Diseases of the Urinary System

Chapter 70 Diseases of the Urinary System


Fortunately, urinary tract problems are rare in properly maintained sheep and goats. The main concerns are plants that are known to be nephrotoxic and urolithiasis. Ordinarily animals will not graze plants that are toxic, unless they have nothing else to graze. Ensuring plentiful, wholesome forage should ensure that animals do not become exposed to plant toxicities. If plant toxicity does occur, the animal should be removed from the offending plant and supportive care instituted.



UROLITHIASIS (STONES)


Urolithiasis is seen mainly in wethers, rams, and bucks that are on highconcentrate diets. It is most common in feedlot and pet animals.




CLINICAL SIGNS



• Hematuria

• Stranguria

• Signs of abdominal pain

• Crystals may be seen on preputial hairs

• Distended bladder


DIAGNOSIS



• Clinical signs

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Chapter 24 Diseases of the Urinary System



THE FERRET


Older ferrets may exhibit signs of renal failure, as do other animals. Urinary calculi, once common, are rarely seen because of improved diets. Most urinary problems can be related to one or more of the endocrine abnormalities and can be treated as done for the dog or cat.


Urinary disease in aging ferrets is similar to the disease in cats and dogs. Renal failure can be classified as either acute (may be reversible) or chronic (usually not reversible).



Acute Renal Failure


Signs of acute renal failure in ferrets may develop secondary to lower urinary tract disease or obstruction.



CLINICAL SIGNS



• Polyuria/polydipsia

• Depression

• Lack of appetite

• Weight loss

• Hind-leg weakness

• Dehydration

• Pale mucous membranes

• Painful abdomen


DIAGNOSIS



• Physical examination

• Complete blood cell count (CBC)

• Serum chemistries: blood urea nitrogen and creatinine level increases are seen but are not considered an accurate measure of renal failure; hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, and hypocalcemia are considered signs of renal failure

• Urinalysis: active urine sediment

• Radiographs: enlarged kidneys


TREATMENT



• Remove or correct the underlying cause

• Correct fluid balance: rehydration with lactated Ringer’s or normal saline if hyperkalemic; fluid rates of about 4 ml/kg/hr are suggested

• Diuretics if ferret is oliguric: furosemide

• Adequate nutrition: Hill’s Feline K/D or other high-quality meat protein diet

• Phosphorous binders when needed

• Antibiotics if indicated


INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS



• With rapid diagnosis and treatment, acute renal failure damage often can be reversed. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect urinary problems.

• A proper diet can reduce the incidence of lower urinary tract infection and acute renal failure.


Chronic Renal Failure


Chronic renal failure can be a problem in aged ferrets. The result of the disease process is a slow, progressive loss of renal function, the cause of which is often unclear.



CLINICAL SIGNS



• Depression

• Lethargy

• Weight loss

• Pale mucous membranes

• Oral ulcers/halitosis

• Diarrhea/vomiting


DIAGNOSIS



• Physical examination; small kidneys

• CBC; anemia

• Serum chemistries: increased renal enzymes, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia

• Urinalysis: increased protein, blood cells, low specific gravity

• Radiology: small kidneys


TREATMENT



• Rehydration of the patient

• Improved nutrition (diet should contain no less than 30% meat-based protein)

• Phosphorous-binding agents


INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS



• Chronic renal failure is a progressive disease. Treatment may improve the quality of life for the animal but will not reverse the lesions in the kidney resulting from the disease.


Cystitis/Urolithiasis


Cystitis, with or without the formation of bladder stones, can develop in the ferret. Signs can vary from mild straining and painful urinations to complete obstruction.



CLINICAL SIGNS


Early clinical signs include:


• Straining to urinate

• Polyuria

• +/− Hematuria

If stones form, animals will exhibit the following clinical signs:


• Straining to urinate

• Extreme pain if obstructed

• Dribbling urine


DIAGNOSIS



• Physical examination; stones often can be palpated

• Radiographs: most stones are struvite and visible on radiographs

• Urinalysis: increased crystals, blood, increased protein

• Urine culture and sensitivity


TREATMENT



• If obstruction is present, remove either by catheterization or via cystotomy

• If not obstructed, can use a calculolytic diet such as S/D

Related posts:

  1. Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases
  2. Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases
  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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