Medical management of male and female cats with nonobstructive lower urinary tract disease

This case is typical of recurrent urolithiasis managed by repeated surgery. Retrospective assessment of the disorder indicates the need for quantitative analyses of uroliths removed by cystotomy. Compliance of the owners with recommendations to minimize recurrent urolithiasis might have been beneficial. Results of medical therapy designed to induce dissolution of uroliths in this case are representative of preliminary findings of medical dissolution of naturally occurring struvite uroliths in ten other cats. It is of interest that the uroliths dissolved even though no effort was made to induce diuresis. The underlying cause of UTI in this patient may have been damage to the lower urinary tract induced by previous diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and/or sterile struvite uroliths that compromised local host defense mechanisms. Lack of urease production by the uropathogens suggests that they did not play a causative role in formation of uroliths. The need for preventative therapy of recurrent formation of uroliths after their medical dissolution is worthy of further comment. In this patient, specific measures to prevent urolith recurrence were not initiated because it is a part of a prospective clinical study. In the event uroliths recur, medical therapy designed to induce dissolution of uroliths would be repeated. Need for long-term preventative therapy would be dependent on the time interval between recurrent episodes (weeks, months, or years), and the effectiveness of medical therapy for urolith dissolution. Long-term prophylactic therapy would include urine acidifiers and diets low in magnesium.     

Functional anatomy and neural regulation of the lower urinary tract in female dogs: A review

Summary

A review of the literature of the functional anatomy and neural regulation of the lower urinary tract is presented. The two main functions of the lower urinary tract are the storage and the periodic elimination of urine. The smooth muscle of the bladder exhibits intermittent contractions as the bladder adapts its capacity to increasing volumes and it exhibits sustained contractions associated with relaxation of the external sphincter to effect micturition. During storage, tension receptors in the bladder wall initiate external sphincter contraction (somatic), internal sphincter contraction (sympathetic), detrusor inhibition, and parasympathetic ganglion inhibition (sympathetic). The storage phase can be switched to the micturition phase either voluntarily or involuntarily. Neuroanatomical and electrophysiological studies reveal that medial and lateral cell groups in the dorsolateral pons may be regarded as micturition and storage control centres, respectively.     

性腺外FSH受体和LH受体表达研究进展

雌性动物的性腺是卵巢,性腺外的生殖组织器官主要包括:输卵管、子宫颈、子宫肌层等,其中子宫是内分泌器官,除有局部内分泌功能外,还可能对下丘脑-垂体-卵巢轴有调节作用.促卵泡素(FSH)和促黄体素(LH)的生理功能是通过其FSHR、LHR来介导的,其受体在性腺和性腺外均有表达.本文主要对雌性性腺外生殖组织器官上两种受体的表达加以综述.     

Virulence factors in Escherichia coli strains isolated from urinary tract infection and pyometra cases and from feces of healthy dogs

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of virulence genes in 158 Escherichia coli strains isolated from 51 clinical cases of UTIs, 52 of pyometra and from 55 fecal samples from healthy dogs by PCR. papC was found in 12 (23.5%) strains isolated from UTIs, 19 (36.5%) from pyometra and 10 (18.2%) from feces. papGII was observed in 3 (5.8%) strains from pyometra, and papGIII in 10 (19.6%) from UTIs, 15 (28.8%) from pyometra and 9 (16.4%) from feces. sfaS was detected in 22 (43.1%) strains from UTIs, 24 (46.1%) from pyometra and 19 (34.5%) from feces. hlyA was observed in 17 (33.3%) strains from UTIs, 18 (34.6%) from pyometra and 7 (12.7%) from feces, while cnf-1 was detected in 11 (21.6%) from UTIs, 21 (40.4%) from pyometra and 9 (16.4%) from feces. iucD was observed in 12 (23.5%) strains from UTIs, 9 (17.3%) from pyometra and 1 (1.8%) from feces. usp was found 17 (33.3%) isolates from UTIs and 36 (69.9%) from pyometra.     

