Urolithiasis in animals. Urolithiasis (UCD)

Classification of kidney stones according to various criteria is the main criterion for choosing further methods of treating urolithiasis.

Diagnosis of the chemical composition of solid formations, their quantity, shape helps the doctor to create an accurate picture of the pathology and prescribe the most effective course of therapy.

In addition, the belonging of a stone to a certain group presupposes the prescription of a specific diet.

Classification

Stones are formed from a mixture of minerals and organic substances. Modern medicine offers four main groups of kidney stones:

– Oxalates and phosphates. This is the most common category of education. Stones are diagnosed in 70% of patients diagnosed with urolithiasis. The basis of formations of inorganic origin are calcium salts.

– Struvite and phosphate-ammonium-magnesium stones. This type of stones occurs in 20% of patients. The cause of the formations is diseases of the urinary tract of an infectious nature. That is why they are called infectious.

– Urats. Diagnosed in 10% of all patients. The cause of the appearance is excess uric acid and some pathologies of the digestive tract.

– Xanthine and cystine stones. Quite rare formations. Occurs in 5% of patients. Experts associate their appearance with congenital pathologies and genetic disorders.

It is quite difficult to detect stones that are pure in composition; half of the patients are diagnosed with mixed type formations.

What are kidney stones?

There are quite a lot of classification criteria.

By quantity: half of the patients are diagnosed with single stones; often one has to deal with the formation of two or three stones in the kidneys; the least rare case is multiple formations in the kidneys.
By location in the body: unilateral and bilateral.
Shape: round, flat, with edges, spikes, coral-shaped.
By size: the size of the formation can vary from the eye of a needle to the size of the entire kidney cavity.
According to the location: stones form in the kidney, bladder or ureter.

Types of Kidney Crystals

The most common classification of solid formations by chemical composition. If earlier doctors assumed that the formation of stones was associated with the quality of water that the patient drinks, the climate and geographical features of the area where he lives, today there are many supporters of a different hypothesis among specialists. It is generally accepted that the process of urolithiasis begins in the body when the ratio of salts and colloids in urine is disrupted.

The classification of stones by chemical composition is as follows:

oxalates – formed from salts of oxalic acid;
phosphates – formed from calcium phosphate;
urates – the main component is uric acid salts;
carbonates – formed from calcium salts of carbonic acid;
struvite - formed from ammonium phosphate.

Classification of stones by chemical composition

In addition, it is necessary to isolate stones of organic origin. These include:

cystine and xanthine;
cholesterol;
protein.

Did you know that open operations to remove stones are being replaced by more gentle surgical methods of treatment? , surgical and conservative treatment, as well as the causes of stone formation.

You will find recipes for herbal remedies for various kidney diseases.

Urats

The main feature of urates is their ability to appear in a variety of places in the urinary system.

The age of the pathology varies from 20 to 55 years.

The patient’s age directly affects the location of the stone in the body.

In children and elderly patients, urates are formed in the bladder; in middle-aged people, stones are diagnosed in the kidneys and ureter.

Among the main factors influencing the formation of urates, experts identify:

poor water quality;
unfavorable environmental situation;
sedentary lifestyle;
metabolic disorders;
unhealthy diet: excess of sour, salty foods, as well as fried foods;
lack of B vitamins.

The shape of the stones is round, the surface is smooth, the structure is loose. The color range varies from yellow to brown.

Treatment of stones is associated with the elimination of the inflammatory process. Therapy also involves prescribing nutritional therapy and taking medications.

Urate or uric acid kidney stones are distinguished by their ability to dissolve quickly, which is why patients are prescribed plenty of fluids and a course of treatment with medicinal herbs.

Considering that urates are a fairly common type of stones and pathology can appear at any age, experts recommend adhering to the basic rules of a healthy lifestyle: moving and eating a balanced diet.

Such preventative measures will help avoid problems with stones in the future.

Struvite

These formations belong to the category of phosphate stones.

The formations contain ammonium magnesium phosphate and carbonate apatite.

Struvite can form only in an alkaline environment affected by infection.

Thus, the main reasons for the formation of struvite stones are:

alkaline urine reaction;
the presence of certain bacteria in the urinary tract.

Struvite is characterized by its ability to quickly increase in size, filling the entire cavity of the kidney and causing complications such as sepsis and acute renal failure. It is also worth noting that struvite tends to form in women.

During therapy, it is important that the smallest particles of stones leave the body. Otherwise, the disease will reappear.

Cystine stones

A rather rare type of stones, the formation of which is caused by a genetic pathology - cystinuria.

Children and young people are most susceptible to the development of cystine stones.

The main component of the stone is amino acid.

Doctors call the main feature of the symptoms of the disease constant pain, even after taking painkillers.

