Surgical emergencies of the urinary tract

True emergencies of the urinary tract center on three major issues, includi ng uncontrolled renal hemorrhage, accumulation of urine within the peritone al cavity or retroperitoneal space, and obstruction to urine outflow. Succe ssful management of urinary tract emergencies in small animal patients is b ased not only on the severity of the injury or obstruction but on the condi tion of the patient at the time of diagnosis and the patient's response to medical stabilization. When most urinary tract emergencies are initially re cognized, patients are metabolically and hemodynamically unstable. Therefor e, urinary tract emergencies are first regarded as medical emergencies, and emergency surgical procedures are aimed at patient stabilization and lifes aving measures.