When tripel phosphates are detected in the urine, almost no one knows what this is connected with. Currently, doctors are increasingly diagnosing urolithiasis in their patients. This has become a truly pressing problem for urologists. Phosphate stones, according to doctors, are a particular nuisance, since they are more “aggressive” stones compared to others.
Depending on the acidity of the urine, stones of various compositions appear in the kidneys. Calcium and phosphate crystals are formed under the influence of alkaline urine, and if the urine is acidic, uric acid or cysteine stones are formed. Triple phosphates in urine mean that the crystals in the kidneys are formed from waste products of bacterial flora. Their presence is most often diagnosed in older people, women, infants and older children, as these groups are more prone to developing viral infections. Tripelphosphates in urine are a good reason to start treatment, since their appearance is a serious threat to human health. It would be wrong to say that phosphates are harmful to human health. A moderate amount of them is necessary for the normal functioning of the body. These salts are involved in carbohydrate metabolism, lower pH, help strengthen the skeleton and perform other important functions.
Tripelphosphates - what is it?
It has been scientifically proven that the urine of a healthy person contains components and salts that protect the organs of the urinary system from bacteria and microbes, and also reduce the likelihood of stone formation. Pyrophosphates and citrates, when in contact with small crystals, simply destroy them and prevent sedimentation on the walls of the kidneys.
If the amount of these components is insufficient, the likelihood of developing various pathologies increases, and the process of stone formation is accelerated several times. Most often, the formation of tripel phosphates in humans is a consequence of metabolic dysfunction, which entails various chemical reactions.
The following happens:
- the structural composition of the blood changes;
- the salt content in the body increases;
- the volume of fluid circulating throughout the body decreases.
Since the salts contained in urine are not able to dissolve in water, when they are in excess, the process of crystallization begins, which increases the likelihood of developing urolithiasis. In this case, the calculus can be formed from different chemical elements depending on the pH of the urine.
Triple phosphates form when the pH of urine becomes more alkaline. Their formation requires an increase in the content of ammonium anions, which usually occurs when an infection enters the body (due to protein breakdown products). If the patient has been diagnosed with struvitis, there is an increased likelihood of developing pyelonephritis and cystitis.
The peculiarity of tripelphosphates from other stones is their tendency to grow rapidly (they can turn into a large stone in 2-3 months) and infectious origin. Doctors claim that such stones form and begin to grow only against the background of internal inflammation.
Tripelphosphates are considered one of the most dangerous types of stones, since in the absence of timely treatment they clog small capillaries, which leads to deterioration of kidney filtration and further organ dysfunction. If treatment is not started on time, serious complications occur that can only be eliminated through surgery. In case of irreversible changes, the kidney is removed.
Late symptoms
In most cases, the owner notices the dog’s ailments already in the later stages of the disease, when the signs become obvious. You can tell if your pet is suffering from urolithiasis by the following symptoms:
If all these symptoms are left unattended, blockage of the urinary tract may occur. The symptoms are the same, but more pronounced. You can find out that a dog is suffering from blockage of paths with stones or sand by the following signs:
When there is a blockage, every hour is important, because the animal’s body is exposed to intoxication. If such symptoms appear, you cannot delay or put off a visit to the veterinarian “until tomorrow,” because this tomorrow may not exist for the dog. Immediately call a specialist at home or take him to the nearest clinic.
Reasons for formation
Despite numerous clinical studies, doctors still cannot determine exactly what causes nephrolithiasis, since the functioning of the urinary system is influenced by several factors. But leading experts believe that the main reason for the formation of crystals in the urine is the low level of urine and the increased content of elements that contribute to the development of stones.
Because of this feature, the stones begin to grow quickly, and nothing prevents this process. Most often, tripel phosphates are formed in urine under the following conditions: excessive presence of ammonia in the urine, excessive alkali content in the urine. Such elements activate the process of ammonium crystallization, which leads to the combination of components responsible for the growth of crystals.
The reasons for the presence of these elements may be:
Urates in urine - what is it?
- gram-positive bacteria (staphylococci);
- gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Helicobacter pylori);
- candida.
And also the formation of tripel phosphates in human urine can be a consequence of the following reasons:
- impaired urinary continence;
- long-term use of steroids;
- infection of the urinary system.
It is necessary to understand that it is impossible to independently make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the optimal treatment regimen; for this you need to undergo a full examination and undergo multiple tests.
Diagnostic measures
Triple phosphates found in urine require urgent diagnosis and treatment, as the crystals quickly grow together to form huge stones. The doctor conducts a visual examination, palpates the abdominal area, and prescribes tests. Determine the pH level of urine.
A clinical blood and urine test is required. A large number of leukocytes indicates an existing inflammatory process.
Bacteriological culture of urine will help identify pathogenic microflora and determine its sensitivity to antibiotics. To identify the source of infection, ultrasound, computed tomography, and MRI are performed. A quantitative analysis of the composition of stones is necessary. This makes it possible to select the optimal medications or choose a surgical method.