Functional anatomy and neural regulation of the lower urinary tract in female dogs: a review.

A review of the literature of the functional anatomy and neural regulation of the lower urinary tract is presented. The two main functions of the lower urinary tract are the storage and the periodic elimination of urine. The smooth muscle of the bladder exhibits intermittent contractions as the bladder adapts its capacity to increasing volumes and it exhibits sustained contractions associated with relaxation of the external sphincter to effect micturition. During storage, tension receptors in the bladder wall initiate external sphincter contraction (somatic), internal sphincter contraction (sympathetic), detrusor inhibition, and parasympathetic ganglion inhibition (sympathetic). The storage phase can be switched to the micturition phase either voluntarily or involuntarily. Neuroanatomical and electrophysiological studies reveal that medial and lateral cell groups in the dorsolateral pons may be regarded as micturition and storage control centres, respectively.     

Circulating concentrations and pattern of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in circulation are changed by the circulating concentration of 17 beta-estradiol in the bovine male and female.

The objectives of the present study were 1) to determine whether 17 beta-estradiol (E2) regulation of tonic secretion of LH and FSH is sexually differentiated in the bovine and 2) to evaluate the effects of various physiological concentrations of E2 on the profiles and concentrations of gonadotropins in circulation. This was accomplished by administering different numbers of implants containing E2 to gonadectomized bovine males and females. Mean age at initiation of the study was 18.5 mo. Animals received 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 implants of E2 or a sham implantation. Mean concentrations of LH in circulation and amplitude of LH pulses were similar between males and females after administration of E2. There was a cubic response for mean concentrations of LH and amplitudes of LH pulses across the dosages of E2 administered; lower concentrations of E2 had little effect, whereas higher concentrations of E2 suppressed both mean LH and amplitude of LH pulses. A linear decline in frequency of LH pulses occurred as concentrations of E2 in circulation increased. A treatment x sex interaction resulted for mean concentrations of FSH in circulation. Low doses of E2 resulted in a greater enhancement of circulating concentrations of FSH in males than in females. Tonic secretion of LH in bovine males and females responded in a similar manner to administration of various physiological concentrations of E2; however, a differential response between sexes was observed for FSH.     

Absence of urinary tract infection in dogs with experimentally induced hyperadrenocorticism

Objectives of this study were to determine occurrence of urinary tract infection and describe results of urine analysis and urine culture in dogs with experimentally induced hyperadrenocorticism. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive either hydrocortisone (nine dogs) or placebo (eight dogs) for 49 consecutive days. Before and on day 49 of treatment, evaluation of dogs included physical examination, abdominal ultrasound, urine culture, urinalysis, adrenal function testing, and measurement of urine protein and creatinine and activity of serum alkaline phosphatase. All dogs in the experimental group had clinical and laboratory findings of hyperadrenocorticism. Urine specific gravity was significantly decreased and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio was significantly increased in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism. Urinary tract infection did not occur in any dogs. We conclude that administration of hydrocortisone created a model of hyperadrenocorticism; however, urinary tract infection did not occur. Additional evaluation is needed to determine association between urinary tract infection and hyperadrenocorticism.     

Configuration of antibodies for assay of urinary cortisol in dogs influences analytic specificity

