Urolithiasis in animals. Urolithiasis (ICD)

The classification of kidney stones according to various criteria is the main criterion for choosing a further method for treating urolithiasis.

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

In addition, the belonging of a calculus to a certain group implies the appointment 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 is calcium salts.

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

– Urats. They are diagnosed in 10% of all patients. The cause of the appearance is an excess of 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; mixed-type formations are diagnosed in half of the patients.

What are kidney stones

There are many classification criteria.

By number: half of the patients are diagnosed with single stones, often one has to deal with the formation of two or three calculi in the kidneys, the least rare case is also multiple formations in the kidneys.
By location in the body: unilateral and bilateral.
In shape: round, flat, with edges, spikes, coral.
In size: the size of the formation can vary from the eye of a needle to the size of the entire cavity of the kidney.
At the place of dislocation: calculi are formed 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 is associated with the quality of the water that the patient consumes, 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 urine colloids is disturbed.

The classification of stones by chemical composition is as follows:

oxalates - are formed from salts of oxalic acid;
phosphates - are formed from calcium phosphate;
urates - the main component is salts of uric acid;
carbonates - are formed from calcium salts of carbonic acid;
struvites are 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 stone operations are being replaced by more gentle surgical treatments? , surgical and conservative treatment, as well as the causes of the formation of calculi.

You will find herbal recipes for various kidney diseases.

Urats

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

The age of pathology varies from 20 to 55 years.

The age of the patient directly affects the localization 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 affecting the formation of urates, experts distinguish:

poor water quality;
unfavorable ecological situation;
sedentary lifestyle;
violations of metabolic processes;
malnutrition: an 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. Also, therapy involves the appointment of therapeutic nutrition, taking medications.

Urates 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 elementary rules of a healthy lifestyle: move and eat a balanced diet.

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

Struvites

These formations are classified as phosphate stones.

The formations contain ammonium-magnesium phosphate and carbonate apatite.

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

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

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

Struvites are characterized by the ability to rapidly increase in size, filling the entire cavity of the kidney and provoking 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 cause of the formation of which is a genetic pathology - cystinuria.

Children and people at a young age are most susceptible to the appearance of cystine stones.

The main component of the stone is an amino acid.

The main feature of the symptoms of the disease, doctors call constant pain, even after the administration of painkillers.

Treatment of pathology is as follows:

change in the acidity of urine with citrates;
special diet;
drug treatment;
crushing stones;
surgery if conservative therapy has failed.

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 drugs.

Stones combine the characteristics of salt and protein kidney formations.

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

From the author

Five secrets of healthy kidneys.

Movement and active lifestyle.
Proper nutrition.
Kidneys should be warm.
Prevent the disease: drink kidney fees, brew half a palu.

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

Related video

I had no idea there were so many different types of kidney stones. And each type of stone has its own reason. You need to contact a good doctor who will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe a treatment that will help with a particular type of stones.

If you have not yet gone to the doctor with the question of what type of kami 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 good luck from different types of stones, so that during the reception you will guess which one to drink . And what kind of stones you have you will never know from a doctor. And the theory described above exists, only doctors do not use it in practice, at least in a simple clinic. Ha ha ha. ….. Thanks to the authors for the article, 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 that, an appropriate diet is prescribed. Doctors are not dumber than you, believe me))

Urolithiasis in animals

Urolithiasis is a disease accompanied by the formation and deposition of urinary stones or sand in the renal pelvis, bladder or urethra. The disease proceeds 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 dramatically and relapses are observed in 50-70% of cases.

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

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

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, cat urine is slightly acidic. Alkalinization of urine can occur with the consumption of certain foods and urinary tract infections. Theoretically, acidic urine prevents crystallization processes and has antibacterial properties. But at a high concentration of ions involved in the formation of stones, it can also begin in an acidic environment;

hypermagnesemia - occurs when eating food rich in magnesium salts, with psycho-emotional retention of urination in a dirty toilet tray, with hypodynamia of the animal, in the absence of water or its low quality, which is why the cat restricts itself in water;

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

feed moisture affects the formation of stones only in the case 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, 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;

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

Clinical signs of the disease

Before the onset of blockage of the urinary tract, the disease proceeds without overt clinical signs, but the results of laboratory tests of urine and blood indicate its occurrence. In the latent period of the course of urolithiasis, symptoms can be detected that indicate not only its development, but also presumably the localization of the stone. In animals, appetite decreases, depression and drowsiness may appear. Salt crystals are deposited on the hair of the prepuce. From time to time, hematuria is detected, especially after active movements of the animal. The presence of stones in the bladder is manifested by frequent urge to urinate, kneading, raising and lowering the tail. The animal lies down gently.

