Acute Renal Failure in Dogs and Cats
Acute renal failure is a sudden loss of kidney function from many possible toxic or internal insults, passing through a low-output phase, a high-output phase, and recovery. Many animals die during the high-output phase, so treatment focuses on fluids, electrolytes, and nutrition while the kidneys heal.
Bladder Rupture in Dogs and Cats
Bladder rupture is a tear in the bladder wall, usually from trauma or severe lower-urinary-tract disease, that lets urine spill into the abdomen. It causes abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and rapid breathing, and can rapidly lead to peritonitis and uremia without surgery.
Bladder Paralysis (Atony) in Dogs and Cats
Bladder paralysis is loss of normal bladder contraction, usually from a urethral blockage, bladder spasm, or spinal or brain injury, so urine pools and cannot be expelled. Signs range from frequent dribbling to silent, involuntary leakage. Veterinary care and assisted emptying prevent a dangerously overfull bladder.
Bladder Spasm in Dogs and Cats
Bladder spasm is a non-inflammatory, cramp-like contraction of the bladder muscle or sphincter that disrupts normal urination. It is often triggered by stones or clots irritating the bladder. Relieving the underlying cause and calming the spasm restores normal voiding.
Cystitis in Dogs and Cats
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder lining, usually from bacterial infection, causing painful, frequent urination with cloudy or blood-tinged urine. It is most common in female dogs and cats. Most cases respond well to antibiotics and supportive care, but a deep infection can become systemic.
Urethral Stenosis and Obstruction in Dogs and Cats
Urethral stenosis and obstruction occur when the urethra narrows or becomes blocked, preventing normal urination. Male dogs and cats are most at risk. A complete blockage is an emergency that can lead to bladder rupture, peritonitis, kidney failure, or uremia if not treated immediately.
Urethritis in Dogs and Cats
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra that makes urination painful and frequent, with cloudy or blood-tinged urine in severe cases. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection ascending from the lower urinary tract. Veterinary treatment with antibiotics and supportive care resolves most cases.
Urethral Injury in Dogs and Cats
Urethral injury in dogs and cats is urethral damage from blunt force or trauma to the perineum and penis, causing penile swelling, difficult urination, perineal edema, and blood in urine. Timely care prevents infection and urine leakage or bladder rupture.
Ovarian Cysts in Dogs and Cats
Ovarian cysts in dogs and cats come from unruptured follicles or corpora lutea due to endocrine imbalance. Follicular cysts cause constant estrus and excitability, luteal cysts cause prolonged anestrus; medical therapy is tried first, with ovariectomy if it fails.
Uterine Torsion in Dogs and Cats
Uterine torsion in dogs and cats is twisting of the pregnant uterus around its axis, usually before parturition, causing lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, and dark eye membranes. It needs surgical untwisting or cesarean, with ovariohysterectomy if the uterus is damaged.
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