Treatment of the pathology is as follows:

changing the acidity of urine with citrates;
special diet;
drug treatment;
crushing stones;
surgery if conservative therapy is ineffective.

In some cases, the only way to cure the patient is a kidney transplant.

Mixed stones

They are formed mainly as a result of long-term use of certain medications.

The stones combine the characteristics of salt and protein kidney formations.

Treatment in this case is determined individually in each clinical case, depending on the test results obtained and the severity of the disease.

From the author

Five secrets to healthy kidneys.

Movement and active lifestyle.
Proper nutrition.
The kidneys should be warm.
Prevent illness: drink kidney infusions, brew half a glass.

And, of course, do not self-medicate. In this situation, any rash act can aggravate the problem.

Video on the topic

I had no idea that kidney stones come in so many varieties. And each type of stone has its own reason. You need to see a good doctor who will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment that will help with a specific type of stone.

If you have not yet gone to the doctor with a question about what type of stones you have, then I warn you in advance that no one will determine this for you, the doctor will prescribe 2 or 3 drugs for different types of stones for good luck, so that during the reception process you can guess which one you should take . And you will never find out what stones you have from your doctor. But the theory described above exists, but doctors do not use it in practice, at least in a simple clinic. Ha ha ha. …..Thank you to the authors for the article, it’s good.
- Nina, what kind of heresy are you talking about? The doctor sends the patient to a biochemical laboratory, where the composition of the stone will be determined. After this, an appropriate diet is prescribed. Doctors are no more stupid than you, believe me))

Urolithiasis in animals

Urolithiasis (Urolitiasis) is a disease accompanied by the formation and deposition of urinary stones or sand in the renal pelvis, bladder or urethra. The disease progresses quickly and leads to the death of the animal.

The causes of urolithiasis in different patients are different, that is, this disease is polyetiological.

Currently, the number of sick cats has increased sharply and relapses are observed in 50-70% of cases.

According to some researchers, one-year-old cats are most often affected; according to others, it is more often observed in the 2-3rd year of life.

The disease is equally common in both male and female cats. Cats, due to the specific anatomical structure (narrowness of the urethra), are more predisposed to the disease, and it is more severe, as it is often complicated by bladder obstruction.

There are several predisposing exogenous factors leading to the disease:

crystallization requires a high concentration of magnesium in the urine and an alkaline reaction of the urine (pH above 6.8). Normally, cats have slightly acidic urine. Alkalinization of urine can occur with the consumption of certain foods and with a urinary tract infection. Theoretically, acidic urine prevents crystallization processes and has antibacterial properties. But with a high concentration of ions involved in the formation of stones, it can also begin in an acidic environment;

hypermagnesemia - occurs when consuming food rich in magnesium salts, with psycho-emotional retention of urination into a dirty toilet tray, with physical inactivity of the animal, in the absence of water or its low quality, which is why the cat limits itself to water;

the Ca:P ratio in the diet is below 1, as a result of which the relative content of phosphorus in the diet is increased;

feed moisture affects the formation of stones only when, when consuming dry food, the animal is limited in drinking water;

a risk factor may be reduced energy saturation of feed. Such a non-physiological composition of the feed stimulates its consumption in excess quantities, which can lead to a critically high intake of minerals;

a predisposing factor is overweight in cats leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Endogenous factors leading to the disease:

hyperfunction of the parathyroid glands, when calcium is released and its concentration in the blood and urine increases;

disruption of the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract (chronic gastritis, colitis, peptic ulcer). This is also explained by the influence of hyperacid gastritis on the acid-base state of the body, as well as a decrease in the excretion from the small intestine and the binding of calcium salts in it;

Clinical signs of the disease

Before a blockage of the urinary tract occurs, the disease occurs without obvious clinical signs, but the results of laboratory tests of urine and blood indicate its occurrence. During the latent period of urolithiasis, symptoms can be identified that indicate not only its development, but also presumably the localization of the stone. Animals' appetite decreases, depression and drowsiness may occur. Salt crystals are deposited on the hair of the prepuce. At times, hematuria is detected, especially after active movements of the animal. The presence of stones in the bladder is manifested by a frequent urge to urinate, shifting, raising and lowering the tail. The animal lies down carefully.

When the urinary tract is blocked, the disease manifests itself with a classic triad of symptoms: urinary colic, urinary disturbance and changes in the composition of urine.

Attacks of severe anxiety suddenly appear. Sick animals lie down and quickly get up, step with their pelvic limbs, look back at their stomachs, and take a position for urination. The duration of attacks can reach several hours. Between attacks, the animal is sharply depressed, lies indifferently, rises with difficulty, carefully, with a hunched back.

During an attack, the pulse and breathing rates will decrease, but the body temperature rarely rises to low-grade fever. Urination is frequent and painful. Urine is released with difficulty, in small portions and even drops.