Whether the variation in the reported urinary corticoid-to-creatinine ratio in dogs is affected by the application of 2 commonly applied anticortisol antibodies was investigated. Free-catch morning urine samples of 50 healthy dogs were analyzed in duplicate with the use of 2 different polyclonal antibodies (antibody A and B) raised in different rabbits. Antibody A was raised against cortisol-3-carboxymethyl-oxime and antibody B against cortisol-21-hemisuccinate linked to BSA. Enzyme immunoassays were applied by using corresponding biotinylated labels. To examine possible cross-reactions with conjugated and nonconjugated cortisol metabolites, EIA measurements were performed with urine samples both before (directly assayed) and after diethyl-ether extraction, as well as after reversed-phase HPLC. Although the results correlated (P < 0.001), urinary corticoid concentrations and accordingly the urinary corticoid-to-creatinine ratios were 8 times higher when using antibody A than when using antibody B (mean ± SD corticoid concentrations, 223 ± 131 vs 29 ± 12 nmol/L; P < 0.001). Irrespective of the antibody used, extraction significantly decreased measured corticoid concentrations (antibody A, 158 ± 120 nmol/L; antibody B, 15 ± 8 nmol/L; P < 0.001), but the decrease was conspicuous when antibody A was used. Antibody A cross-reacted significantly with polar (eg, conjugated) metabolites, clearly depicted in the chromatogram by 3 additional peaks in earlier fractions well separated from cortisol. In contrast the assay that used antibody B was specific, showing only 1 major peak in the fractions eluting authentic cortisol. In summary, the study indicates that the configuration of the antibody considerably influences the analytic specificity of cortisol assays and underlines the pivotal importance of assay validation for each species and sample material.     

Relationship of upper and lower urinary tract infection and bacterial invasion of uroepithelium to antibody-coated bacteria test results in female dogs

Urinary tract infection was demonstrated in 12 female dogs via bacteriologic culture of a specimen of bladder urine collected by antepubic cystocentesis. Escherichia coli was isolated in pure culture from the urine of 9 dogs. Urine specimens from 2 dogs contained E coli and alpha-streptococci and from 1 dog contained Streptococcus zymogenes in pure culture. In 6 dogs, urinary tract infection was limited to the urinary bladder, whereas 6 dogs had unilateral or bilateral culture-positive renal pelvic urine as well (specimens collected by percutaneous nephropyelostomy). An antibody-coated bacteria (ACB) test was conducted on a portion of the bladder urine specimen from each dog, and the urinary tissues from these 12 dogs and from 6 healthy, noninfected female dogs were examined at necropsy. Tissues were given a subjective score based on the severity of the lesions seen microscopically. Histologic scores, bacterial cultural results, and ACB test results were examined for significance. A significant difference was found in the histologic scores between infected and noninfected dogs (P less than 0.025), but comparisons among histologic scores, cultural results, and ACB test results were not significant among infected dogs. The ACB test could neither be used to localize bacterial infection within the urinary tract nor could it be used to indicate the presence of bacterial invasion of the uroepithelium in dogs.     

A clinical approach to multidrug-resistant urinary tract infection and subclinical bacteriuria in dogs and cats

ABSTRACT

Multidrug-resistant bacteria are increasingly isolated from the urinary tract of pets, particularly those that suffer from concurrent conditions, have been hospitalised, or were treated with antimicrobials in the recent past. Many of the multidrug-resistant bacteria encountered are resistant to all commonly used oral antibiotics. This poses both a therapeutic dilemma in the individual pet and a threat to public health. This article begins with an overview of multidrug resistance in organisms that are commonly isolated from the urinary tract of pets. This is followed by a proposed clinical approach to managing multidrug-resistant urinary bacteria, which summarises current knowledge regarding appropriate sampling and analysis, reviews the current guidelines regarding appropriate antimicrobial use and discusses treatment options that might be considered. The article highlights several shortcomings of the current knowledge to be considered when planning future clinical research and developing policies.     

