Urinary tract disease in dogs and cats: From A to Pee
A detailed look at the causes, investigation, and management of urinary tract disease in dogs and cats.
Urinary tract disease is a very common reason for patients to present in small animal practice; so this course will contain many practical tips and tricks to enable the diagnosis and management of the many disorders that we will see in dogs and cats. Many of our patients will present with non-specific signs like polyuria and polydipsia (PUPD). We will look at how to unpick PUPD and how to get the most out of simple tests like urine analysis. We will discuss many different aspects of lower urinary tract disease, including the management of urinary tract infections and the challenge whether antibiotics are really indicated. The types of uroliths that effect dogs and cats are varied, so we will review the most up to date management strategies. The management of feline lower urinary tract disease remains challenging. Sam will unlock what we really know about feline idiopathic cystitis and consider the evidence base and practicality of treating this frustrating condition.
The course is run by our very own Scott Kilpatrick (EBVS and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine). Scott is joined by an amazing team of specialists; Yvonne McGrotty, Harry Swales, Susana Silva, Sam Taylor, Emily Thomas and Aaron Harper. The course runs over a fifteen-week period and will provide around 18 hours of CPD/CE. It is delivered via video webinars and supplemented with discussion forums and with the course tutors, giving you the opportunity to ask questions or discuss cases you may be facing in your practice.
(Access to this course is for 12 months. If you sign up to the course after the live sessions have run, you will still be able to access the recordings from those sessions).
Course Content
- Review the logical approach to the patient with PUPD
- Understand the best ways to get the most out of your diagnostic tests… even when finances are limited, and you lack confidence using the ultrasound!
- Discuss what to look for when then more common causes of PUPD are ruled out
- Identify casts, crystals, and other sediment changes in urinalysis and understand their implications in managing patients with urinary tract diseases
- Evaluate the significance of urine specific gravity in assessing urinary tract diseases
- Critically assess the reliability of dipstick analysis in the context of urinary tract diseases
- Learn about the most effective ways to investigate infections of the urinary tract
- Understand how to make the best decisions regarding antibiotic choice
- Review the best way to investigate and manage recurrent infections
- Be confident in understanding the different uroliths that affect dogs and cats
- Consolidate your knowledge of options for investigation of urolithiasis
- Understand the best options for medical and surgical management
- Review the pathophysiology of micturition
- Consolidate your knowledge of the investigation and management of bladder storage diseases
- Review the reasons for abnormal bladder emptying and how to treat these conditions
- Explain the predisposing factors for the development of feline idiopathic cystitis
- List the approaches to multimodal treatment of FIC including dietary and medical options
- Discuss the importance of behavioural modifications
- Explain the underlying causes of urethral obstruction
- Describe emergency management and evidence of various interventions such as cystocentesis and fluid therapy
- Discuss the evidence behind key parts of management of urethral obstruction such as use of antispasmodics and analgesics plus catheter management
- Understand the challenges associated with diagnosing early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in veterinary patients
- Learn the criteria and methodology for IRIS staging and sub-staging a patient already diagnosed with CKD
- Develop strategies for early detection and management of CKD in veterinary patients to improve patient outcomes and quality of life
- Understand the significance of staging and sub-staging in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and its impact on guiding clinical management
- Learn strategies to slow the progression of CKD in veterinary patients, including diagnostic considerations and therapeutic interventions
- Gain insights into symptomatic measures for the overall management of CKD, focusing on improving patient wellbeing and quality of life
- Define acute kidney injury (AKI) in dogs and cats
- Describe strategies for early diagnosis of AKI in dogs and cats and discuss optimal management approaches
- Evaluate the role of renal replacement therapy (dialysis) in managing AKI patients
- Identify the appropriate diagnostic approach for proteinuria in dogs and cats, including when to investigate further
- Discuss what tests to run and when, including the most appropriate ways of measuring proteinuria
- Understand when renal biopsies are indicated
- Understand the treatment options available for managing proteinuria in dogs and cats with glomerular disease
- Evaluate the potential benefits and risks of using antithrombotic medication in cases of proteinuria
- Determine the significance of serum albumin levels in assessing proteinuria
- Recognize the clinical signs and diagnostic features of renal tubular disorders in dogs and cats
- Differentiate between the treatment approaches and management strategies for renal tubular disorders in dogs and cats
- Apply knowledge of renal tubular disorders to improve diagnostic and treatment decisions in clinical practice
- Identify the aetiology, clinical signs, and diagnostic approaches for prostatic disease in dogs and cats
- Evaluate medical and surgical management options for prostatic disease, considering the complexities of prostatic infections
- Critically assess the role of castration in the treatment of prostatic disease and its implications for patient outcomes
- Discuss the benefits and complications from the different diagnostic techniques available for bladder, urethral, renal and prostatic cancer
- Consider molecular testing for the diagnosis of urinary cancer. What is the BRAF mutation test and when can it be useful?
- Learn about medical treatment options – the role of chemotherapy in the treatment of bladder urothelial carcinoma and prostatic carcinoma
