatinine, and a complete blood count.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the hematuria. In the presence of oncological diseases or stones, surgical treatment is necessary. In most other cases, medications can be dispensed with.

In the urological department of VCERM named after. Nikiforov EMERCOM of Russia you can get the full range of necessary assistance

The Urology Department occupies one of the first places in the city in terms of the quality of medical care for patients with urological pathology, including those that developed in emergency situations. Such high results were achieved thanks to the continuous professional development of the department’s doctors (6 people, most of whom have a scientific degree), including on the basis of clinics in the USA and Germany, a clear delineation of functions, as well as advanced equipment of the department, which allows performing surgical and medical treatment. diagnostic manipulations of any category of complexity.

You can get comprehensive advice on your problem from highly qualified doctors of the department.

For more information, please go to the branch page.

Hematuria or blood in the urine of a cat

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Blood in the urine of a cat. Causes. Diagnostics. Prevention

Dr. Arina Vladimirovna Volchenkova will help us understand the concept of hematuria in cats.

(P.S. We love the name Natasha, the cover was inspired by a famous cat meme 🙂

Blood in the urine of an animal (hematuria) is a pet condition in which blood appears in the urine in drops or whole clots, turning it pink / brown.

Causes of hematuria:
– Diseases of the genitourinary system
Most often, the following pathologies are diagnosed in cats: cystitis, urethritis, etc.

– Poisoning
Sending food (onions, garlic, etc. ) can be the cause of hematuria.

– Urolithiasis
A disease in which a urolith (stone) forms in the cavity of the bladder.
There are breeds more predisposed to this disease.

– Altitude injury
After a fall from a height, the organs of the genitourinary system of a cat can be damaged, due to which blood appears in its urine

– Infections
Blood in the urine of cats may be due to infectious processes in the body of the animal.

– Unbalanced diet, lack of fluid in the body
Poor quality food, lack of water in the body can cause metabolic disorders. As a result, the formation of uroliths / nephroliths and blood in the urine.

– Stress
Cats are very sensitive to stress, no matter how self-sufficient and courageous they may seem. Moving, the arrival of a new member in the family, loud noises and more can be the cause of problems with urination.

What should I do if I notice blood in my cat’s urine?

If the cause is stress, remove its source.