Retrospective evaluation of urinary tract infection in 42 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism or diabetes mellitus or both

A retrospective study was performed to determine the proportion of dogs with hyperadrenocorticism or diabetes mellitus or both that had urinary tract infection (UTI) and to describe clinical and laboratory findings. Dogs with these endocrine disorders were included if results of quantitative urine culture were available and dogs were not receiving antimicrobials. Dogs with positive urine cultures were considered to have UTI and dogs with negative urine cultures were used as controls. Information including history, clinical signs, physical examination findings, and results of laboratory tests and urine culture was extracted from all records. Findings in dogs with UTI were compared with control dogs. There were 101 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism or diabetes mellitus or both that met inclusion criteria; 42 (41.6%) had UTI and 59 (58.4%) did not. UTI was present in 46% of dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, 37% of dogs with diabetes mellitus, and 50% of dogs with both endocrine disorders. There was no association between endocrine group and occurrence of UTI. Escherichia coli was the most common bacteria isolated, and cultures from 29 dogs (69%) showed growth of this organism. Of dogs with UTI, <5% had stranguria, pollakiuria, or discolored urine, whereas 60% had pyuria and 69% had bacteriuria. We conclude that UTIs are common in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, diabetes mellitus, or both diseases. Clinical signs of UTI, however, are uncommon and results of urinalysis may be normal. Therefore, it is appropriate to recommend urine culture as part of the evaluation of dogs with these endocrine disorders.     

Ultrasound- guided catheter biopsy of the lower urinary tract: technique and results in 12 dogs

Ultrasound-guided catheter biopsy of lesions affecting the lower urinary tract was attempted in 12 dogs with mucosal lesions affecting the bladder [nine] or urethra (three). Histological biopsies were obtained by catheter biopsy in 10 dogs, enabling diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma in five, papilloma in two, prostatic carcinoma in two and chronic cystitis in one. Cytological samples alone were obtained in two dogs, one of which enabled a diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma; the other contained evidence of haemorrhage and inflammation, but squamous cell carcinoma was found in a subsequent exci-sional biopsy. Intravesicular haemorrhage after biopsy was observed ultrasonographically in two dogs. Ultrasound guidance enables accurate determination of biopsy catheter position. The size of biopsies obtained by this method may limit the accuracy of histological diagnosis.     

Urodynamic and morphologic changes in the lower portion of the urogenital tract after administration of estriol alone and in combination with phenylpropanolamine in sexually intact and spayed female dogs

OBJECTIVE: To compare the urodynamic and morphologic effects of the administration of estriol alone and in combination with phenylpropanolamine on the lower portion of the urogenital tract in female dogs. ANIMALS: 3 sexually intact and 3 spayed female Beagles without urinary incontinence. PROCEDURE: Dogs received estriol (2 mg, PO) once daily for 7 days followed by estriol (2 mg, PO) and phenylpropanolamine (1.5 mg/kg, PO) once daily for 7 days. Urethral pressure profilometry, diuresis cystometry, and vaginourethrography were performed before treatment (day 0) and at days 7 and 14. The maximum urethral pressure (MUP) and closure pressure (MUCP), urethral functional and anatomic profile lengths, integrated pressure (IP), plateau, distance before MUP, maximum meatus pressure, threshold pressure, threshold volume, compliance, urethral length, and vaginal length and width were measured. RESULTS: Before treatment, no urodynamic differences were observed between the 2 groups; however, vaginal length and width were significantly shorter in spayed dogs. Compared with day 0 values, estriol treatment significantly increased MUP, MUCP, and IP values at day 7, but at day 14, this effect decreased despite phenylpropanolamine administration. No morphologic changes from baseline were detected after either treatment in any dog. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Data suggest that estriol mainly acts on the urethral sphincter mechanism by increasing urethral resistance in sexually intact and spayed female dogs without urinary incontinence. Administration of estriol and phenylpropanolamine did not increase the urethral resistance more than estriol alone. The urodynamic effects of estriol in female dogs with urinary incontinence remain to be elucidated.     

