Peeing blood…

I have 3 year old Australian/border collie mix. In January she started peeing blood. Vet said it was a uti so she was treated and it went away. Flash forward to now the end of May she has started peeing blood again… she acts normal like nothing is wrong and is full of energy, but now constantly has to “pee” she goes normal but stays squatted longer and a few drips of bright red blood comes out. I know I’m going to have to take her to the vet again but what could be causing this? Very stressful!

As I am writing this I just got back her embark dna and health results. She is 62% border collie and 25% Australian cattle dog and 12% supermutt. Her health came back good other then something called Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) is low Normal. Now with this information is it possible she has liver disease and not a uti?

Hello!   Ok lots of questions there.  ALT usually goes high when the liver is inflamed although there are exceptions.   Low / normal liver enzymes doesn't persuade me that this dog has nothing wrong with her bladder; after all, she is peeing blood.

I obviously don't know the patient and even normal ALT levels won't tell me that her liver is ok.  However, the blood in the urine is definitely abnormal and may reflect any of a bladder infection, cystitis, cancer of the kidney / ureter / bladder / urethra, polyp, clotting problems, random kidney bleeds (rare) in different situations.   It may be that your vet decides to test the urine for crystals and / or scan the bladder as a next step, for example.   Best of luck and do let us know how things progress!

She’s full of energy and acts like it’s not bothering her, so hopefully nothing serious. What could cause a continuous UTI? Or how to prevent it?

Cats don't show pain as obviously as humans and dogs.  Straining to urinate is a sure sign of bladder pain for example.  There are many behavioural causes of cystitis - have a read of our various bladder / cystitis / urination blogs and visit Sarah Caney's website, also (she's an expert in this).   But before treatment can be given, a diagnosis is needed.  No point messing about with behavioural changes if there's cancer for example, or treating for stones if the blood is coming from the kidneys.   I'm afraid that this one does start with a diagnosis - it at least, appropriate veterinary review and treatment.

I beg your pardon!  I turned your girl into a cat in my head!   Please ignore my very last post.    Sarah Caney is a cat vet and cystitis in dogs is different.

I still stand by the other comment however, that a diagnosis is likely needed here.  This may take several visits to the vet and may involve a scan or culture and sensitivity.   However, it's worth finding out the true cause in order that the problem can be effectively treated.  Wishing you, and your dog, luck!