Hematuria is observed very often. It can be microscopic, when there are 20-30 red blood cells in the urine sediment, and macroscopic. Macroscopic hematuria caused by a kidney stone or a stone in the ureter is always total.

When the urethra is completely blocked, anuria appears. Palpation of the kidneys and bladder is painful. Sometimes it is possible to feel stones in the bladder; in cats they are usually pinched at the end of the urethra.

As pressure builds up in the upper urinary tract, the kidneys stop producing urine. Toxic metabolic products accumulate in the blood, leading to uremia. The cat may vomit. In a sick animal, the abdomen increases in volume, becomes hard and painful. If help is not provided, he falls into a coma and dies.

Bladder rupture may occur, leading to peritonitis and uremia. When the urethra ruptures, urine infiltrates the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal cavity, pelvic limbs, and perineum, and uremia also develops.

In most animals, the course of the disease is complicated by an associated infection, which aggravates the disease and worsens the prognosis. The most common infections are Escherichia coli, staphylococci, and Proteus. Therefore, pyuria (pus in the urine) is a common symptom of this disease.

In a sick animal, the urine is cloudy with an admixture of urinary sand, which quickly precipitates. The color of the urine is dark with a reddish tint caused by blood.

The course of the disease from the moment the blockage occurs is no more than 2-3 days.

Diagnosis of the disease

Stones can be found in any part of the urinary system. They are most often found in the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethral canal.

Diagnosis of urethral stones is not difficult. The stone can also be identified using a catheter that encounters an obstruction in the urethra. Diagnosing bladder stones is also not particularly difficult.

General clinical examination methods can identify signs of damage to the kidney and urinary tract: pain and palpation in the kidney area.

Urinalysis - the main method for diagnosing urolithiasis, detects a small amount of protein, single cylinders, fresh red blood cells and salts. Leukocyturia appears when nephrolithiasis is complicated by pyelonephritis. The presence of crystals in the urine allows us to judge the type of urolithiasis, which is important when choosing treatment.

X-ray examination occupies a leading place in the recognition of kidney and ureteral stones. The most common method is survey urography. With its help, you can determine the size and shape of the stone, as well as approximately its location.

A survey urogram should cover the entire area of the kidneys and urinary tract on both sides. Not all stones cast a shadow in a survey photo. The chemical composition of stones, size and location are extremely diverse. In 10% of cases, stones are not visible on a survey x-ray, since the density in relation to x-rays approaches the density of soft tissue.

Ultrasound scanning of the kidneys can be used in the diagnosis of stones. This method, based on the different ability of media to absorb and reflect ultrasonic waves, contributes to the successful identification of stones - formations whose density significantly exceeds the density of surrounding tissues

With pronounced clinical signs, it is not difficult to make a diagnosis. It is important to diagnose urolithiasis during the period of latent course, for which it is recommended to systematically selectively examine urine (titration density and alkalinity, calcium, phosphorus, urine sediment and the level of mucoproteins, which in healthy animals does not increase 0.2 units of optical density) and blood (calcium, phosphorus and reserve alkalinity)

As a rule, it is not easy to cure KSD because it is a systemic disease. But with strict adherence to the doctor’s instructions, you can achieve stable remission, and in the happiest cases, recovery.

Treatment of urolithiasis comes down to the following principles:

Relieving an acute condition and restoring the outflow of urine.
anti-inflammatory and antibacterial therapy is carried out
lifelong prevention is mandatory: diet therapy - medicinal food,

Urolithiasis is characterized by the formation in the bladder and urinary tract of an animal of urinary sand and stones - urolithiasis, which in themselves do not pose a danger to the animal, but can contribute to the creation of conditions that cause great harm to the health of the animal.

When urinary stones form in the body, there is a delay in the outflow of urine, its infection and backflow into the renal pelvis and tubules, which, if the disease worsens, can lead to renal failure and death of the animal.

Kidney sand and stones can damage the mucous surface, leading to severe pain and bleeding.

There are several types of urinary formations based on their chemical composition and origin:

struvite or phosphate, formed by salts of phosphoric acid;
oxalates, resulting from excess oxalic acid;
urates– salts of uric acid.

The most common form of struvite in the urine of cats is struvite. Stone formation is associated with excess phosphoric acid in the body. The reason for their formation is excessive amounts of fish and fish products in the animal’s diet. Struvite themselves will not cause urolithiasis in a cat, but as a result of the pet’s hereditary predisposition, a sedentary lifestyle, previous infectious diseases or excess weight, they will accelerate the development of the disease.

Salts of oxalic acid, oxalates, are formed as a result of systematic consumption of food containing nuts, seeds and grains. Since these foods are very rare in a cat's diet, the formation of oxalates occurs infrequently.

