Urinary System Disorders

Question 1

types of diagnostic tests for urinary diseases?

Answer 1

bloods - creatinine/urea
urinalysis - SG/dipstick/sediment/culture
ultrasonography
radiography - contrast studies
endoscopy
histology

Question 2

what is cystitis?
causes, signs and nursing care?

Answer 2

infection or inflammation of the bladder
- affects the ability to urinate
- males more prone due to longer and thinner urethra

causes
- idiopathic
- trauma/urethral sphincter dysfunction
- stress - esp. cats
- urolithiasis
- neoplasia

signs
- polyurea or straining
- urinary tenesmus
- hematuria
- incontinence
- urine scolding

nursing care
- assist diagnostics
- medications under VS direction - ABs/analgesia
- monitor vitals
- urinary catheterisation
- monitor urine output and behaviour
- manage area - consider urine scalding

Question 3

what is urolithiasis?
causes, signs, diagnostics and nursing care?

Answer 3

the presence of urinary calculi/uroliths
- often form in the bladder and may drop into the urethra

causes
- UTI - females more prone
- high intake of certain minerals
- disease or genetic disposition

signs
- dysuria/polyurea/hematuria/incontinence
- scalding of perineum (females)
- extended penis and dribble urine
- distended bladder

diagnostics
- physical examination (signs)
- ultrasonography
- urethral endoscope

nursing care
- surgery or manual retrieval
- laser/shockwave/lavage to breakdown - risk of damage
- urine culture and analysis of urolith
- change of diet
- monitor vital signs and urine output

Question 4

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
causes, signs and treatment?

Answer 4

termfor various conditions of urinary tract
- may be obstructive or non-obstructive

causes often unknown but often seen in:
- oversight cats
- young/middle aged males
- cats with dry food diet
- stressed cats

signs
- polyurea or straining
- urinary tenesmus
- hematurea
- incontinence
- urine scolding

treatment - obstructive = urgent
- blood tests and cytocentesis
- IVFT
- GA and blockage removal
- catheterization maintenance - consider stress of this
- medications and monitor vitals

treatment - non-obstructive = long-term management
- diet and weight control
- encourage increase water intake
- reduce stress levels
- medical checks

Question 5

what renal failure?
types, causes, signs, diagnostics and nursing care?

Answer 5

kidney failure/damage
- acute = sudden
- chronic = gradual onset/slow deterioration

Causes
- decreased blood flow to kidneys
- toxins and infections
- renal obstruction - eg urethral stones
- congenital/hereditary disease
- diet

signs
- polydipsia, polyurea and haematuria
- vomiting and dehydration
- anorexia and weight loss
- lethargic, pale MMs, bad breath

diagnostics
- blood tests and urinalysis - esp. check urea
- radiography and ultrasonography

nursing care
- barrier nursing - until known non-infectious
- IVFT
- monitor urine output and vitals
- medications
- diet management and fresh water
- grooming and cleanliness

Question 6

what is nephritis?
signs, diagnostics and nursing care?

Answer 6

inflammation of the kidneys
- severe kidney infections
- lost ability to filter toxins

signs
- fever
- pain in kidneys - swelling or inflammation
- hematuria
- higher serum protein, urea and creatinine in blood

diagnostics
- physical examination of signs
- bloods and urinalysis
- ultrasound scan

nursing care
- fresh water and diet management
- IVFT for fluids and electrolytes
- medications
- monitor vital signs and urine output
- monitor behaviour