Urinary problems

A portosystemic shunt (PSS) occurs in cats when abnormal blood flow from the digestive and ancillary organs bypasses the liver. Blood from the digestive and enzyme-secreting organs normally flows through into the liver where toxins are processed before being eliminated by the kidneys.

Leptospirosis in cats is a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals. Leptospirosis is most often contracted by exposure to contaminated water or soil via mucous membranes or breaks in the skin.

Adenocarcinoma is cancer of glandular tissue and it can develop almost anywhere in the body. Common locations for adenocarcinomas in dogs include the anal glands, mammary tissue, and prostate.

Ectopic ureter is a congenital disorder in dogs in which the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder connect to an abnormal location (urethra, vagina, colon, or uterus). Most often, the ureter connects below the bladder, bypassing the bladder sphincter and causing urinary leakage.

In male dogs, the prostate is a small gland found near the neck of the urinary bladder, through which the urethra passes and functions to create some of the fluids found in semen. The most common ailment affecting the canine prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlargement of the prostate. 

Transmissible venereal tumors (TVT) are an unusual form of tumor which can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact between dogs. The exact source of this cell line is unknown, but is thought be thousands of years old.

The urethra is the tube that transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Urethral prolapse describes urethral tissue protruding from the opening; this happens almost exclusively in male dogs and looks like a red mass at the tip of the penis.

Kidney failure in dogs describes a wide range of conditions that result in loss of adequate kidney function. Symptoms of kidney failure in dogs vary depending on the severity, cause, and how long the disease is present before treatment begins

Hyperparathyroidism is a rare endocrine condition in cats that results from excessive levels of parathyroid hormone. Significantly elevated parathyroid hormone levels lead to symptoms like vomiting, excessive thirst, frequent urination, weakness, limping, and seizures.

Urinary incontinence in dogs is when urination occurs without control or awareness. This presents as spotting or dribbling of urine, without the pet actively choosing to do so. Conditions which interfere with structures controlling urination, such as the spinal cord, brain, and urogenital system can lead to urinary incontinence.

Bacterial lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when a bacterial infection arises in the urethra or bladder. UTIs commonly develop in association with a number of other conditions in cats such as urinary stones, constipation, megacolon, or other urinary tract diseases.

Straining to urinate (stranguria) in dogs is a serious symptom indicating some degree of disruption of urine flow. Dogs will posture to urinate, with visible pushing. Straining may be productive or unproductive, and may be consistent or intermittent.

Straining to urinate (stranguria) in cats is a serious symptom indicating some degree of disruption of urine flow. Cats may enter the litter box frequently, posturing to urinate, with visible pushing, and may cry out. 

Pollakiuria refers to frequent urination of small amounts. It is a common symptom of conditions affecting the lower urinary tract, including urinary stones, bladder inflammation, urinary obstructions, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Persistent heat is a rare symptom in cats where the hormonal regulation of the reproductive cycle is disrupted, causing the cat to be in estrus (heat) for an abnormally prolonged period. 

Urinary stones in horses are masses of minerals which accumulate in the urinary system. They are caused by an abnormal buildup of minerals normally found in the urinary system. 

Umbilicus infection (omphalophlebitis), or navel ill in foals is a condition where the stump of the umbilical cord becomes infected shortly after birth. Left untreated, the condition can quickly become life-threatening, with foals deteriorating rapidly.

Bacterial cystitis is infection and inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by bacteria entering through the urethra in dogs. Bacterial cystitis is commonly called a lower urinary tract infection, or UTI.

Amyloidosis occurs as a secondary condition to chronic inflammation in dogs. It is the result of build up of proteins in the affected organ, which negatively impacts function. In dogs, amyloidosis most commonly affects the kidneys and is usually detected when signs of kidney disease begin to develop.

Urinary tract cancer is an extremely rare condition in cats, with no known risk factors. Can develop in the bladder, kidneys, ureters (tube connecting kidneys to bladder), urethra (tube where urine is expelled from the body), and prostate gland (in males).

Cancer of the lower urinary tract is uncommon in dogs. The lower urinary tract consists of the bladder, urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body), and in males the prostate gland.

Uroliths are commonly known as “stones” and can form anywhere in the urinary tract. Uroliths are very common in dogs. Severity depends on where the stone is located and whether it is impacting the normal function of the urinary system.

Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes, is a common hormonal disorder of dogs, primarily caused by low or absent levels of insulin in the bloodstream.

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary release of urine. An affected cat may dribble urine or void a large amount, while seemingly unaware. Voiding urine is clearly involuntary if it occurs while the cat is sleeping or walking and not crouched in the usual posture for elimination.

Feline lower urinary tract diseases (FLUTD) lead to inflammation of some or all of the feline lower urinary tract (bladder, urethra).

Pollakiuria refers to abnormally frequent urination, usually in small volumes. Characterized by frequent posturing to urinate (squatting) with small volumes of urine voided

Chronic kidney disease is the irreversible loss of kidney function over a period of a minimum of 1-3 months. This disease is permanent, progressive, and fatal but quality of life may be enhanced with treatment

Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is caused by elevated cortisol levels in the bloodstream due either a tumor on the adrenal or pituitary glands or from prolonged administration of corticosteroids.

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a very rare condition in dogs resulting in the lack of production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or a lack of response to the hormone.

Congenital kidney disorders are present at birth, and include conditions such as kidney hypoplasia, undeveloped kidneys, polycystic kidneys, and kidney cysts.