1st May 2006

Ever since my West Highland terrier, Benji, had his booster jab he seems to be taking a very long time to urinate...

Read more: Dogs Behaviour | Comments (1)

Question:

Ever since my West Highland terrier, Benji, had his booster jab he seems to be taking a very long time to urinate. He doesn’t appear to be in any pain, but I am a little concerned – do you have any suggestions?

Answer:

A number of different disorders of the lower urinary system can lead to prolonged or difficult urination in dogs. Diseases of the bladder and urethra (the tube that leads from the bladder out of the body) include urinary stones, polyps, tumours and infections. If Benji has not been castrated, problems with his prostate gland are the most likely cause of his prolonged urination. Prostate diseases can lead to other symptoms, such as blood in the urine, difficulty passing faeces, fever, weight loss and a stiff hind-limb gait. You should take Benji for an initial examination as soon as possible.