Urates, salts of uric acid, are formed when cell nuclei break down, releasing nucleic acid and converting it into uric acid. This occurs when there is an excess of animal protein in the cat’s diet or the pet is in an area with an increased level of radiation.

Causes of urolithiasis in cats

ICD in cats can develop under the influence of external and internal factors. Urolithiasis is diagnosed in cats from one to six years of age. Due to the anatomical features of the urinary system, cats suffer from a dangerous disease more often than cats. However, a cat still has a risk of developing urolithiasis. The largest number of visits to veterinary clinics with symptoms of urolithiasis occur in the spring and autumn periods.

This happens for a number of reasons:

Most cat owners believe that only neutered animals can get urolithiasis. But this is not true; sterilization will cause disease if it is carried out at too early an age and the cat’s excretory system has not yet fully developed.

The development of urolithiasis in cats is influenced by an excessively hot or cold climate, in which animals may experience increased or decreased urges. At high temperatures, primary urine in cats is formed very rarely and in small quantities, so it is excreted from the body in a highly concentrated form. Water drunk by a cat has no effect on the animal's body; the level of salts in the body increases and acidity decreases. The stones are formed from accumulated salt crystals.

The amount of protein consumed by a cat determines the amount of carbamide in the animal’s body. When it is in excess, metabolic disorders occur. To prevent urolithiasis in cats, the content of protein-rich foods should be reduced. In this case, a reasonable balance must be maintained, since a vegetarian diet or large amounts of milk can lead to an alkaline form of ICD.

The animal's diet should contain a reasonable amount of foods rich in vitamin A: vegetable oil, raw and boiled carrots. Very often, a deficiency of this vitamin leads to disruption of the liver and the formation of urinary sand in the kidneys and ureters.

The development of urolithiasis in a cat may be associated with excessive production of parathyroid hormone, which leads to an increase in calcium levels in the blood and urine.

A structural feature of the cat’s urinary system is the curved shape of the urethral canal, which changes its position in front of the penis bone. At the bend, urine retention and accumulation occurs. When sterilized at an early age, the urethral canal does not have time to fully develop and retains a small diameter of the tube.

Pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract such as gastritis or colitis can lead to an imbalance in the acid-base balance, which. in turn, leads to a reduction in the removal of excess calcium from the body.

An infection of the urinary system caused by pathogenic microorganisms that have entered from the intestines, genitals, or urethra.

An infectious disease can also occur as a result of urinary retention in the body, which is associated with the presence of stones.

Symptoms of urolithiasis in cats

Signs of urolithiasis in a cat are:

difficulty urinating, in which the cat sits in the tray for a long time, urine comes out slowly, in a weak stream or droplets with blood spots;
sand present in urine;
during urination, the cat experiences pain, so it meows;
frequent urge to urinate;
loss of appetite, vomiting, convulsions, trembling, shallow breathing.

Diagnostics

At the first symptoms of urolithiasis in a cat, you should immediately consult a veterinarian, who will conduct a biochemical urine test, during which the level of uric acid, the presence of oxalates, the content of calcium, sodium and magnesium will be determined. These indicators help determine the type of stones in the animal’s urinary system.

An ultrasound examination of the bladder and kidneys will help determine the size of the stones and the presence of sand in the kidneys and bladder.

If necessary, an X-ray examination and computed tomography may be performed to confirm the signs of the disease.

Treatment

Treatment of urolithiasis in cats at home is possible only after consultation with a specialist and a full diagnosis.

Used for the treatment of urolithiasis conservative and surgical treatment. Surgical intervention will help rid the animal of stones and permanently solve the problem of the disease.

If, due to difficulty urinating, it is not possible to empty the bladder using a catheter, they resort to surgery, during which they open the damaged organ and clean it. After this, a tube is inserted through which the fluid is removed. The tube is removed when signs of improvement in the animal's condition appear. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, the recovery period lasts for 14-30 days.

Conservative treatment of urolithiasis is carried out using medications that relieve spasms and pain. It is also aimed at reducing the inflammatory process and suppressing infection in the animal’s body.

If small stones are found in the cat’s bladder, antispasmodic drugs, antibiotics and immunomodulatory drugs are used for treatment. The animal is prescribed a special therapeutic diet.

Prevention

The main goal of preventive measures is to prevent recurrence of the disease. Experts advise adhering to the following recommendations:

Veterinarians do not recommend feeding your pet monotonous food. The diet should be varied and balanced. For drinking, it is better to use bottled or non-hard water. Eliminate offal, milk and cottage cheese from the diet. It is allowed to eat beets, cauliflower, steamed rice, porridges from various cereals, and a small amount of boiled fish.