Kidney Injury Molecule-1 in the detection of early kidney injury in dogs with leptospirosis

Renal damage, a common feature in canine leptospirosis, ranges from a subclinical affection to kidney dysfunction and death. Chances of recovery can be improved by early intervention. However, traditional biomarkers (serum urea and creatinine) have limited relevance for precocity. Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) is a transmembrane protein upregulated in early stages of tubular injury. This study evaluated the use of urinary KIM-1 to detect early renal injury in naturally occurring canine leptospirosis. This exploratory research included 30 dogs divided into two groups: (1) dogs with leptospirosis (n = 25) and (2) healthy dogs (n = 5). Leptospira sp. infection was diagnosed through urine PCR and/or direct bacteriologic culture and/or serology (single MAT titters ≥800). Additionally, stage of infection was further characterized in acute and subacute phases based on the onset of clinical symptoms from 3 to 7 days. Urinary KIM-1 (uKIM-1) concentrations were measured in both groups with a commercial canine ELISA kit.uKIM-1 levels were statistically different (P < 0.01) between the studied groups, especially in non-azotemic dogs (P = 0.0042). The biomarker showed 88 % sensibility to diagnosis of kidney injury at> 1.49 ng/mL cut-off. Urine KIM-1 was negatively correlated with urine specific gravity (USG) but accompanied histopathological evidence of renal degeneration, necrosis and regeneration processes, extending information on kidney health. Measurement of KIM-1 in the urine of canine patients was able to detect naturally occurring acute and subacute leptospirosis accompanied by tubular injury in early non-azotemic infections.     

Comparative anatomy of the male guinea-pig and human lower urinary tract: histomorphology and three-dimensional reconstruction

The guinea-pig is often used for experimental studies in urology. However, the anatomy of the lower urinary tract of the guinea-pig is poorly described in the literature. The structure and function of the lower urinary tract, i.e. continence, micturition and sexual function, are closely related to the gross anatomy of the pelvis and the fine structure of the musculature. We investigated the anatomy and histomorphology of the lower urinary tract by serial sections in male guinea-pigs and compared it to that in humans. Immunohistochemical stainings for alpha-smooth muscle cell actin were used to differentiate between smooth and striated muscles. By using whole pelvic preparations, including all internal organs preserved in their in situ location for three-dimensional reconstruction, we developed three-dimensional models, which elucidate the spatial relationship of all muscular structures and can help to deduce functional aspects of lower urinary tract function. In the guinea-pig, most of the muscles found in humans can be demonstrated in comparable location and extension. However, the structure of the prostate and the existence of the so-called coagulation glands define a significant difference in the morphology of the prostatic urethra.     

Comparison of the ability of the three endogenous GnRHs to stimulate release of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in chickens

It is well established that GnRH can stimulate the release of LH and FSH in mammals. Two GnRHs have been found in the chicken hypothalamus, cGnRH-I and -II. There is controversy as to whether either peptide can stimulate release of FSH in birds. The present studies compared the ability of cGnRH-I and -II to stimulate the release of FSH and LH in chickens. Lamprey (l) GnRH-III may be a specific-releasing factor for FSH, as it selectively stimulates FSH release in rodents and cattle, and has been detected in the hypothalamus of rodents, sparrows and chickens. Therefore, the ability of lGnRH-III to stimulate LH and FSH release was also examined. In our first experiment, the effects of cGnRH-I and -II were studied using 17-week prepubertal females. Intravenous injection of cGnRH-II at 1 and 10 microg/kg BW significantly increased LH secretion more than did cGnRH-I. Neither peptide significantly increased plasma FSH levels. In our second study, we administered cGnRH-I, -II or lGnRH-III to mature males maintained on a short photoperiod. cGnRH-II was again more potent than cGnRH-I in stimulating LH release, while lGnRH-III produced a modest LH rise. No GnRH peptide provided specific or potent stimulus to FSH secretion, although the high dose of cGnRH-II modestly enhanced FSH levels in the adult male (P < 0.05). Our results are not consistent with the view that lGnRH-III is a specific FSH-releasing hormone across multiple classes of vertebrates. We conclude that the mechanism by which independent release of FSH occurs in chickens remains unresolved.