Common Urinary Tract Emergencies In Small Animals
Urinary tract emergencies can affect both the kidneys and the urinary tract. To diagnose a dysfunction of these organs, a complete history, a physical examination and several laboratory tests are required and diagnostic imaging can even be useful to analyze certain lesions.
The previous questions to the owner, once again, are essential. These should include from the behavior and frequency of urination, the volume and color of the urine, through the consumption of water and medications, without forgetting previous conditions that could involve the urinary system.
Addressing urinary tract emergencies in small animals
During the physical examination of the supposedly ill animal, the following parameters should be evaluated:
- Body temperature.
- Hydration status.
- Mucous color and capillary filling time.
- Heart and respiratory rate, pulse.
- Abdominal palpation of the organs, possible abnormal masses, the presence of fluid or pain.
- State of the external genitalia.
Once these variables are taken, the veterinarian will be ready to begin to suspect an underlying pathology. Here are the most common urinary tract emergencies in small animals.
Azotemia
Azotemia is defined as an abnormal concentration of urea, creatinine, and other waste nitrogen substances in the blood. Both urea and creatinine can increase in circulation due to a failure in their elimination through the urinary tract.
On the other hand, a high level of urea can also occur due to an increase in its production in the liver due to gastrointestinal bleeding. Likewise, blood urea can increase after an excessively protein meal, but also due to hunger, fever or dehydration.
What is uremia?
This term is used when azotemia is associated with metabolic and / or physiological disturbances. Some of them can be depression, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, stupor or coma.
These signs appear due to the toxic syndrome that results from the sustained increase in urea in the blood, as a result of abnormal kidney function. For uremia to occur, the function of both kidneys must be reduced by at least 75%. Uremia can occur in both animals with kidney failure and urinary tract disorders.
Evaluation of the patient with azotemia / uremia
Diagnostic tests are mainly laboratory tests. It is necessary to assess, in the blood, creatinine and urea, glucose, electrolytes and total protein. In urine, it is necessary to pay attention to the values of the sediment, the protein, the glucose and to do a culture in search of microorganisms.
Evaluation of urine output
It is one of the most important instruments for the immediate monitoring of renal function in critically ill patients. The normal production of urine can be reduced in dehydrated animals and increased in animals admitted and with an established line.
In all emergency situations, the volume of urine within the bladder must be assessed. In addition, whenever possible a urine sample should be tested before initiating therapy.
Some of the most common urinary tract emergencies in cats and dogs: oliguria and anuria
Respectively, these terms mean reduced urination and absent urination. In both cases, the cause must be defined, since urine may not be being produced in normal amounts. However, urine can also be produced normally and yet cannot be expelled.
Prolonged anuria is a major problem, since every animal needs to eliminate waste through urine and the inability to do so causes serious disorders. Bradycardia, hypothermia, pale mucous membranes, hyperventilation, and halitosis are typical signs in these cases.
Other urgent problems: urine leakage due to injury to the urinary system
The injury can occur to the kidney, bladder, or urinary tract and is usually due to trauma. The problem with a kidney injury is that it can cause bleeding or the release of urine into the abdominal cavity. Unfortunately, this could lead to peritonitis.
Obstruction of the urinary tract – for example by kidney stones – can also have similar consequences. If one kidney or ureter is involved, the other pair can function properly, masking the damage. However, if there is a urine leak into the abdominal cavity, the damage will become apparent.
The rupture of the bladder or urethra can be caused by a blunt trauma, tumor, stones, etc. This condition can even be triggered by poor vet practice during an attempt to unclog the blocked urinary tract.
As we have seen, emergencies in the urinary tract can occur in multiple ways and with varied clinical pictures. If you suspect the discomfort of your dog or any other domestic mammal, go to the vet promptly.