When the urinary tract is blocked, the disease is manifested by the classic triad of symptoms: urinary colic, a violation of the act of urination, and a change in the composition of the urine.

Suddenly there are bouts of intense anxiety. Sick animals lie down and quickly get up, step over the pelvic limbs, look back at the stomach, take a pose for urination. The duration of the attacks can reach several hours. Between attacks, the animal is sharply depressed, lies indifferently, rises with difficulty, carefully, hunched back.

During an attack, the pulse and respiration rate will melt, but the body temperature rarely rises to subfebrile. Urination is frequent and painful. Urine is excreted with difficulty, in small portions and even drops.

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

With complete blockage of the urethra, 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 infringed at the end of the urethra.

As pressure builds up in the upper urinary tract, the kidneys stop producing urine. In the blood, toxic metabolic products accumulate, leading to uremia. The cat may vomit. In a sick animal, the abdomen increases in volume, becomes hard and painful. If no help is given, 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, 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 infection is Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Proteus. Therefore, pyuria (pus in the urine) is a common symptom of this disease.

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

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

Diagnosis of the disease

Stones can be found anywhere in the urinary system. They are most commonly found in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Diagnosis of urethral stones is not difficult. The stone can also be detected using a catheter that encounters an obstruction in the urethra. Diagnosis of bladder stones also does not cause any particular difficulties.

General clinical examination methods reveal 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 makes it possible to judge the type of urolithiasis, which is important when choosing means for treatment.

X-ray examination occupies a leading position 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 localization.

An overview urogram should cover the entire area of the kidneys and urinary tract on both sides. Not all stones cast a shadow on the overview image. The chemical composition of stones, size and localization are extremely diverse. In 10% of cases, the stones are not visible on the X-ray survey, as the density in relation to X-rays approaches the density of soft tissues.

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

With severe clinical signs, it is not difficult to make a diagnosis. It is important to diagnose urolithiasis during the latent period, for which it is recommended to systematically selectively examine urine (titer 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 observance of the doctor's prescriptions, you can achieve a stable remission, and in the happiest cases, recovery.

Treatment of urolithiasis is reduced to the following principles:

Removing an acute condition and restoring the outflow of urine.
anti-inflammatory and antibiotic therapy
lifelong prevention is obligatory: diet therapy - medicated feed,

Urolithiasis is characterized by the formation in the bladder and urinary tract of an animal of urinary sand and stones - uroliths, 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.

With the formation of uroliths in the body, there is a delay in the outflow of urine, its infection and reverse reflux into the renal pelvis and tubules, which, with an exacerbation of the disease, 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 according to their chemical composition and origin:

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

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

Salts of oxalic acid, oxalates, are formed as a result of the systematic consumption of food containing nuts, seeds and cereals. Because these foods are rare in a cat's diet, oxalate formation is rare.

Urates, salts of uric acid, are formed during the breakdown of cell nuclei, the release of nucleic acid and its conversion into uric acid. This happens when there is an excess of protein of animal origin in the cat's diet or when the pet is in an area with an increased level of radiation.

Causes of kidney stones in cats

KSD in cats can develop under the influence of external and internal factors. Urolithiasis is diagnosed in cats from one to six years old. Due to the anatomical features of the urinary system, cats get sick with a dangerous disease more often than cats. However, the risk of getting urolithiasis in a cat is still there. The greatest number of visits to veterinary clinics with symptoms of KSD 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 so, sterilization will cause the disease if it was carried out at too early an age and the cat's excretory system did not have time to fully form.

The development of urolithiasis in cats is affected by too hot or cold climates, in which the animals may experience an increase or decrease in 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. The water drunk by the cat does not affect the body of the animal, there is an increase in the level of salts in the body and a decrease in acidity. Stones are formed from accumulated salt crystals.

The content of carbamide in the body of the animal depends on the amount of protein consumed by the cat. With its excess, metabolic disorders occur. For the prevention of urolithiasis in cats, the content of protein-rich foods should be reduced. In this case, a reasonable balance should be struck, as a vegetarian diet or a large amount of milk can lead to an alkaline form of urolithiasis.

A reasonable amount of foods rich in vitamin A should be present in the animal's diet: 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 due to excessive production of parathyroid hormone, which leads to an increase in the content of calcium in the blood and urine.

