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Pneumothorax is an accumulation of air outside the lungs, but inside the chest wall. The air outside the lung prevents the lungs from inflating normally, and can lead to lung collapse. There are several variations of pneumothorax.
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Bladder stones are rock-like formations of minerals that develop in the urinary bladder. All stones form because of disease or inflammation in the bladder. The most common signs in cats are bloody urine and straining to urinate. X-rays (with or without contrast dyes) or ultrasound may be necessary for diagnosis. The fastest way to remove bladder stones is via a surgical procedure called a cystotomy. Special diets or passing a catheter may be successful for some bladder stones. Your veterinarian will advise you of the best course of action for your cat's situation.
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Bladder stones are rock-like formations of minerals that develop in the urinary bladder. The most common signs in dogs are bloody urine and straining to urinate. Bladder stones can develop within a few weeks, or they may take months to form. Most are visible on X-rays or an ultrasonic bladder examination. There are three main treatment options for bladder stones: surgical removal, non-surgical removal by urohydropropulsion, or dietary dissolution. Prevention is possible in some cases, depending on the chemical composition of the stones.
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Calcium oxalate bladder stones are composed of a mineral called calcium oxalate. Cats are more likely to develop oxalate stones when their urine contains high levels of calcium and oxalate. Additionally, a low urine pH promotes the formation of oxalate stones. Bladder stones can cause significant inflammation and irritation of the bladder wall. Signs may include frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and urinating outside of the litterbox. Male cats especially are at risk of a life-threatening urinary obstruction. Treatment options and prognosis are discussed.
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One of the more common uroliths in the dog is composed of calcium oxalate crystals. Current research indicates that acidic urine high in calcium, citrates, or oxalates predisposes a pet to developing calcium oxalate urinary crystals and stones. The most common signs that a dog has bladder stones are increased frequency of urination, painful urination, and blood in the urine. Male dogs are more commonly affected and may be at risk of a life-threatening urinary obstruction. Treatment options and prognosis are discussed.
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Struvite bladder stones are one of the most common bladder stones in cats. In some cats, struvite bladder stones form because of a urinary tract infection. Signs of bladder stones typically include frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and urinating outside of the litterbox. If your cat is having urinary issues, your veterinarian will first recommend a urinalysis. Blood tests, abdominal X-rays, and ultrasound may also be recommended. Medical dissolution and surgical removal are two categories of treatment. Cats who have developed struvite bladder stones are likely to experience a recurrence later in life, unless the conditions that led to the formation of stones can be corrected.
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Cystine bladder stones appear to be the result of a genetic abnormality that prevents a dog from reabsorbing cystine from the kidneys. While bladder stones in general are somewhat common in dogs, cystine bladder stones are rare. Your veterinarian may be able to palpate the stones or may need to perform imaging studies such as a bladder ultrasound or a contrast radiographic study. There are two primary treatment strategies for treating cystine bladder stones in dogs: dietary therapy to dissolve the stones, or physical removal of the stones. Cystine stones have a high rate of recurrence, despite careful attention to diet and lifestyle.
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Struvite bladder stones are one of the more common bladder stones found in dogs. Struvite bladder stones usually form as a complication of a bladder infection caused by bacteria, and if the urine becomes exceptionally concentrated and acidic. The most common signs that a dog has bladder stones are blood in the urine (hematuria) and straining to urinate (dysuria). There are three primary treatment strategies for struvite bladder stones: 1) feeding a special diet to dissolve the stone(s), 2) non-surgical removal by urohydropropulsion (flushing out the stones) and 3) surgical removal. Dogs that have experienced struvite bladder stones will often be fed a therapeutic diet for life.