Urinary tract disease revision questions

Question 1

A) name the products of protein and muscle metabolism that are excreted into urine by the healthy kidney

B) what is the term used to describe an elevation of these parameters in the animals bloodstream?

Answer 1

A) urea and creatinine

B) Azotaemia

Question 2

Explain the difference between renal insufficiency and renal failure

Answer 2

In renal insufficiency the kidney function is affected however the damaged kidney can still process waste and clinical signs are not evident in the patient. When renal failure occurs the extent of the damage is such that the kidney can no longer efficiently process waste and clinical signs are seen.

Question 3

List causes of kidney disease

Answer 3

Infection, trauma, toxins, polycystic kidney, secondary to lower urinary tract obstruction

Question 4

What is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease in older cats?

Answer 4

Idiopathic age related degeneration

Question 5

Explain the pathophysiology of renal failure

Answer 5

The ability to concentrate urine is lost early in the disease process which leads to polyuria and may lead to dehydration. As the kidney is unable to filter nitrogenous waste from the blood this leads to uraemia

Deterioration in renal function causes pH and electrolyte imbalance

(potassium is lost and phosphate levels increase)

Reduced production of erythropoietin leads to reduced erythrocyte formation in the bone marrow. Protein may be lost in the urine.

Question 6

Explain the reason for the following clinical signs that may be observed in affected animals

Vomiting-

Polydipsia-

Weight loss-

Answer 6

Vomiting- occurs due to uraemia causing nausea and gas

Polydipsia- occurs to compensate for polyuria

Weight loss- loss of appetite and protein loss via the urinary tract

Question 7

Describe the changes that may be detected in a urine sample from a cat with renal failure

Answer 7

Urine specific gravity would be low (below 1.035), protein may be present in the urine, there may be evidence of a concurrent UTI

Question 8

Describe the treatments that are available for a patient with acute renal failure

Answer 8

I/v fluids, phosphate binders, antibiotics, ant-acids, potassium supplements, drugs to stabilise blood pressure if cat is hypertensive

Provision of an appropriate diet is important and should be instituted as soon as the patient is stabilised.

Question 9

Explain the meaning of the following terms

Pollakuria -
Oliguria -
Anuria-

Answer 9

Pollakuria - increased frequency of urinartion

Oliguria - low urine output

Anuria- absence of urine output

Question 10

Describe the clinical signs that may be exhibited by an animal with urolithiasis

Answer 10

Haematuria, pain on urination, pollakuria, anorexia, licking at genitalia, off food, abdominal discomfort, if blockage occurs may display anorexia, vomiting, dehydration, collapse, shock

Question 11

Explain the term Feline idiopathic cystitis

Answer 11

This is a common syndrome seen in feline lower urinary tract disease where the affected cat suffers from recurrent bouts of irritation or inflammation of the bladder wall.

Question 12

Explain the reason why crystals and uroliths can lead to life threatening emergencies in dogs and cats

Answer 12

If the crystals form a plug or the uroliths are large enough to block the urethra then the bladder will not empty leading to urinary obstruction and back pressure to the kidney.

Question 13

Describe the measures that an owner can take at home to decrease the likelihood of recurrent bouts of FLUTD in their cat

Answer 13

Reduce stress, have extra litter trays if indoor cat, feed diet with higher water content, encourage drinking/water fountains, pheromones or anti-anxiety medication.