Uremia or Azotemia

Uremia or Azotemia

Uremia or azotemia, is the elevated level of waste products in the blood, particularly nitrogen-containing compounds like urea and creatinine.

Urea is the chief nitrogenous end product of protein metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys in the urine of mammals. It is also found in the blood and lymph. Uremia is a toxic condition that occurs due to retention of urea is the blood.

Uremia or Azotemia results due to:

  1. Renal failure
  2. Increased production of urea in the liver due to high protein diet, drugs, increased breakdown of protein etc.
  3. Decreased elimination of urea due to reduced blood flow to kidney, obstruction of urinary tract etc.
  4. Dehydration
  5. Chronic infection of the kidney

The symptoms of uremia or azotemia are lethargy, depression, nausea, vomiting, deep breathing, dizziness, coma and convulsions. In these cases, there is usually a smell of urine in all the animal’s secretions.

Other Terminologies in urinary system:

  • Diuresis: Increased urine formation
  • Polyuria: Increased excretion of urine. It may be due to the deficiency of ADH
  • Oliguria: Reduced excretion of urine
  • Anuria: Complete cessation of urine formation
  • Dysuria: Difficult or painful micturition
  • Stranguria: Slow dropwise painful dis­charge of urine caused by spasm of urethra and bladder
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