Female Urogenital
Female Urogenital
The urogenital system includes the urinary and reproductive organs.
The urinary system is divided into two regions based on anatomy and function: upper (kidneys and ureters) and lower urinary (urinary bladder and urethra) tracts. The upper urinary tract filters metabolic wastes from the blood to be excreted into the urine. The kidneys also participate in blood pressure regulation and maintenance of the delicate electrolyte and water balance within the body-keeping only what is needed. The lower urinary tract serves as a reservoir for urine (bladder) and a pathway for excretion (urethra). Indications of a urinary tract problem are varied: excessive urination and drinking, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, odor to urine, vomiting, diarrhea, inappetance, incontinence, and lethargy.
The genital system consists of the reproductive organs: the uterus and ovaries. These organs produce hormones and allow reproduction. Signs associated with genital tract problems include: discharge, odor, straining to urinate and/or defecate, and lethargy.
Common urogenital ailments affecting dogs:
- Urinary tract infections (UTI): common in female dogs. Urinary tract infections in male dogs are uncommon due to the length of their urethra. UTI in a male dog may signal the presence of an underlying problem, such as bladder stones, poor immune function, or prostatic disease.
- Kidney failure: acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure can be caused by infections, kidney stones, toxins, and drugs to name a few. Aging pets may develop chronic kidney failure. Often, by the time chronic kidney failure is diagnosed, the cause cannot be determined.
- Urinary bladder stones : some stones form due to the presence of infection; others form by mineral imbalances in the urine. Kidney stones are less common.
- Uterine infections (pyometra) : may occur in intact females following a heat if pregnancy does not occur.
Bladder
Bladder
Urine, produced by the kidneys, is stored in the urinary bladder before exiting the body through the urethra. The urethra acts as a channel for urine excretion; its length offers protection against infection. Dogs with repeated or persistent urinary tract infections or inflammation need to be evaluated for an underlying cause, such as stones in the urinary bladder, prostatic disease (males), and cancer. Dogs with bladder inflammation strain to urinate; they may have obvious blood in their urine. An inability to urinate (posture to urinate and nothing comes out) requires emergency treatment to relieve the painful obstruction.
Bladder stones
Urinary bladder stones develop when excessive minerals saturate the urine. Stones may also form in association with bladder infections and inherent metabolic abnormalities (e.g.: Dalmatians with urate stones). Pets with urinary bladder stones may show no symptoms; the stones are found incidentally when x-rays are taken for another purpose. Other patients may present with obvious signs: straining to urinate, producing small amounts of urine frequently, and blood in the urine. Stones within the bladder cause irritation but are rarely life threatening unless the stone lodges in the urethra causing an obstruction. This life threatening, painful situation must be treated immediately to prevent acute kidney failure. Diagnosis of urinary bladder stones requires imaging either with radiographs or by ultrasound. Treatment of the stones depends on the stone type and location of the stone. Stones causing obstruction must be surgically removed. Some non-obstructive stones may be dissolved with diet (e.g.: struvite), while others require surgical removal (e.g.: calcium oxalate, urate). Stones surgically removed will be analyzed to determine the composition of the stone and develop a prevention plan. Your veterinarian will discuss with you the best treatment options for your pet.
Kidneys
Kidneys
The kidneys, lying just under the spinal column, receive nearly 25% of the blood pumped out of the heart. The kidneys maintain water and electrolyte balance, regulate blood pressure and provide an elimination route for toxins. Illness due to kidney disease may be due to infection, inflammation, toxin ingestion (e.g.: lilies and antifreeze), and cancer. Symptoms of kidney disease vary widely depending on the underlying cause. Dogs with acute (sudden) kidney failure are quite ill: vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia. In contrast, dogs with chronic (slow onset) kidney failure may not show any outward signs of a problem; the kidney disease is often incidentally found on screening lab work. Regular wellness testing with blood and urine evaluations allows early detection and treatment of kidney disease.
Acute kidney failure (AKF)
Acute kidney failure (AKF) refers to a life threatening condition caused by sudden loss of kidney function. The kidneys function to clear the blood of metabolic toxins, maintain salt and water balance; they regulate blood pressure and red blood cell production. When the kidneys fail, these intricate mechanisms deteriorate causing illness characterized by vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, and sometimes seizures. Causes of AKF include: toxins (e.g.: raisins, antifreeze/ethylene glycol, lilies, snake venom), infections (e.g.: Leptospirosis, bacteria), drugs (anti-inflammatory medications), and obstructions from stones or tumors. Diagnosis of AKF is based on history and physical examination combined with blood and urine testing. Further laboratory tests such as radiographs and abdominal ultrasound may be used to identify the underlying cause of the failure. Treatment requires aggressive intravenous fluid therapy (to flush the toxins out of the body), blood pressure regulation, acid-base and electrolyte correction, and medications for nausea. The prognosis for patients with AKF depends on the underlying cause and response to therapy.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
The kidneys function to clear the blood of metabolic toxins, maintain salt and water balance; they regulate blood pressure and red blood cell production. When the kidneys fail, these intricate mechanisms deteriorate causing illness. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) commonly occurs in the geriatric years or as a consequence of an acute episode of kidney failure. Early signs of kidney failure do not begin until there has been at least 2/3 loss of the kidney function. The earliest outward signs of chronic kidney failure include an increase in thirst and increase in urine volume. Early CKD may be detected incidentally on screening blood work as part of wellness testing. Symptoms of progressive CKD develop gradually over time: declining appetite, weight loss, poor hair coat, anemia, and intermittent vomiting to name a few. While CKD is irreversible, many treatments are available to slow down the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. Treatments focus on maintenance of: appetite, water and salt balance, red blood cell counts, nutrition (replace losses of essential vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes), and normalizing elevated blood pressures.
Spay
Spay
Female dogs that will not be used for breeding should be spayed prior to the first heat cycle. Spaying dogs prior to the first heat cycle not only prevents unwanted pregnancies, but also prevents life threatening uterine infections and mammary cancer later in life. Spaying is the surgical removal of both ovaries and the uterus. Your dog will be placed under general anesthesia for this procedure. The surgery is done commonly, however, it is important to remember that it is major abdominal surgery and recovery time from surgery will be needed.
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October Special!
Victoria Park Animal Hospital now offers non-anesthetic dentals Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. For the month of October, enjoy a courtesy oral exam (valued at $70) for your pet with their non-anesthetic dental!
Included in a non-anesthetic dental:
- The mouth may be wiped down or rinsed with a non-anesthetic to decrease bacteria.
- Plaque and tarter will be removed from the visible parts of the teeth with a hand scaler.
- The provider may try to clean under the gums and use a dental probe to measure pockets, if possible.
- Fluoride treatment will also be provided.