Urolithiasis is the formation of urinary stones in the kidneys, pelvis, bladder or their retention in the lumen of the ureters and urethra.
Urinary stones are found mainly in carnivores (dogs, cats), sheep, fur-bearing animals and less often in cattle and horses.
The chemical composition of stones varies among different animal species; in herbivores, they consist mainly of calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate and calcium oxalate.
Urate and phosphate stones are found in dogs and cats. Phosphate stones and sand form very quickly, especially in neutered cats.
The etiology of urinary stones is still not entirely clear. It is believed that their formation in most cases is caused by a violation of the regulation of salt metabolism on the part of the central nervous system due to improper, monotonous feeding, as well as A-hypovitaminosis.
One of the leading factors in the formation of urinary stones is a violation of the ratio between acidic and basic feed equivalents. Microorganisms (staphylococci, streptococci, proteus) play an important role in the formation of stones in dogs and cats.
Stone formation is often caused by the use of various medications, sometimes by polyhypovitaminosis.
Excessive use of feedstuffs rich in phosphates, in particular bran, bone meal, and beets, is essential in the formation of stones. Factors of stone formation include long-term periodic stagnation of urine with subsequent alkalization, precipitation of salts and the formation of stones.
A certain role in the development of the disease is played by the individual characteristics of the animal and climatic factors. In Russia, urolithiasis is more common in the North Caucasus, the Urals, and the Don and Volga river basins. This is due to the nature of flora, fauna, soil, and the composition of drinking water. The development of urolithiasis may also be associated with inflammation of the urinary tract.
Some authors associate the origin of urinary stones with dysfunction of the endocrine organs (hyperparathyroidism, changes in the function of the gonads, etc.).
A predisposing factor for stone formation may be the relatively small diameter of the urethra in bulls, bulls, males and cats, especially castrated ones.
The occurrence of the disease is associated with metabolic disorders, which, in turn, results from irrational and unbalanced feeding of animals. This is noted in cases where the diet of sick animals contains an excess of protein, phosphorus, calcium, silicon, magnesium, with a simultaneous lack of vitamins and carbohydrates.
Pathogenesis. Currently, there are two theories of stone formation: crystallization and matrix. According to the crystallization theory, the primary basis of the stone is the crystallization core, on which sprouts of radially arranged crystals appear. Organic matter becomes part of the rock as it grows.
According to the matrix theory, the primary basis of stones is organic matter - a core consisting of carbohydrate and protein components.
The primary matrix of the stone, the core, is formed from urine proteins when its proteolytic properties change. The crystalline part of the stone is determined by the pH of the urine. It has been established that the formation of the crystalline part of stones depends on the pH of the urine; uric acid - at pH up to 6; oxalate - up to 6-6.5; phosphoric acid - at pH 7 and above.
Changes in the pH of urine largely depend on the state of the acid-base balance of the body. Violation of it entails changes in redox processes, mineral metabolism (increased excretion of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine, etc. by the kidneys).

Inflammatory-dystrophic processes develop in the kidneys and bladder, the pH and relative density of urine changes, which leads to disruption of the colloid-crystalline balance in the urine, precipitation of mucoprotein salts and the formation of urinary stones. Predisposing factors are the presence of foreign bodies in the urinary tract or kidneys in the form of epithelial cells, cylinders, blood clots, pus, fibrin, necrotic tissue, etc. Under such conditions, precipitation of salt crystals and protein-like substances occurs.
A urine stone is a colloidal matrix (base) with crystals of mineral salts deposited around the matrix on its surface.
The process of urinary stone formation occurs in two phases. First, peptides, proteins and mucoproteins form the organic material of the stone. Having both positive and negative ions, the matrix attracts and binds both anions and cations. In the second stage, crystals of mineral salts are deposited on the matrix, its mass increases and stones of various sizes are formed, consisting of a mixture of phosphates, magnesium and ammonium.
Large stones located in the kidney cavities sit tightly. Small and medium-sized stones of the renal pelvis or bladder can change their position, enter the ureter, urethra and cause blockage.

Bladder stones, according to their chemical composition, are urate, phosphate and oxalate (Fig. 130). Phosphates are soft, white or grayish in color, round in shape, with a smooth or slightly rough surface. Urats are dense, brick-colored, round in shape. Oxalates are also dense and have a spiky, bumpy surface. The softest are cystine stones, which are light yellow in color.
Urinary stones often cause mechanical damage to the mucous membrane of the urinary tract, causing bleeding. The development of urolithiasis may also be associated with inflammation of the urinary tract.
Blockage and damage to the mucous membrane by urinary stones is accompanied by stagnation of urine, penetration into the urinary tract along the ascending line of secondary infection, which may result in the development of catarrhal inflammation of the bladder (urocystitis), renal pelvis and kidneys (pyelonephritis).
Symptoms The clinical picture of the disease depends on the location of urinary stones, their size, surface condition and mobility (Fig. 131).
The main signs are pain and hematuria. The pain can be constant and temporary
menami is manifested by sharp attacks of colic. Urination is frequent and painful. When a stone forms in the renal pelvis, symptoms characteristic of pyelitis appear, and subsequently pyelonephritis. -

