The inflammatory process in the kidney bowls, which develops under the influence of pathogenic bacterial microflora, is called pyelonephritis. The pathology belongs to the severe and dangerous ones, which threaten the normal life of the animal.

When pyelonephritis develops in a cat and there is no adequate treatment, irreversible processes of insufficiency of renal structures develop. The impossibility of normal filtration and subsequent removal of toxic substances from the body leads to serious consequences and can cause death.

The owner of the animal must clearly know and identify the characteristic symptoms of pyelonephritis in his mustachioed pet, which will allow him to seek help from a veterinary specialist in time and avoid serious consequences.

The inflammatory process that develops in the kidney structures can be of several types: catarrhal, purulent, and hemorrhagic. There are also forms of pathology (acute and chronic) and degrees of origin (primary and secondary).

The primary form of inflammation develops in the organ itself, but the secondary form occurs against the background of previous infectious lesions of the urinary system. The secondary type of pyelonephritis, as a rule, develops against the background of damage to the renal structures of an organic nature.

Causes of disease development

Pyelonephritis in cats is diagnosed quite often. The causes of the inflammatory process in the kidneys can be various factors of an exo- and endogenous nature. The main task of the owner is to prevent the development of pathology and to consult a veterinarian in a timely manner.

In veterinary medicine, the following provocative factors are distinguished that can cause the development of pyelonephritis:

• sand and stones in the kidney bowls (provoke mechanical microtraumas and damage);
• infection with pathogenic bacterial microflora of organs of the reproductive and urinary systems;
• stasis of urine, which develops with functional disorders of the urinary tract;
• bacterial infections circulating in the systemic bloodstream (various diseases of internal organs, accompanied by bacterial insemination, can cause complications for the kidneys, causing an inflammatory process in the bowls of the organ);
• the penetration of toxic substances into the cat's body, which have a negative effect on the mucous membrane of the urinary and reproductive systems;
• hypothermia and stress factors;
• disturbances in the work of the animal's immune system;
• concentration of urine inside the kidneys against the background of other pathological processes.

The task of a veterinary specialist during the collection of anamnesis and conducting diagnostic measures is to identify the exact cause of the inflammatory process. Otherwise, the treatment may not give results or may aggravate the general clinical picture.

Without treating the main cause that provoked pyelonephritis, there is a risk of frequent relapses, the transition of the pathology into a chronic form, which can even lead to the pet's disability.

Symptoms of the disease

Symptoms of pyelonephritis in cats depend on the stage of the disease, the severity of accompanying factors and the general immune defense of the cat's body. The nature of the manifestations also depends on the form of the disease — acute or chronic.

In acute forms of pyelonephritis, the symptoms are pronounced, the animal suffers a lot, severe pain develops in the lumbar region (location of the kidneys). The chronic form of the pathology has an erased clinical picture.

The acute form of the inflammatory process in the kidney bowls is characterized by the following symptoms:

• prolonged febrile conditions (the animal is struck by chills);
• increased fatigue of the cat, apathy and indifference to various stimuli;
• strong painful sensations in the kidneys (renal colic, provoked by spasms of the smooth muscles of the ureters and the bowl of the organ);
• painful sensations in the abdomen during palpation (kidney pains are so severe that they radiate to the area of ​​the hind limbs, lower back and abdomen);
• violation of the act of urination (the amount of a portion of urine secreted is reduced, and the urine itself acquires a saturated straw shade, sometimes with impurities of blood and pus, a concentrated repulsive smell appears);
• violation of the rhythm of breathing and heart contractions.

It is important to show your cat to a specialist as soon as one of the above signs appears. This will make it possible to prescribe a number of laboratory tests of urine and blood without delay, which make it possible to give an accurate assessment of kidney function.

The purulent form of pyelonephritis and kidney failure can cause uremia. This is a particularly acute syndrome of auto-intoxication of the body with nitrogenous metabolites and other poisonous substances obtained in the process of protein breakdown. Such substances as ammonia, cyanate, guanidines, urea, acetone and phenols accumulate in the body.

Clinical signs of uremia, which develops against the background of an advanced stage of pyelonephritis, is characterized by refusal of food, apathy and polydipsia (increased thirst). The cat's body temperature drops without rising above 37 degrees. Inhibition of movements develops, convulsive phenomena against the background of poisoning of the nervous system by poisonous substances.