When there is a suspicion of the presence of stones, a survey X-ray of all pelvic organs is taken. This method makes it possible to see X-ray positive stones and accurately determine their location. The patient is additionally prescribed a consultation with a gastroenterologist and nutritionist, as well as an endocrinologist.
Symptoms
Since the presence of tripelphosphates in the urine of a child or an adult is always associated with an excess content of salts and phosphates against the background of infection, the condition is almost always accompanied by unpleasant symptoms. The most common symptoms are nausea, lack of appetite, and chills.
And also, some patients notice blood clots in the urine excreted, which is a consequence of injury to the internal organs by solid crystals. At the same time, the smell of excreted urine may also change. Other symptoms of tripel phosphates include:
- the presence of aching and nagging pain in the lower abdomen (as a rule, they are of minimal intensity);
- frequent urge to empty the bladder;
- constant thirst;
- difficulty and pain when visiting the toilet;
- hydronephrosis.
If most of these symptoms are present, you need to immediately make an appointment with a doctor who will conduct the necessary tests and tell you what these symptoms mean.
Tripelphosphates in urine in children
Doctors say that in children this disease usually develops against the background of a genetic predisposition. If one of the parents has an increased level of phosphates in urine, the likelihood of developing the disease will be about 35–40%.
And the development of the disease can also be triggered by poor nutrition and excessive consumption of foods with preservatives and carcinogens. As practice shows, the likelihood of developing pathology increases in children suffering from rickets, diabetes mellitus and pyonephrosis.
Diagnostics
To identify the overall clinical picture and prescribe a suitable treatment regimen, it is necessary to carry out the following measures:
- anamnesis collection. The doctor will definitely ask what exactly the patient is complaining about and how long the questionable symptoms have been appearing. Anamnesis is collected not only from adults, but also from children;
- palpation of the abdominal cavity;
- sowing tank;
- general urine analysis;
- urine sensitivity testing;
- Ultrasound examination of the urinary system.
The physician must determine whether there are chemical components in the excreted urine that slow down the process of stone formation.
If the doctor doubts the diagnosis, the patient may be prescribed an x-ray. A prerequisite is to examine urine for the presence of the following components:
- salt;
- alkali;
- white and red cells (it is by these that the development of infection is determined).
Further lifestyle of a dog with urolithiasis
This is a chronic disease in which it is necessary to maintain a special lifestyle that will help prolong the improvements and reduce the number of relapses:
Treatment
Drug therapy will not help get rid of tripelphosphates; they can only be eliminated through surgery. Indications for surgery include kidney disease, urinary tract infection, and persistent, persistent pain. As an auxiliary treatment, patients are often prescribed medications of various pharmaceutical categories.
The most commonly used are antibacterial drugs and acetohydroxamic acid. But it is necessary to take into account that medications can only temporarily relieve symptoms; medications will not affect the condition of stones in any way, and even less will not help eliminate the original source of the pathology.
And also, patients are often prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce the likelihood of recurrence of the infectious process. An integral stage of treatment is adjusting the diet and following the diet prescribed by the doctor.
Preventive measures
The formation of tripel phosphates is a dangerous pathology that can cause serious complications, so it is much wiser to try to prevent the disease than to treat it later. To minimize the risk of the formation of such deposits, doctors advise adhering to the following recommendations:
- it is necessary to reduce the consumption of smoked meats, pickles, as well as dishes with a high content of spices and seasonings. If phosphorus salts are already detected in the urine, you should avoid consuming these products altogether;
- During the day you need to drink at least 2 liters of filtered water;
- once every few months you need to drink diuretics;
- You need to visit a doctor every six months to be able to detect pathology in a timely manner. It is especially important to do this if there is pain in the lumbar region.
How to choose a clinic and specialist?
Urolithiasis is insidious, and it is not always possible to find the optimal treatment the first time. If at first you cannot overcome the disease, then you should not change the veterinarian who is highly qualified. He will select medications and treatment structure, achieve long-term remissions and notice even the slightest deterioration.
You need to choose a doctor so that he can care for your dog for many years. First of all, find a clinic, read reviews about it on the Internet, find recommendations from breeders and ordinary animal lovers.
When a clinic is selected, visit it in person, pay attention to the sanitary and hygienic conditions and the attitude of the staff towards visitors. If you are not satisfied even with the presence of an unpleasant odor or the lack of good repairs, you can always visit another hospital that will suit you.
If the clinic you don’t like has the right specialist working (recommended by friends, liked the reviews on the Internet, have already met him in person), then ask if he can come to the sick animal’s home. Clinics usually have this service.
Do not trust the health of your pet to a private practicing veterinarian; in most cases, they do not have the proper qualifications, or they have been suspended from work.
