Does Cranberry Juice Prevent A Uti
Some patients may want to use cranberry or cranberry juice as a home remedy to treat a UTI. Cranberry juice has not been shown to cure an ongoing bacterial infection in the bladder or kidney.
Cranberry has been studied as a preventive maintenance agent for UTIs. Studies are mixed on whether cranberry can really prevent a UTI. Cranberry may work by preventing bacteria from sticking to the inside of the bladder however, it would take a large amount of cranberry juice to prevent bacterial adhesion. More recent research suggests cranberries may have no effect on preventing a UTI
- According to one expert, the active ingredient in cranberries â A-type proanthocyanidins â are effective against UTI-causing bacteria, but is only in highly concentrated cranberry capsules, not in cranberry juice.
- However, cranberry was not proven to prevent recurrent UTIs in several well-controlled studies, as seen in a 2012 meta-analysis of 24 trials published by the Cochrane group.
- While studies are not conclusive, there is no harm in drinking cranberry juice. However, if you develop symptoms, see your doctor. Some people find large quantities of cranberry juice upsetting to the stomach.
Increasing fluid intake like water, avoiding use of spermicides, and urinating after intercourse may be helpful in preventing UTIs, although limited data is available.
Practice These Healthy Habits
Preventing urinary tract infections starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits.
First, its important not to hold urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection .
Peeing after sexual intercourse can also reduce the risk of UTIs by preventing the spread of bacteria .
Additionally, those who are prone to UTIs should avoid using spermicide, as it has been linked to an increase in UTIs .
Finally, when you use the toilet, make sure you wipe front to back. Wiping from back to front can cause bacteria to spread to the urinary tract and is associated with an increased risk of UTIs .
SUMMARY
Urinating frequently and after sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of UTI. Spermicide use and wiping from back to front may increase the risk of UTI.
Several natural supplements may decrease the risk of developing a UTI.
Here are a few supplements that have been studied:
- D-Mannose. D-Mannose is a type of sugar that is found in cranberries. Research suggests its effective in treating UTIs and preventing recurrence (
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Dog Urinary Tract Infections
A Urinary Tract Infection , can make it uncomfortable for a dog to pass urine. The most common cause for straightforward cystitis in dogs is a bacterial infection. However, similar signs may be seen with urinary stones and crystals, bladder inflammation, incontinence due to excessive water consumption or a weak bladder, kidney disease, cancer, stress, spinal cord disease, prostate disease or an abnormality in the urinary tract from birth.
Older female dogs and dogs with diabetes are particularly prone to urinary tract problems.
Some breeds of dog are prone to certain types of bladder stones, including Dalmations, Bichon Frise and Miniature Schnauzers.
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How Are Urinary Tract Problems In Dogs Diagnosed
Dogs are examined in afree consultation at Animal Trust where the vet will carry out a physical examination to detect a fever, painful or enlarged bladder or kidneys. Following this, urinalysis is carried out by testing a fresh urine sample for acidity, blood, infection, sugar, concentration and crystals. A urine culture test may also be carried out if bacteria are found in the sample or when an animal experiences recurrent/on-going cystitis.
Blood tests can also be carried out to check for kidney disease, infections and signs of underlying hormonal disorders such as diabetes orCushings disease which may cause your dog to drink more than usual.X-rays and ultrasound scans may be used for ongoing or recurrent UTIs, to check for urinary stones in the bladder or urethra, diagnose bladder tumours and to see if urinary tract anatomy is normal. Prostate and spinal disease may also be picked up on imaging.
What Is The Cost Of Treating A Urinary Tract Infection In Dogs
The cost to treat a UTI varies, with geographic location being one of the biggest factors to take into consideration. Costs to consider include:
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Office visit: varies depending on your vet, with an emergency veterinary clinic often costing much more.
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Antibiotics: medication can range in price from $25$100 or even more, depending on the type of antibiotic needed, the length of treatment, and the size of your dog .
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Tests: a urinalysis and urine cultures can run up to a few hundred dollars depending on your location, veterinarian, how the urine is collected and the extent of diagnostic testing required.
