Diseases of the Urinary System

Chapter 59 Diseases of the Urinary System


Primary urinary tract problems are rare in horses because of the pH of the urine, the sterility of the system, and the fact that voiding of the urine serves to wash out any infectious organisms that may be ascending the tract. Urinary tract problems, therefore, are more often secondary to other problems. If a horse does have a urinary tract problem, the following are pertinent questions to ask the owner:


• What is the color of the urine?

• Is there any history of illness?

• Is the amount of urine produced normal?

• How is the animal’s water intake?

• Is urine flow normal?

• Is there a possibility of exposure to toxins?


CYSTITIS


Cystitis is defined as inflammation of the urinary bladder. Primary cystitis is rare in horses. Cystitis is more common in mares, especially those in late gestation and early after birth.


Cystitis can be caused by anything that can lead to urine stasis in the bladder such as:


• Nerve damage

• Obstructions (although rare)

• Neoplasia



CLINICAL SIGNS



• Frequent urination of small amounts of urine

• Urine scald

• +/− Pain

• Hyperthermia, tachycardia


DIAGNOSIS



• Urinalysis

• Bacterial culture and sensitivity

• Ultrasound of the bladder


TREATMENT



• Treat underlying causes

• Indwelling catheters

• Antibiotic therapy


URINARY BLADDER PROLAPSE


Urinary bladder prolapse is an unusual condition that is most often seen in postpartum mares. Relaxation of the pelvic muscles, dilation of sphincter muscles, and strain during parturition all work together to prolapse the bladder.




CLINICAL SIGNS



• Bladder is evident, poking out through vulva

• If bladder ruptures, intestines may stick through

• Colic signs


TREATMENT



• Clean and replace bladder

• +/− Surgery to keep bladder in place

• Antibiotic therapy

• +/− Indwelling catheter


PYELONEPHRITIS


Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidney and is seen most often in adults. This is usually an ascending infection from lower in the urinary tract. Pyelonephritis is usually a secondary condition to urine pooling/stasis, because urine flow typically washes bacteria down and out of the tract. Bacteria are usually the same as the predisposing cystitis.




CLINICAL SIGNS



• Same as those for cystitis, together with possible signs of systemic disease

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  3. Diseases of the Cardiovascular System
  4. Hematologic Diseases

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Aug 31, 2016 | Posted by in GENERAL | Comments Off on Diseases of the Urinary System

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