Azotemia is a medical condition that describes higher than normal levels of nitrogen-based compounds in the blood such as urea, creatinine and other compounds. It can be due to kidney failure (a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of the kidneys), higher than normal production of nitrogen containing substances or reabsorption of urine back into blood stream.
Uremia also describes accumulation of nitrogenous waste products in the blood but it is specifically concerned with kidney failure. In uremia, nitrogenous waste products are found in higher than normal values in the blood but the cause is renal (kidney) failure.
Azotemia can be differentiated into three categories based on the causative origin. However, all forms are characterized by a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of the kidneys and increases in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine concentrations. The three forms of azotemia are Prerenal azotemia (occurs when blood flow to kidneys slows down secondary to shock, hemorrhage, congestive heart failure or renal artery stenosis), primary renal azotemia (occurs secondary to renal failure) and postrenal azotemia (occurs due to blockage in urine flowbelow kidney area).
Azotemia may or may not be associated with historical or physical abnormalities. Unless animal has uremia, clinical findings are limited to the disease responsible for azotemia (eg, hypoadrenocorticism and urinary obstruction). Findings described here are those of uremia.
Weight loss
Declining appetite or anorexia
Reduced activity
Depression
Fatigue
Weakness
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Halitosis (bad breath)
Constipation
Poor haircoat or unkempt appearance
Muscle Wasting
Depression
Dehydration
Weakness
Pallor
Petechia and ecchymosis
Dull and unkempt haircoat
Uriniferous breath
Uremic stomatitis
Scleral and conjunctival injection
