Which of the following best describes "cystitis"?

Cystitis refers specifically to the inflammation of the bladder, which is most commonly caused by infection, but can also result from other factors such as irritants or trauma. Understanding this terminology is critical to recognizing the symptoms and implications of bladder-related issues in veterinary medicine.

Although urinary tract infections (UTIs) often lead to cystitis—making it a common cause—the term "cystitis" itself is more specific to the inflammation of the bladder rather than encompassing the entire urinary tract or similar conditions affecting other organs. Therefore, while cystitis might frequently be associated with a UTI, the correct choice of "bladder inflammation" accurately pinpoints the disease process occurring in this organ, rather than merely equating it to a broader range of urinary tract infections.

The other terms related to kidneys or prostate are distinct conditions not encapsulated by the specific definition of cystitis, which centers on the bladder's inflammation.