Also known as uroliths or calculi, bladder stones are collections of minerals that have gathered and hardened in the bladder. The minerals may be calcium, phosphorus or magnesium. In cats, bladder stones can become a serious condition if left untreated.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms of feline bladder stones include difficulty with urination, painful urination, blood in the urine (hematuria), lack of urination due to stone blockage or urination in inappropriate places.
Diagnosis
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The veterinarian will perform a physical exam and in some cases may be able to feel the bladder stones through the cat's abdominal wall. Bladder stones are also visible on X-rays or in an ultrasound.
Surgery
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For most cats, bladder stones are removed surgically. Surgery requires opening the abdomen and the bladder, and can necessitate up to four days of recovery time.
Dietary Changes
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Feline bladder stones can also be dissolved with special diets. However, it can be several weeks before dietary changes fully dissolve a large stone, and many cats will refuse to eat the food that is typically used.
Antibiotics
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Some bladder stones, like struvite stones, are due to a bacterial infection. If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics will be prescribed to treat the infection prior to surgical removal of the stones.
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