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Estimation of Urinary Nanocrystals in Humans using Calcium Fluorophore Labeling and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Published on: February 9, 2021
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Urolithiasis.
Joseph W Bartges1, Amanda J Callens1
1Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, 880 Canal Street, Stamford, CT 06902, USA.
Summary
Urinary stones (uroliths) in pets can cause life-threatening blockages. Management focuses on reducing urine mineral concentration, with some stones medically dissolvable and others requiring different treatments.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Urology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Uroliths (urinary stones) are common in dogs and cats, frequently affecting the bladder and urethra.
- Urethral obstruction by uroliths can be a life-threatening emergency.
- Common urolith compositions include struvite, calcium oxalate, urate, and cystine, sometimes in mixed formations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the medical management strategies for uroliths in companion animals.
- To differentiate urolith types based on their mineral composition and amenability to medical dissolution.
- To emphasize the importance of reducing urine mineral saturation in therapeutic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on canine and feline urolithiasis.
- Analysis of mineral compositions of common uroliths.
- Evaluation of medical dissolution protocols for specific urolith types.
- Discussion of therapeutic principles for non-dissolvable uroliths.
Main Results:
- Struvite, urate, and cystine uroliths are generally amenable to medical dissolution.
- Calcium oxalate uroliths are typically not responsive to medical dissolution.
- Medical management universally involves strategies to decrease urine saturation for relevant minerals.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of urolithiasis in dogs and cats requires accurate diagnosis of stone composition.
- Tailoring treatment to urolith type, particularly regarding medical dissolution potential, is crucial.
- Reducing urine supersaturation is a cornerstone of medical management for various urolith types.
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