Rice. 131
Urine stones in the bladder and kidney of a dog (X-ray)

During this period of illness, there may be an increase in body temperature by 0.5-1.0°C. The urine contains a large amount of inorganic sediments, protein, leukocytes, epithelium of the renal pelvis, and microbes. Frequent, painful urination, interrupted by false urges.
When the urinary tract is blocked, the disease manifests itself with a classic triad of symptoms: urinary colic, urinary disturbance and changes in the composition of urine.
Flow. Urolithiasis lasts a long time and tends to recur. Its course depends on the size of the stone, the painful and inflammatory phenomena that it causes, as well as on the effectiveness of treatment.
When the bladder ruptures, peritonitis develops and the animal usually dies.
Pathological changes. The mucous membrane of the pelvis, ureter or bladder is hyperemic, edematous, and often covered with hemorrhages. The integrity of its endothelial cover is disrupted. The edema gradually spreads deeper into the underlying tissue, leading to damage to the renal parenchyma and atrophy.
When the urinary tract is blocked, hydronephrosis is observed. Pyelonephritis often occurs.
The number of stones can be from one to several hundred. Small erosions with symptoms of purulent urethritis are noted.
Diagnosis. Anamnestic data (feeding, drinking water), clinical signs (pain, hematuria) and laboratory tests of urine (titrated acidity and alkalinity, urine sediment) are taken into account. In some cases, X-ray examinations and ultrasound are performed.
Despite the characteristic signs of the disease, it should be differentiated from pyelitis, cystitis and chronic hematuria in cattle (Table 3).
Forecast. In cases where the urinary tract contains only sand, the prognosis is favorable, but in cases of urethral blockage it is often unfavorable, since bladder rupture is possible.
Treatment. The most acceptable are symptomatic therapy using painkillers and antispasmodics, physiotherapy, probing and surgical removal of stones.

Table 3
Differential diagnostic criteria for recognizing urinary tract diseases

	Main signs of the disease
illnesses	clinical	laboratory
Pyelitis	The general condition of the animal is depressed. Body temperature is increased. When palpating the kidney area, pain is noted. The act of urination is frequent and painful. Little urine is released.	Urine is alkaline and contains mucus, pus and protein. The sediment contains a lot of leukocytes, microbes and epithelium of the renal pelvis, leukocytes, erythrocytes are found, crystals are often found
Urolithiasis disease	Sick animals are depressed, inactive, and move reluctantly and cautiously. Urinary colic is noted. Body temperature is increased. On rectal examination, bladder tenderness is often observed. A small amount of urine is released.	Urine is acidic, cloudy and often contains blood. Urine sediment contains urinary sand, leukocytes, epithelium of the renal pelvis or bladder. Triple phosphates, oxalates and phosphates are found in inorganic sediments in the urine.
Urocystitis	The general condition of the animals is depressed, body temperature is elevated. The act of urination is frequent and painful. Rectal examination of the bladder shows pain	Urine has an ammonia odor, contains mucus, and a small amount of protein. The sediment contains epithelial cells of the bladder, leukocytes, erythrocytes and triple phosphate
Bladder spasm	There is severe anxiety in animals and frequent urge to urinate. A rectal examination reveals an enlarged bladder, which does not empty during palpation. Difficulty inserting a catheter into the bladder	Urine does not change.
Paralysis and paresis of the bladder	The animal is anxious, often takes a posture to urinate, but produces small amounts of urine. Rectal examination establishes strong filling of the bladder.	Urine does not change.
Chronic hematuria in cattle	As the disease progresses, general depression, weakness develops, appetite decreases, and exhaustion develops. The visible mucous membranes are anemic. The act of urination is frequent.	On the part of the blood, it is noted - zhitropenia, leukopenia. Cap reaction urine contains protein, red blood cells, hemoglobin and epithelial cells