In the absence of help, the cat has an eruption of gastric contents and defecation disorder. The smell of ammonia wafts from the mouth. General intoxication of the body leads to disturbances in the work of liver structures and blood factors.

Anemia and thrombocytopenia develop. The appearance of large internal hemorrhages is possible. A uremic coma occurs and, as a result, a fatal outcome.

Diagnosis

Due to the fact that the signs of pyelonephritis are similar to other pathologies of internal organs and systems, accurate differential diagnosis is necessary.

It is important to separate pyelonephritis from possible nephrosis or polycystic kidneys, as well as glomerulonephritis and urolithiasis. For this, the veterinary specialist conducts a general clinical examination with the collection of an accurate history, and also prescribes laboratory and instrumental studies.

The main methods of diagnosing pyelonephritis in cats are:

• general clinical blood analysis;
• biochemical blood analysis;
• urine analysis;
• bacterial culture of urine (makes it possible to identify a possible causative agent of the inflammatory process);
• ultrasound examination of organs of the genitourinary system.

Carrying out a general analysis of urine in a cat with suspicion of inflammation of the kidneys makes it possible to detect the presence of a large number of protein components and cellular structures of the epithelium exfoliated from the bowl. The absence of an accurate diagnosis after an ultrasound examination requires an X-ray image with the use of a contrast agent.

In addition, a biopsy of kidney tissue may be prescribed for histological studies.

Treatment of pyelonephritis in cats: what you need to know

Treatment of pyelonephritis includes a comprehensive approach, which includes the organization of proper care for the animal, the use of antimicrobial drugs and symptomatic treatment. It is important to give the cat complete peace in a cozy warm place.

The presence of calculi in the kidney structures that provoked the development of pyelonephritis requires immediate surgical intervention to eliminate the underlying cause. Further, the treatment of pyelonephritis in cats proceeds according to the following scheme:

• preventing the development of pathogenic bacterial microorganisms;
• auxiliaries (diuretics) that contribute to the excretion of urine;
• antispasmodic drugs;
• tonics;
• special dietary food.

To prevent the development of pathogenic microflora, the veterinarian prescribes a course of antibiotic therapy lasting from 7 to 14 days. The first doses of drugs are administered in double concentration, and then according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

The course of treatment with antimicrobial agents is repeated after a certain period of time specified by the doctor. Antibiotics of the penicillin group, as well as sulfonamide drugs, are widely used in veterinary medicine during the treatment of pyelonephritis.

Special diuretics help to eliminate swelling and facilitate the outflow of urine from inflamed kidneys. Medicinal products on a plant basis are most often prescribed, which have a milder effect than their synthetic counterparts.

You can prepare a decoction or infusion for drinking the animal at home. Calendula inflorescences, birch buds, rose hips and juniper berries are perfect for this.

In addition to diuretics, cats with diagnosed pyelonephritis are prescribed antispasmodics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in tablets. They are necessary for pain relief. It is necessary to apply these medicinal products strictly according to the doctor's recommendation, as well as to regularly monitor blood parameters.

In some cases, paranephric novocaine blockades are performed for severe renal colic that torments the animal.

The animal's diet for the period of treatment and subsequent recovery should be light and contain a minimum of protein components. Fermented milk products and boiled vegetables are preferred.

Uremia, which developed against the background of pyelonephritis and blockage of the ureters with calculi, requires a serious surgical intervention. If, according to medical indications, it is impossible for the animal to undergo surgery under general anesthesia, ultrasonic crushing of stones is prescribed.

Small stones that have formed in the urinary system can be removed with the help of special medications that dissolve calculi.

After the treatment, the animal should be regularly examined by a veterinarian for preventive purposes. This makes it possible to control regeneration processes. If an infectious agent is detected in urine and blood tests after a course of antibiotic therapy, the treatment is repeated.

Disease prevention

The basis of prevention of pyelonephritis in cats is prevention of inflammatory processes in the body and timely treatment of various infections.

The pathological process in the kidney structures can develop against the background of gynecological diseases or at the onset of urolithiasis. You should not engage in self-medication and consult a veterinarian at the slightest suspicion of your pet's ill health.

It is important to prevent cold infections in the pet, as well as to avoid hypothermia. It is extremely necessary to strengthen the animal's immunity, choosing high-quality food and not forgetting about vitamin and mineral complexes. The animal must be kept in a clean, warm and dry room.

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