Lower urinary tract (LUT) disorders (Cystitis, Uroliths (Bladder or kidney stones), Urinary growths and Urine crystals).

Common medical conditions

What is a lower urinary tract (LUT) disorder?

LUT disorders are any pathology/disease affecting the blader and/or urethra.

Name 3 examples of LUT disorders…

• Cystitis.

• Uroliths (Kidney stones).

• Urinary growths.

• Urine crystals.

What indicators of health change in an animal with LUT disorders?

• Haematuria (blood in urine).

• Pollakiruria (increased frequency of urination).

• Dysuria (difficulty urinating).

• Stranguria (painful urination).

What is cystitis?

Cystisis is the inflamation of the urinary bladder wall.

Name at least 3 causes of cystitis…

• Bacteria.

• Stress.

• Uroliths (bladder stones).

• Anatomical defects (trap bacteria).

• Underlying diseases that lower the immune system.

• Bladder tumors or polyps.

How is cystitis treated?

Antibiotics and possible pain relief.

What are uroliths (bladder stones) ?

Hard, rock-like accumilations of minerals that form inside the urinary bladder.

Name at least 3 causes of uroliths (bladder stones)…

• Diet and nutrition - Diets high in specific minerals such as calcium

• Urine pH imbalance or UTIs.

• Dehydration - Urine stagnation.

• Genetics and breed.

• Metabolic diseases - Effect how the body processes food.

• Systemic diseases - effects multiple organs.

• Long-term use of certain medications - such as diuretics.

How are uroliths (bladder stones) treated?

• Specialissed diet to dissolve the stones/crystals.

• Surgery to remove the stones.

• Combination of surgery and medicines.

What are urinary growths?

growths are tumors, polyps or cysts that develop within urinary organs.

Name at least 3 causes of urinary growths…

• Long term inflammation - from unresolved UTIs.

• Uroliths (bladder stones).

• Chemical or toxin exposure.

• Obseity.

How are urinary growths treated?

• Specialised diets.

• Antibiotics.

• Surgery.

What are urine crystals?

Microscopic solid material particles that form when urine becomes saturated with certain waste chemicals and minerals.

Name at least 3 causes of urinary crystals…

• Dehydration.

• Urine pH changes.

• Diet - high in minerals such as calcium.

• UTIs.

• Genetics and breed.

• Urine stagnation.

How are urine crystals treated?

• Diets.

• Increase in water intake/fluid therapies.

• Specialised medications dependent on the type of mineral crystals.