Nephrology and Urology

Understanding veterinary nephrology and urology

The veterinary nephrology concerning the study and treatment of kidney disease, while Veterinary urology treatment of diseases of urinary tract ( ureters, bladder, urethra) and sometimes reproductive tract. These two specialties are closely linked and formuro-nephrology, an essential discipline of modern veterinary medicine.

The urinary and renal problems are common in our pets. One early diagnosis and precision often significantly improves prognosis and quality of life of your companion.

When to worry? Warning signs

Several symptoms may indicate urinary or renal problems in your pet:

• Changes in urinary habits (more frequent or small quantities)
• Pain during urination (cries, abnormal posture)
• Urinary incontinence unexpected (especially so related to the sterilization)
• Change in the appearance of urine (color abnormal, presence of blood)
• Increased water consumption (polydipsy)
• Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fetid or ammonia-smelling Haleine (sign of serum)

⚠️ If you see any of these signs, veterinary consultation is recommended without delay. A change in your animal's urinary behaviour should never be overlooked, as it may be the symptom of a more serious problem requiring rapid management.

Common urinary system disorders

Renal disorders

• Acute renal impairment (ARI) : sudden onset of renal failure, often due to poisoningsevere dehydration or infection
• Chronic renal failure (CRI) progressive degradation of renal function, very common in elderly cats
• Glomerulopathy : diseases affecting glomerules, kidney filtration units
• Renal polycystosis : hereditary disease common in certain feline breeds like Persian

Urinary disorders

• Urinary infections : bacteria most often can affect the bladder (cystitis) or go up towards the kidneys (pyelonephrite)
• Urinary lithiasis (calculations) : formation of crystals or calculations in the urinary tract
• Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) : inflammation of the bladder very common in cats, often related to stress
• Urethral obstruction : veterinary emergency common in potentially life-threatening male cats
• Urinary incontinence loss of urination control, common in bitches sterilized

Our diagnostic approach

One accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the exact nature of the urinary or renal problem. For this, we have several diagnostic tools:

Biological analyses

• Complete urine analysis : first-intention examination to assess urinary density, protein, blood, leukocytes or bacteria
• Urinary sediment analysis : microscopic observation after centrifugation of urine to detect cells, crystals or cylinders
• Blood tests : determination of urea, creatinine, electrolytes and other parameters to assess renal function

Medical imaging

• Abdominal ultrasound : non-invasive examination to visualize the structure of the kidneys, bladder and sometimes ureters
• Radiography : may reveal the presence of radio-opaque calculations or anatomical anomalies

In some more complex cases, specialized examinations can be recommended with reference veterinary structures:

• Cystoscopy to explore inside the bladder
• Scanner (tomography) for an accurate evaluation of renal function
• Renal biopsy for complex nephropathy cases

Appropriate therapeutic solutions

The management of uro-nephrological conditions is based on several approaches:

Medical treatment

• Targeted antibiotic therapy for urinary infections
• Litholytic medicinal products to dissolve certain types of calculations
• Management of hyperphosphataemia and other complications of renal failure
• Blood pressure control and hormonal regulation

Nutritional approach

• Therapeutic food specific for kidney disease
• Formulated schemes to prevent the formation of urinary stones
• Increased hydration (wet supply, water fountains)

Surgical procedures

For certain conditions, surgery may be required:

• Withdrawal of calculations by cystotomy
• Perineal urethrostomy in case of recurrent urethral obstructions
• Correction of anatomical anomalies Congenital or acquired

Our commitment to your animal

At the veterinary clinic, we are equipped to diagnose most of the urinary and renal disorders common. Our aim is to quickly identify the problem and propose a personalized treatment adapted when it is within our reach.

For more complex cases requiring specialized expertise or specific equipment, we work in collaboration with reference veterinary centres in uro-nephrology. Our priority is always the well-being of your animal and the effectiveness of its medical care.