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Theme : Changing The Treatment Paradigm
Women tended not to report that a delayed antibiotic strategy had been used in the management of their UTIs, outside of the CUTI trial. Some women considered that the delayed antibiotic approach provided a welcome opportunity to avoid consuming antibiotics for an acute UTI. However, women weighed this potential benefit against other factors, such as the severity of their symptoms and the timing of their presentation to general practice. A few women, typically those who had previously experienced an upper UTI, also factored in the potential risk of developing a complicated UTI if antibiotic treatment was delayed:I might be a bit grumpy about it. I think it would depend how awful I felt
Many women felt that a delay of 35 days was too long a shorter delay of 23 days was generally considered more acceptable. Women expressed that having contacted their GP it was important for them to receive something by way of treatment in the interim:Im not sure why youd just delay antibiotics without doing anything because the whole reason for going to your doctor is that youve reached a decision, a big decision that you want to go the doctor to get it sorted out and the fact that the doctor says well just wait another couple of days, you might already have waited three, four, five days before you made that decision to go to the doctor
Are There Any Over
Over-the-counter antibiotics for a UTI are not available. You should see your doctor to have your symptoms evaluated.
Your provider may recommend an OTC product called Uristat to numb your bladder and urethra to ease the burning pain during urination. Uristat can be bought without a prescription at the pharmacy. A similar phenazopyridine product called Pyridium is also available.
Take phenazopyridine for only 48 hours, and be aware it may cause your urine to turn a brown, orange or red color which may stain fabrics or contact lenses. It may be best to not wear contact lenses while being treated with phenazopyridine.
Phenazopyridine is not an antibiotic and will not cure a UTI.
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What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your bodyâs response to amoxicillin.
If you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape to test your urine for sugar while taking this medication.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the amoxicillin, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
What Care Will My Dog Require After Treatment
Dogs that have had a resistant bacterial infection may be more susceptible to infection again in the future if they have a predisposing condition. In these cases, taking precautions to prevent general infections is recommended. Infection prevention means avoiding another course of antibiotics that could potentially create a resistant infection.
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Can I Give My Dog Cranberry Juice
We have heard time and time again that cranberry juice can help get rid of a UTI for humans. But what about dogs? Is cranberry juice for a dog UTI safe? We recommend speaking to your dogs vet about this. Each dog is unique, and what works for one may be dangerous for another. We strongly urge you to speak with your dogs vet before administering any type of treatment.
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What Antibiotics Are Used To Treat Utis
Antibiotics used to treat UTIs include:
- Beta-lactams, including penicillin and cephalosporin, such as amoxicillin, , Keflex, Duricef, Ceftin, Lorabid, Rocephin, cephalexin, Suprax, and others. Many organisms have been reported to resist some of these drugs.
- Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole combination antibiotics, such as Bactrim DS and . Many organisms may show resistance to this type of antibiotic.
- Resistance to Cipro, Levaquin, and Floxin is developing. These should never be used to treat pregnant women or young children.
- Tetracyclines are used for mycoplasma or chlamydia infections. These should never be used to treat pregnant women or young children.
- Aminoglycosides are used with other antibiotics to treat severe UTIs.
- Macrolides are used more often to treat urinary problems caused by sexually transmitted diseases.
- Monurol , a synthetic phosphonic acid derivative, is used for acute cystitis but not in complicated UTIs.
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Treating Urinary Tract Infections With Amoxicillin
As many women know, the typical treatment for a urinary tract infection is an antibiotic.
The best antibiotic to take depends on which bacteria is causing the infection however, amoxicillin is a common treatment.
In this article, Ill explain what amoxicillin is, how it works to treat UTIs, and its possible side effects.
Ill also discuss antibiotic-resistance UTIs and when to see a doctor if you think you have a UTI.
How Long Should I Take Antibiotics
Your doctor will let you know. Typically, for an uncomplicated infection, you’ll take antibiotics for 2 to 3 days. Some people will need to take these medicines for up to 7 to 10 days.
For a complicated infection, you might need to take antibiotics for 14 days or more.
If you still have symptoms after completing antibiotics, a follow-up urine test can show whether the germs are gone. If you still have an infection, you’ll need to take antibiotics for a longer period of time.
If you get UTIs often, you may need a prolonged course of antibiotics. And if sex causes your UTIs, you’ll take a dose of the medicine right before you have sex. You can also take antibiotics whenever you get a new UTI if youâre having symptoms and a positive urine culture.
