Urogenital Emergencies

Vocabulary flashcards covering emergency urogenital and reproductive conditions in veterinary medicine, including definitions, causes, clinical presentations, and veterinary interventions.

Cystitis

Inflammation of the bladder, commonly seen in young cats and frequently triggered by stress.

Haematuria

The presence of blood in the urine, observed as a clinical sign in conditions such as cystitis and dysuria.

Anuria

The complete suppression of urine production by the kidneys, not caused by a urinary obstruction.

Acute Kidney Failure

The primary condition associated with anuria, which can be caused by antifreeze poisoning, nephrotoxic drugs, Addison's disease, dehydration, congestive heart failure, anesthesia, or infections.

Dysuria

Difficulty or painful urination characterized by straining, frequent attempts, crying out, haematuria, and unproductive urination.

Cystocentesis

A diagnostic procedure where a sterile sample of urine is collected directly from the bladder.

Stricture

A narrowed area within the urogenital tract that can cause dysuria.

Dystocia

Difficulty giving birth, which can arise from maternal or foetal causes.

Maternal Dystocia

Difficulty giving birth caused by maternal factors, specifically a pelvic fracture, uterine twist, or rupture of the uterus.

Foetal Dystocia

Difficulty giving birth caused by foetal factors, such as an over-large puppy or malpresentation in the birth canal.

Breech Presentation

A foetal malpresentation where the tail is presented first with the hind legs tucked up under the abdomen, causing obstruction by enlarging the buttocks.

Head Forward but Front Legs Back

A foetal malpresentation where the puppy presents head-first while the forelegs point backwards, enlarging the shoulders and causing obstruction.

Oxytocin

A medication administered by a veterinary surgeon to stimulate uterine contractions during dystocia.

Fading Puppy/Kitten Syndrome

An illness of usually unknown cause that leads to death in newborn puppies or kittens within the first $2$ weeks of life.

Uterine Torsion

A condition in which the uterus becomes twisted, caused by violence (such as a sudden fall) or a lack of fluid in the foetus.

Eclampsia

A condition characterized by low blood circulating calcium, typically occurring within $2$ weeks of parturition or during pregnancy.

$10\%$ Calcium Gluconate

The veterinary treatment given as a very slow intravenous infusion to treat eclampsia while under continuous ECG and heart rate monitoring.

Pyometra

A serious womb infection characterized by the accumulation of pus in the uterus, commonly affecting unneutered females over the age of $6$ post-season.

Open Pyometra

A form of womb infection where the cervix remains open, allowing pungent, pus-like vaginal discharge to drain.

Closed Pyometra

A form of womb infection where the cervix is closed, preventing pus from draining and causing the uterus to swell dangerously.

Polyuria (PU)

An abnormal increase in urination, seen as a clinical sign of pyometra.

Polydipsia (PD)

An abnormal increase in thirst and water intake, seen as a clinical sign of pyometra.