Urolitíase em cães, tratamento fitoterápico: uma revisão integrativa

Abstract

Urolithiasis is a disease of great importance in small animal clinics and can lead to obstructions and death. Uroliths are formed due to several predisposing factors, in which each animal has a pattern for development, such as: breeds with greater genetic predisposition, age, an inadequate management routine, daily water intake and inadequate diet. Treatment is challenging because uroliths are made up of different types of materials. Due to its variable response to different treatments (clinical, drug, nutritional and surgical) and the high rates of recurrence, the use of medicinal plants presents itself as an option aimed at the welfare of animals. So, the search for information on safe uses of herbal medicine has been growing for the simple fact that pet owners are more interested in the care of their animals, and are especially worried about the indiscriminate use of allopathic medications and the risk of death in surgeries. Thus, owners look to natural medications with less collateral damage and a good systemic effect for their animal to obtain quality of life and well-being. Therefore, this study aimed to carry out an integrative review on the herbal medicine for urolithiasis treatment. An important fact is that prevention is the best ally in this regard and several plants treat urinary tract inflammation, others help with diuresis to prevent crystallization from starting and growing. However, there is also a reduction and release of these concretions effectively with their use. Several studies have already shown excellent results in this association and, therefore, this integrative review was carried out to collaborate with the veterinary community by compiling scientific evidence of the effectiveness of herbal medicines in the treatment and prevention of this problem. Another objective will be to reach veterinarians who work in the clinic to expand the use of herbal medicine to treat urolithiasis, creating an information booklet. The dosages of some plants are described according to their use in clinical practice and the purpose for these use is always to avoid surgery, being an individualized clinical case.