A feature of the structure 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, there is a delay and accumulation of urine. When sterilized at an early age, the urethral canal does not have time to fully develop and retains a small tube diameter.

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

An infectious lesion of the urinary system caused by pathogenic microorganisms that have penetrated 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.

Urolithiasis in cats symptoms

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 blotches;
sand present in the 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 contact a veterinarian who will conduct a biochemical study of urine, during which the level of uric acid, the presence of oxalates, the content of calcium, sodium and magnesium will be determined. These indicators help to establish the type of stones in the urinary system of the animal.

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

If necessary, an x-ray examination and computed tomography can be performed, which will confirm the signs of the disease.

Treatment

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

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

If, with difficulty urinating, it is not possible to empty the bladder with a catheter, they resort to an operation, during which the damaged organ is opened and cleaned. After that, a tube is inserted through which the liquid 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 takes place within 14-30 days.

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

If small calculi 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 the recurrence of the disease. Experts advise to adhere 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. Allowed the use of beets, cauliflower, steamed rice, cereals from various cereals, a small amount of boiled fish.

Urolithiasis - the formation of urinary stones in the kidneys, pelvis, bladder or their retention in the lumen of the ureters, urethra.
Urinary stones are found mainly in carnivores (dogs, cats), sheep, fur-bearing animals, and less frequently in cattle and horses.
The chemical composition of stones in different species of animals is not the same, 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 due to a violation of the regulation of salt metabolism by 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 the imbalance between acid and basic feed equivalents. In the formation of stones in dogs and cats, microorganisms play an important role (staphylococci, streptococci, proteus),
Stone formation is often due to the use of various medicinal substances, sometimes polyhypovitaminosis.
Essential in the formation of stones is the excessive use of feed products rich in phosphates, in particular, bran, bone meal, beets. The factors of stone formation include long-term periodic stagnation of urine with its subsequent alkalization, precipitation of salts and the formation of calculi.
A certain role in the development of the disease is played by the individual characteristics of the animal, climatic factors. In Russia, urolithiasis is more common in the zone of the North Caucasus, the Urals, the Don and Volga river basins. This is due to the nature of the flora, fauna, soil, 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 dysfunctions of the endocrine organs (hyperparathyroidism, changes in the function of the gonads, etc.).
A predisposing factor for stone formation may be a relatively small diameter of the urethra in bulls, valukhs, males and cats, especially neutered 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 in the diet of sick animals there is 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 arise. Organic matter is incorporated into the rock as it grows.
According to the matrix theory, the primary basis of stones is organic matter - the 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 the stones depends on the pH of the urine; uric acid - at pH up to 6; oxalate - up to 6-6.5; phosphate - 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 change, which leads to disruption of the colloid-crystalline balance in the urine, the 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, crystal salts, protein-like substances precipitate.
Urinary stone is a colloidal matrix (base) with crystals of mineral salts deposited around the matrix on its surface.
The process of urinary stone formation proceeds 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 renal cavities sit tightly. Small and medium stones of the renal pelvis or bladder can change their position, enter the ureter, urethra and cause blockage.

Bladder stones by 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, rounded. Oxalates are also dense, have a spike-like tuberous surface. The softest are cystine stones of light yellow 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, damage to the mucous membrane by urinary stones is accompanied by stagnation of urine, penetration into the urinary tract along the ascending line of a secondary infection, resulting in the development of catarrhal-purulent 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. Pain can be constant or temporary
menami is manifested by sharp bouts of colic. Urination is frequent and painful. With the formation of a stone in the renal pelvis, symptoms characteristic of pyelitis appear, and subsequently pyelonephritis. -

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

During this period of the disease, there may be an increase in body temperature by 0.5-1.0 ° C. In the urine, a large amount of inorganic sediments, protein, leukocytes, epithelium of the renal pelvis, microbes. Frequent, painful urination, interrupted by false urges.
When the urinary tract is blocked, the disease is manifested by the classic triad of symptoms: urinary colic, a violation of the act of urination, and a change in the composition of the urine.
Flow. Urolithiasis proceeds for a long time and tends to relapse. Its course depends on the size of the stone, the painful and inflammatory phenomena that it causes, as well as on the effectiveness of the 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, often covered with hemorrhages. The integrity of its endothelial cover is broken. Edema gradually spreads deep into the underlying tissues, leading to damage to the kidney parenchyma and atrophy.
With blockage of the urinary tract, hydronephrosis is noted. Often there is pyelonephritis.
The number of stones can be from one to several hundred. Small erosions with the phenomena of purulent urethritis are noted.
Diagnosis. Take into account anamnestic data (feeding, watering), clinical signs (pain, hematuria) and laboratory tests of urine (titration acidity and alkalinity, urine sediment). 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, and when the urethra is blocked, it is often unfavorable, since a bladder rupture is possible.
Treatment. The most acceptable symptomatic therapy using painkillers and antispasmodics, physiotherapy, probing and surgical removal of stones.

