CHAPTER 32: URINARY TRACT AND RENAL DISEASE
Introduction
The renal system includes the urinary tract and the kidneys. Its main function is the excretion of urine and other metabolic wastes from the body, but it also plays a role in certain metabolic functions and aids with homeostasis. % of cardiac output. Blood is delivered to the kidneys through the renal artery and is filtered at the glomerulus at a rate of approximately 1200 L/day for the average 500 Kg horse. The average horse normally excretes L of urine per day. The kidneys receive approximately Normal equine urine is pale yellow, cloudy and viscid. The cloudy appearance of equine urine is caused by the presence of crystals, which is normal for horses. Equine urine also normally contains large quantities of mucus, which gives it a higher viscosity then human urine. The diagnosis of renal and urinary tract disease usually includes analysis of the urine, which is called . Urinalysis evaluates the colour, specific gravity, pH, protein content, electrolyte concentration and metabolic molecule content of the urine sample to indicate renal function or the presence of pathogens in the kidneys or the urinary tract.
Definitions:
Haematuria - _________________________________________________________________
Proteinuria – _________________________________________________________________
Hemaglobinuria – _____________________________________________________________
Myoglobinuria – ______________________________________________________________
Pyuria – _____________________________________________________________________
Glucosuria – __________________________________________________________________
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