VSR 421: Regional Veterinary Surgery (2+1)

UROLITHIASIS

Urolithiasis (Renal, Ureteral, Cystic and Urethral calculi)

• Urolithiasis means a condition of having urinary calculi or uroliths. Can be any of the following
  • Nephrolith – calculi in the kidney
  • Ureterolith – calculi in the ureter
  • Cystolith – calculi in the urinary bladder
  • Urethrolith – calculi in the urethra

Clinical presentation

• Some breeds have higher incidence due to metabolic abnormalities (eg. Dalmatians)
•  Signs depends on whether the stone has caused obstruction or associated infection is present
•  Renal calculi – haematuria, flank pain or renomegaly
•  Polyuria and polydipsia if the animal has pyelonephritis

Diagnosis

•  From symptoms
•  Radiography and Ultrasonography

Treatment

• Treat the underlying infection
• If the calculi is associated with obstruction, surgical removal is essential Surgical removal include the following
• Nephrotomy for removal of renal calculi
• Cystotomy for cystoliths
• Urethrotomy for calculi in the urethra