Clinical Approach to the Urinary Patient

Question 1

Define polyuria

Answer 1

Greater than normal urine output

Question 2

Define oliguria

Answer 2

Less than normal urine output

Question 3

Define anuria

Answer 3

Complete lack of urine output

Question 4

What is the normal urine output of small animals?

Answer 4

15-45ml/kg/day

Question 5

Define stranguria

Answer 5

Slow, painful urination

Question 6

Define dysuria

Answer 6

Difficult urination, characterised by straining of the animal to pass urine

Question 7

Define pollakiuria

Answer 7

Increased frequency in urination

Question 8

What are the upper urinary tract signs?

Answer 8

> PU/PD
> Abnormal renal palpation
> Depression
> Lethargy
> Halitosis 
> Oral ulceration

Question 9

What are the lower urinary tract signs?

Answer 9

> Dysuria/Pollakiuria
Incontinence
Abnormal palpation of the bladder/urethra
Abnormal genital appearance

Question 10

What are the common causes of upper urinary tract problems?

Answer 10

> Acute kidney injury (AKI)
> Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
> Glomerulonephritis
> Neoplasia
> Pyelonephritis
> Developmental abnormalities
> Nephro / ureterolithiasis

Question 11

What are the common causes of lower urinary tract problems?

Answer 11

> Cystitis
> Urolithiasis
> Neoplasia
> Urethral obstruction
> Trauma
> FLUTD
> Functional abnormalities
> Developmental abnormalities

Question 12

What further work up should you consider in a urinary issue?

Answer 12

> CBC/Biochemistry
> Urinalysis 
> Biopsy 
> Diagnostic imaging
> Endoscope