When the urethra is blocked by stones, the following measures are recommended:
relieving spasm of smooth muscles or overirritation of the mucous membrane with stones;
displacement of the stone located in the center using a catheter;
elimination of pain attacks;
flushing the bladder using anti-inflammatory drugs;
destruction and removal of urinary stones and sand from the urinary tract.
Relief of urinary tract spasm is achieved by intramuscular injection of no-shpa, analgin, antispasmodic, baralgin, etc.
If the urethra is blocked, a 0.5% solution of novocaine from 2 to 10 ml is injected through a catheter and then after a few minutes the stone is dislodged with a catheter into the bladder.
The catheter is advanced into the bladder, and subsequently an isotonic solution of sodium chloride (50-150 ml) in combination with penicillin at a dose of 5000-6000 IU/kg body weight is injected through it. If the solution does not flow through the catheter, then it is aspirated with a syringe. Washing is repeated the next day.
Painful reactions can be eliminated using lumbar novocaine blockade with a 0.25% solution in a dose of 1 ml per 1 kg of live weight.
To relieve the inflammatory reaction in the urinary tract, the use of penicillin drugs and sulfonamides is indicated.
In combination with these substances, medications that disinfect the urinary system can be prescribed: a decoction of bearberry leaves, creeping wheatgrass roots, parsley root; as well as trichopolum, biseptol, urosulfan, furadonin, etc.
Urodane and cystone are used internally to destroy and remove urinary stones and sand. In urgent cases, urinary stones are removed surgically (cystotomy, urethrotomy) depending on the indications.
Prevention comes down to improving the maintenance, feeding and watering of animals. Avoid long-term use of monotonous feed rich in salts, as well as hard drinking water. Diets are enriched with vitamins. Carry out systematic exercise. In some cases, urine sediment is examined to identify diseases of the kidneys (pyelonephritis), bladder (cystitis) and early stages of urolithiasis (presence of sand).

Urolithiasis (MCD)

Urolithiasis (Urolitiasis)- a disease accompanied by the formation and deposition of urinary stones or sand in the renal pelvis, bladder or urethra. Usually accompanied by painful urination, blood in the urine and frequent urge to urinate. The disease progresses quickly and leads to the death of the animal.

Causes of urolithiasis different sick cats have different symptoms, that is, this disease is polyetiological.

Currently, the number of cats with urolithiasis and relapses are observed in 50-70% of cases.

According to some researchers, most often one-year-old cats suffer from urolithiasis; according to others, it is more often observed in the 2-3rd year of life.

The disease is equally common in both male and female cats.. Cats are more predisposed to urolithiasis due to the specific anatomical structure (narrowness of the urethra), and it is more severe, as it is often complicated by bladder obstruction.

Factors leading to animal disease

Exogenous factors of ICD

There are several predisposing exogenous factors leading to the disease:

Crystallization

Requires a high concentration of magnesium in the urine and an alkaline urine reaction (pH above 6.8).
Normally, cats have slightly acidic urine.. Alkalinization of urine can occur with the consumption of certain foods and with a urinary tract infection. Theoretically, acidic urine prevents crystallization processes and has antibacterial properties. But with a high concentration of ions involved in the formation of stones, it can also begin in an acidic environment.

Occurs when consuming food rich in magnesium salts, with psycho-emotional retention of urination into a dirty toilet tray, with physical inactivity, in the absence of water or its low quality, which is why the cat limits itself to water.

The Ca:P ratio in the diet is below 1

As a result, the relative content of phosphorus in the diet is increased.

Feed moisture

It affects the formation of stones only in the case when, when consuming dry food, there are restrictions in drinking water;

Low energy content of feed

A risk factor may be the reduced energy value of feed. Such a non-physiological composition of the feed stimulates its consumption in excess, which can lead to a critically high intake of minerals.

Overweight in cats

Predisposing factor leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Endogenous factors leading to ureteral disease:

Hyperfunction of the parathyroid glands

Calcium is released and its concentration in the blood and urine increases.

Increased Ca content in blood serum

Occurs with bone trauma, osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, peripheral neuritis, and therefore these diseases are often complicated by urolithiasis.

Disturbance of the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract (chronic gastritis, colitis, peptic ulcer)

This is also explained by the influence of hyperacid gastritis on the acid-base state of the body, as well as a decrease in the excretion from the small intestine and the binding of calcium salts in it.

Infection

The infection can enter the animal's body from external sources, the reproductive organs, intestines, or urethra.

The main types of stones formed: Struvite(trivalent phosphates), Oxalates(oxalic acid salts)

Clinical signs and symptoms of urolithiasis in cats

Signs of ICD

Before the occurrence urinary tract blockage the disease occurs without obvious clinical signs, but the results of laboratory tests of urine and blood indicate its occurrence. During the latent period of urolithiasis, symptoms can be identified that indicate not only its development, but also presumably the localization of the stone.

Animals' appetite decreases, depression and drowsiness may occur. Salt crystals are deposited on the hair of the prepuce. At times, hematuria is detected, especially after active movements. The presence of stones in the bladder is manifested by a frequent urge to urinate, shifting, raising and lowering the tail. The animal lies down carefully.

