Nephrology and Urogenital Diseases: Cystitis, FLUTD, Pyelonephritis, Ectopic Ureter, Renal Failure, Toxins, and Reproductive Emergencies

What is cystitis?

An infection of the bladder that almost always follows a bacterial infection in the urine.

What are common treatments for cystitis?

Fluid therapy, antibiotics, cranberry tablets, and glucosamine.

What should be monitored in a patient with cystitis?

Urine output and access to fresh water.

What is the normal urine pH range?

Slightly acidic, typically between 5.5 and 7.

What is the significance of urine specific gravity (USG)?

It indicates urine concentration; concentrated urine has USG >1.030 (dog) or >1.035 (cat).

What are the signs of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)?

Anuria, dysuria, hematuria, pyuria, licking at the penis/vulva, and obstruction.

What is a common nursing intervention for FLUTD?

Increase water consumption by feeding canned food and encouraging water intake.

What are the emergency signs in FLUTD?

Kidney damage, scarring of the urethra, urinary bladder rupture, and metabolic imbalances.

What is the initial treatment for an emergency case of FLUTD?

Immediate stabilization with an IV fluid bolus and analgesics.

What is pyelonephritis?

Inflammation of the parenchyma and renal pelvis caused by bacterial infiltration.

What are common signs of acute renal failure?

Anuria or oliguria, ataxia, bruising, dyspnea, lethargy, vomiting, and seizures.

What laboratory tests are important for diagnosing renal failure?

Check for ethylene glycol poisoning, proteinuria, BUN/CREA/protein levels.

What are the nursing interventions for acute renal failure?

Symptomatic/supportive care, fluid therapy, hemodialysis, and dietary restrictions.

What is the difference between acute and chronic renal failure?

Acute has a rapid decline in function with immediate symptoms, while chronic shows progressive decline with few symptoms until late stages.

What is the nursing process for chronic renal failure?

Symptomatic/supportive care, fluid therapy, renal transplantation, and medications like ACE inhibitors.

What is an ectopic ureter?

An abnormality where one or both ureters fail to open into the bladder normally, leading to urinary incontinence.

What diagnostic methods are used for ectopic ureters?

Abdominal radiographs, contrast radiographs, cystoscopy, and abdominal ultrasound.

What is the role of glucosamine in urogenital disease treatment?

It is used as a supplement to support bladder health.

What is the purpose of urine reagent test strips?

To test for urine pH, protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin/urobilinogen, occult blood, leukocytes, and nitrites.

What should be done if hyperkalemia is present in a patient?

Treat with IV dextrose, renal excretion methods, or calcium gluconate administration.

What are common signs of chronic renal failure?

PU/PD, lethargy, nocturia, vomiting, seizures, and small firm nodular kidneys.

What is ethylene glycol and how is it absorbed?

Ethylene glycol is a nephrotoxin absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract.

What are the initial signs of ethylene glycol poisoning?

Lethargy, incoordination, vomiting, polyuria/polydipsia (PU/PD), coma, and hypothermia.

What occurs during the second stage of ethylene glycol poisoning?

Animals may seem to improve; cats may exhibit tachycardia and tachypnea.

What are the signs of kidney failure in the third stage of ethylene glycol poisoning?

Increased thirst and low urine output.

What treatments are available for ethylene glycol poisoning?

Gastric lavage, fluid therapy, fomepizole in dogs, ethanol in cats, and sodium bicarbonate for metabolic acidosis.

What is the effect of grapes and raisins on dogs?

They can cause acute renal failure, although the toxic amount is unknown.

What is the treatment for grape or raisin toxicity?

Emesis, activated charcoal, fluid therapy, and renal dialysis.

What are the signs of lily toxicity in cats?

Vomiting, anorexia, and acute renal failure within 72 hours.

What is dystocia?

Dystocia is an abnormality associated with parturition, caused by failure in uterine contractions or fetal obstruction.

What are the signs of dystocia?

Abnormal discharge, straining for more than 45 minutes, intermittent weak contractions for over 2 hours, and fetal membranes in the vulva for over 15 minutes.

What are the procedures used to manage dystocia?

Ecbolic agents (oxytocin, calcium gluconate), manual manipulation, and cesarean section.

What is eclampsia in dogs?

Eclampsia, or hypocalcemia, is a life-threatening drop in blood calcium levels occurring in nursing mothers.

What causes eclampsia in dogs?

Causes may include excessive calcium loss to developing puppies, calcium supplementation during pregnancy, and inadequate nutrition.

What are the clinical signs of eclampsia in dogs?

Restlessness, stiff movement, muscle spasms, convulsions, and in some cases, fever and disorientation.

How is eclampsia treated?

Treatment includes intravenous fluids, calcium injections, and possibly anti-seizure medications.

What precautions should be taken when administering calcium intravenously?

Calcium must be administered slowly to avoid severe lowering of heart rate and arrhythmias.

How can eclampsia be prevented in dogs?

Feed a high-quality diet formulated for pregnant and nursing mothers and separate puppies from the mother to allow her to eat.

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is a bacterial infection of lactating glands.

What are the clinical signs of mastitis?

Anorexia, depression, neglected neonates, and physical signs such as firm, swollen, warm mammary glands.

What is the treatment for mastitis?

Treatment includes surgery to drain the glands, antibiotics, and manual expression of milk.

What are the clinical signs of pyometra?

Vaginal discharge, lethargy, poor appetite, increased thirst and urination, and abdominal distention.

How is pyometra diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on physical exam findings, ultrasound or X-rays, blood work, and vaginal cytology.

What is the treatment for pyometra?

Surgery (ovariohysterectomy) and antibiotics.

What is the prognosis for untreated pyometra?

Untreated pyometra can be deadly due to overwhelming infection and sepsis.

How can pyometra be prevented?

Spaying the dog before the development of infection in the uterus.

What are the signs of open pyometra?

Mild signs such as lethargy and purulent discharge.

What are the signs of closed pyometra?

Severe signs including lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and collapse.