Table 3
Differential diagnostic criteria for recognition of diseases of the urinary tract

	The main signs of the disease
disease	clinical	laboratory
Pyelitis	The general condition of the animal is depressed. Body temperature is elevated. Pain is noted on palpation of the kidney area. The act of urination is speeded up, painful Urine is released little.	Urine is alkaline, contains mucus, pus and protein. There are many leukocytes, microbes and epithelium of the renal pelvis in the sediment, leukocytes, erythrocytes are found, crystals are often established
Urolithiasis disease	Sick animals are depressed, inactive, move reluctantly and cautiously. There are urinary colic. Body temperature is elevated. Pain in the bladder is often observed on rectal examination. A small amount of urine is excreted.	Urine is acidic, turbid and often contains blood. Urinary sand, leukocytes, epithelium of the renal pelvis or bladder are found in the urine sediment. Trippelphosphates, oxalates and phosphates are found in inorganic sediments in the urine.
urocystitis	The general condition of the animals is depressed, the body temperature is elevated. The act of urination is frequent, painful. Pain is noted on rectal examination of the bladder.	Urine has an ammonia smell, contains mucus, a small amount of protein. The sediment contains bladder epithelial cells, leukocytes, erythrocytes, and triplet phosphate.
Bladder spasm	There is a strong anxiety of animals, frequent urge to urinate. Rectal examination establishes an increase in the bladder, which is not emptied during palpation. Difficulty inserting a catheter into the bladder	Urine does not change.
Paralysis and paresis of the bladder	The animal is restless, takes a frequent position for urination, but excretes small amounts of urine. Rectal examination establishes a strong filling of the bladder.	Urine does not change.
Chronic hematuria in cattle	With the progression of the disease, general depression develops, weakness, appetite decreases, exhaustion develops. Visible mucous membranes are anemic The act of urination is frequent.	On the part of the blood, erythropenia, leukopenia are noted. Urine cap reaction, contains protein, erythrocytes, hemoglobin and epithelial cells

When blocking the urethra with stones, the following measures are recommended:
removal of spasm of smooth muscles or re-irritation of the mucous membrane with stones;
displacement of the stone located in the center with the help of a catheter;
elimination of pain attacks;
bladder lavage with anti-inflammatory drugs;
destruction and removal of urinary stones and sand from the urinary tract.
Removal of spasm of the urinary tract is achieved by intramuscular administration of no-shpa, analgin, spasmolitin, baralgin, etc.
In case of blockage of the urethra, a 0.5% solution of novocaine from 2 to 10 ml is injected through the catheter and then, after a few minutes, the stone is displaced by the catheter into the bladder.
The catheter is advanced into the bladder, and subsequently an isotonic solution of sodium chloride (50-150 ml) is injected through it in combination with penicillin at a dose of 5000-6000 IU / kg of body weight. If the solution does not flow out through the catheter, then it is sucked off with a syringe. Washing is repeated the next day.
Pain reactions can be eliminated with the help of a lumbar novocaine blockade with a 0.25% solution at a dose of 1 ml per 1 kg of live weight.
To relieve the inflammatory reaction in the urinary tract, the use of penicillin preparations, sulfonamides is indicated.
In combination with these substances, drugs that disinfect the urinary system can be prescribed: a decoction of bearberry leaves, couch grass roots, parsley root; as well as trichopolum, biseptol, urosulfan, furadonin, etc.
For the destruction and removal of urinary stones and sand, urodan, cystone are used inside. In urgent cases, urinary stones are removed surgically (cystotomy, urethrotomy), depending on the indications.
Prevention is reduced to improving the maintenance, feeding and watering of animals. Avoid prolonged use of monotonous feeds rich in salts, as well as hard drinking water. Rations are enriched with vitamins. Carry out a systematic exercise. In some cases, studies of urine sediment are carried out in order to identify diseases of the kidneys (pyelonephritis), bladder (cystitis) and early stages of urolithiasis (presence of sand).