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When To See A Vet
At the first signs of a UTI in your dog, we suggest that you have your dogs urine tested at your vets.
They can confirm the diagnosis and you can then take action knowing what you are dealing with.
Indeed, these symptoms may indicate a bacterial urinary tract infection, but they may also suggest an onset of kidney disease/infection or the presence of crystals or stones in the bladder.
Often, we notice the first signs of an infection only when it is well-established, since our dogs are good at hiding things! If your dog has a more advanced bacterial infection, it may need antibiotic treatment prescribed by a vet.
Read further to learn about the natural solutions to this uncomfortable condition.
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Possible Complications And Side Effects
Amoxicillin is a commonly prescribed medication for urinary tract infections, but there are some minor possible side effects that you should be aware of:
- Severe diarrhea
Other medications or antibiotics may have different side effects. Consult your doctor about possible complications of any medications you might take to treat your urinary tract infection.
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What About Antibiotic Resistance
Resistance rates for antibiotics are always variable based on local patterns in the community and specific risk factors for patients, such as recent antibiotic use, hospital stay or travel. If you have taken an antibiotic in the last 3 months or traveled internationally, be sure to tell your doctor.
High rates of antibiotic resistance are being seen with both ampicillin and amoxicillin for cystitis , although amoxicillin/clavulanate may still be an option. Other oral treatments with reported increasing rates of resistance include sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim and the fluoroquinolones. Resistance rates for the oral cephalosporins and amoxicillin/clavulanate are still usually less than 10 percent.
Always finish taking your entire course of antibiotic unless your doctor tells you to stop. Keep taking your antibiotic even if you feel better and you think you dont need your antibiotic anymore.
If you stop your treatment early, your infection may return quickly and you can develop resistance to the antibiotic you were using previously. Your antibiotic may not work as well the next time you use it.
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Use Of Antibiotics For Treating Utis In Dogs And Cats
JD Foster
VMD, DACVIM
Dr. Foster is an internist and Director of the Extracorporeal Therapies Service at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C. He has lectured around the world on various renal and urinary diseases and authored numerous manuscripts and book chapters on these topics. He is the current president of the American Society of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology.
Urinary tract infections are common in small animal practice it has been reported that up to 27% of dogs will develop infection at some time in their lives.1
Most UTIs are successfully treated with commonly used drugs, dosages, and administration intervals. However, infections can be challenging to effectively treat when they involve the kidneys and prostate . In addition, it can be difficult to create an appropriate antibiotic prescription in patients with kidney disease due to reduced drug clearance.
Understanding drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics is essential when determining the most effective antibiotic therapy. In addition, successful antimicrobial therapy requires appropriate choice of antibiotic, including dose, frequency, and duration .
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What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the capsules and tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture . The liquid medication preferably should be kept in the refrigerator, but it may be stored at room temperature. Do not freeze. Dispose of any unused liquid medication after 14 days.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDAâs Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
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History And Physical Examination
Clinical signs and symptoms of a UTI depend on the age of the child. Newborns with UTI may present with jaundice, sepsis, failure to thrive, vomiting, or fever. In infants and young children, typical signs and symptoms include fever, strong-smelling urine, hematuria, abdominal or flank pain, and new-onset urinary incontinence. School-aged children may have symptoms similar to adults, including dysuria, frequency, or urgency. Boys are at increased risk of UTI if younger than six months, or if younger than 12 months and uncircumcised. Girls are generally at an increased risk of UTI, particularly if younger than one year.3 Physical examination findings can be nonspecific but may include suprapubic tenderness or costovertebral angle tenderness.
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Dosage For Urinary Tract Infections
Adult dosage
Typical dosage is 500 mg every 12 hours, or 250 mg every 8 hours.
Child dosage
Typical dosage is 25 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours, or 20 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours.
Child dosage
Maximum dosage is 30 mg/kg/day. Your childs doctor can tell you more about dosage.
Senior dosage
The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.
Your doctor may start you on a lower dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
Special considerations
- For childrens dosage: The childrens dosage listed here is meant for children who weigh less than 88 pounds . Children who weigh more than 88 pounds should be dosed according to the adult recommendations.