When the urinary tract is blocked, the disease manifests itself with a classic triad of symptoms:

Urinary colic
Violation of the act of urination
Changes in urine composition

During an attack, the pulse and breathing rates will decrease, but the body temperature rarely rises to low-grade fever. Urination is frequent and painful. Urine is difficult to pass, in small portions and even drops.

As pressure builds up in the upper urinary tract, the kidneys stop producing urine. Toxic metabolic products accumulate in the blood, leading to uremia. The cat may vomit. The patient's abdomen increases in volume, becomes hard and painful. If help is not provided, he falls into a coma and dies.

A cat's bladder may rupture, leading to peritonitis and uremia. When the urethra ruptures, urine infiltrates the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal cavity, pelvic limbs, and perineum, and uremia also develops.

In a sick animal, the urine is cloudy with an admixture of urinary sand, which quickly precipitates. The color of the urine is dark with a reddish tint caused by blood.

The course of the disease from the moment the blockage occurs is no more than 2-3 days.

A clear example of ICD in a cat

Diagnosis of urinary system disease

General clinical examination methods can identify signs of damage to the kidney and urinary tract: pain and palpation in the kidney area.

Urinalysis is the main method for diagnosing urolithiasis, detects small amounts of protein, single casts, fresh red blood cells and salts. Leukocyturia appears when nephrolithiasis is complicated by pyelonephritis. The presence of crystals in the urine allows us to judge the type of urolithiasis, which is important when choosing treatment.

Animal urine sediment. Struvite.

Urine sediment after treatment of urolithiasis.

X-ray examination takes a leading place in identifying kidney and ureteral stones. The most common method is survey urography. With its help, you can determine the size and shape of the stone, as well as approximately its location.

With pronounced clinical signs, it is not difficult to make a diagnosis.
It is important to diagnose urolithiasis in cats during the latent period, for which it is recommended to systematically selectively examine urine (titration density and alkalinity, calcium, phosphorus, urine sediment and the level of mucoproteins, which in healthy people does not increase 0.2 units of optical density) and blood (calcium, phosphorus and reserve alkalinity).

Treatment of urolithiasis

Stones in a cat's bladder

Treatment for urolithiasis can be conservative and surgical.
Conservative treatment is aimed at eliminating pain and inflammation, preventing relapses and complications of the disease. A diet is prescribed that helps restore normal metabolism and maintain homeostasis in the cat. It is prescribed depending on the type of salt metabolism disorder.

Medicometosis treatment aimed at eliminating stagnation of urine and restoring the patency of the urinary tract of cats. Obstruction can occur due to spasm of smooth muscles due to irritation of the mucous membrane by the stone. In these cases, antispasmodics and sedatives (baralgin, atropine, platifillin, spasmolitin), heat and lumbar novocaine blockade are used. This manages to stop attacks of urinary colic, restore diuresis and alleviate the condition of the sick animal.

An important role in the treatment of patients with nephroureterolithiasis belongs to medications that are used to combat urinary infections. They are prescribed taking into account the results of urine culture and the sensitivity of its microflora to antibiotics and other antibacterial drugs.

Surgical treatment is the leading method for removing stones from the urinary tract. Surgery is necessary, the stone causes pain, if the outflow of urine is impaired, leading to a decrease in kidney function and hydronephrotic transformation; during attacks of acute pyelonephritis, with hematuria.

Treatment of sick animals with stones in the ureter can be conservative and operative. Conservative treatment is indicated for the presence of stones in the ureter that do not cause severe pain, do not significantly impair the outflow of urine, do not lead to hydroureteronephrosis and tend to pass spontaneously. In 75-80% of cases, stones from the ureter pass away on their own after conservative measures. Treatment is aimed at strengthening the motility of the ureter and eliminating its spastic contractions.

Scheme for treatment and prevention of relapse, ammonia-magnesium phosphate stones:

Elimination of mechanical obstacles to the outflow of urine - removal of sand and stones, removal with drugs.
Treatment of identified infections.
Stabilization of urine pH from 5.5 to 6.0.
Increased fluid intake - urine density 1.015 g/cm3. Avoid thirst.
Choosing the right food:
- magnesium content is not higher than 0.1%.
- phosphorus content less than 0.8%.
- the Ca:P ratio is above 1.0 on a dry weight basis.
Regulating the weight of cats no more than 3.5 kg, cats no more than 4.5 kg.

Prevention of ICD in cats

Correctly selected type of nutrition is one of the main, if not the main, requirement when organizing activities aimed at preventing and preventing the formation of stones in the lower parts of the urinary tract of cats. Diet therapy can also be used to prevent secondary formation of uroliths after removal, to weaken protective crystallurgy in order to prevent recurrence of urethral plugs. In addition, it is used for resorption of uroliths in cases not accompanied by urethral obstruction.

Commercially available foods designed to solve these problems are now quite accessible. Dietary food is prescribed based on urine test results.