Urolithiasis (ICD)

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 urination. The disease proceeds quickly and leads to the death of the animal.

Causes of urolithiasis in different sick cats are different, that is, this disease is polyetiological.

At present, the number of diseased urolithiasis cats 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 at the 2-3rd year of life.

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

Factors leading to disease in animals

Exogenous factors 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, cat urine is slightly acidic.. Alkalinization of urine can occur with the consumption of certain foods and urinary tract infections. 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.

It occurs when eating food rich in magnesium salts, with psycho-emotional retention of urination in a dirty toilet tray, with physical inactivity, in the absence of water or its low quality, which is why the cat restricts itself in water.

Ca:P ratio in the diet below 1

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

Feed moisture

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

Low energy saturation of feed

Reduced energy value of feed can become a risk factor. 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

A predisposing factor leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Endogenous factors leading to ureteral disease:

Hyperfunction of the parathyroid glands

There is a release of calcium and an increase in its concentration in the blood and urine.

Increasing the content of Ca in the blood serum

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

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

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

Infection

Infection can enter the body of the animal from external sources, such as sexual organs, intestines, or the urethra.

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

Clinical signs and symptoms of urolithiasis in cats

Signs of ICD

Before the emergence blockage of the urinary tract the disease proceeds without pronounced clinical signs, but the results of laboratory tests of urine and blood indicate its occurrence. In the latent period of the course of urolithiasis, symptoms can be detected that indicate not only its development, but also presumably the localization of the stone.

In animals, appetite decreases, depression and drowsiness may appear. Salt crystals are deposited on the hair of the prepuce. At times, hematuria is found, especially after active movements. The presence of stones in the bladder is manifested by frequent urge to urinate, kneading, raising and lowering the tail. The animal lies down gently.

With blockage of the urinary tract, the disease manifests itself with the classic triad of symptoms:

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

During an attack, the pulse and respiration rate will melt, but the body temperature rarely rises to subfebrile. Urination is frequent and painful. Urine is excreted with difficulty, in small portions and even drops.

As pressure builds up in the upper urinary tract, the kidneys stop producing urine. In the blood, toxic metabolic products accumulate, leading to uremia. The cat may vomit. The patient's abdomen increases in volume, becomes hard and painful. If no help is given, he falls into a coma and dies.

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

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

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

A good example of ICD in a cat

Diagnosis of diseases of the urinary system

General clinical examination methods can reveal 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 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 makes it possible to judge the type of urolithiasis, which is important when choosing means for treatment.

Animal urine sediment. Struvites.

Urine sediment after treatment of urolithiasis.

X-ray examination occupies a leading place in the recognition of kidney and ureter 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 localization.

With severe clinical signs, it is not difficult to make a diagnosis.
It is important to diagnose urolithiasis in cats during the latent course, for which it is recommended to systematically selectively examine urine (titer 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

Bladder stones in a cat

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

Medical treatment It is aimed at eliminating the stagnation of urine and restoring the patency of the urinary tract of cats. Obturation can occur due to spasm of smooth muscles, due to irritation of the mucous membrane with a stone. In these cases, antispasmodic and sedatives (baralgin, atropine, platifillin, spasmolytin), heat and lumbar novocaine blockade are used. This manages to stop the 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 drugs that are used to combat urinary infection. They are prescribed taking into account the results of urine culture of the sensitivity of its microflora to antibiotics and other antibacterial drugs.

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

Treatment of sick animals with stones in the ureter may be conservative or operative. Conservative treatment is indicated in 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 on their own. In 75-80% of cases, stones from the ureter after conservative measures go away on their own. Treatment is aimed at strengthening the motility of the ureter and eliminating its spastic contractions.

The scheme of treatment and prevention of recurrence, phosphate ammonium-magnesian stones:

Elimination of mechanical interference with the outflow of urine - removal of sand and stones, excretion 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.
The right choice of food:
- the magnesium content is not higher than 0.1%.
- phosphorus content less than 0.8%.
- the Ca:P ratio is greater than 1.0 on a dry weight basis.
Regulation of the weight of cats no more than 3.5 kg cats no more than 4.5 kg.

Prevention of urolithiasis in cats

The right type of food is one of the main, if not the main, requirement in the organization of activities aimed at preventing and preventing the formation of stones in the lower urinary tract of cats. Diet therapy can also be used to prevent secondary formation of uroliths after removal, to weaken the 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 meet these challenges are now readily available. Diet food is prescribed based on urinalysis.