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Anuria in Dogs and Cats: Understanding and Managing the Lack of Urination

A dog being examined by a veterinarian.

When a dog or cat experiences anuria – the lack of urination – it signals a serious underlying issue that requires an immediate visit to the vet. This page provides an overview of anuria in dogs and cats, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

What Is Anuria in Dogs and Cats?

Anuria is the medical term used to describe the complete absence of urine production by the body. It is often a sign of serious kidney and/or urinary system problems. Different from decreased urination (called oliguria), anuria means no urine is being produced at all. This is a very serious medical condition, and requires immediate veterinary care.

Symptoms

Anuria is characterized by a complete lack of urination despite attempts to urinate by the pet. Other symptoms and behaviors may be present as well. These include lethargy and weakness, abdominal pain or discomfort, loss of appetite, vomiting, and dehydration.

Causes of Anuria in Dogs and Cats

There are many causes behind anuria. For example:

• Kidney Failure: Occurs when a pet’s kidneys are no longer functioning properly.

• Urinary Obstruction: Urinary crystals or stones may contribute to anuria by physically blocking urine from exiting.

• Toxins: Substances like antifreeze (ethylene glycol), certain medications, or ingesting harmful plants can cause kidney issues.

• Severe Dehydration or Shock: Check for signs of dehydration like panting, sunken eyes, thick saliva, or loss of skin elasticity.

• Infections: Infections of the kidney may be a source of anuria and will need prompt treatment.

Diagnosis

If the pet is not urinating, veterinary evaluation and care are necessary. The veterinarian will use several diagnostic approaches. This may include evaluation of kidney function by monitoring SDMA, creatinine, and urea. They will measure urine concentration and scan for infections, crystals, or other abnormalities in the urinary tract. Finally, imaging tools such as x-rays or ultrasounds may be used to help identify obstructions, stones, or structural abnormalities. In some cases, advanced diagnostics, such as blood pressure monitoring or biopsies are necessary.

Treating Anuria in Dogs and Cats

Treatment varies depending on the cause of anuria. However, it may include:

Fluid Therapy: Intravenous (IV) fluids are often the first option for the treatment, as it helps to restore hydration, improve blood flow to the kidneys, and remove toxins.
Medications: Several medications may be suggests by a veterinarian. Diuretics are used to stimulate urine production. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infection, if it is present. Pain relievers may be necessary as the condition can be very painful for pets.
Obstructions: If urinary blockage is present, catheterization or surgery may be necessary to remove the obstruction.
Dialysis: When there is a severe case causing kidney failure, dialysis may be necessary to help remove the toxins while the kidneys to recover.
Supportive Care: Nutritional management and monitoring are extremely important specially during the recovery time. Specialized diets tailored to kidney are essentials.