Feline urinary calculi, better known as bladder stones, can be a serious health problem in cats. Often a side effect of a urinary tract infection (UTI), diabetes or hypothyroidism, stones are actually crystallized minerals that form in the urinary tract. They can be struvite or calcium oxalate stones. Feline urinary calculi are more common in female cats but can be more serious when they occur in male cats because they have narrower urethras. A total blockage can occur, preventing the passage of urine. This is a veterinary emergency and should be treated immediately.
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Description
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Bladder stones are a common condition in cats. Struvite stones are more prevalent, but calcium oxalate stones are increasingly seen in cats, possibly due to diet. Stones are hard masses of crystallized minerals. They irritate the bladder and urethral walls and can cause a blockage. These stones are gritty and sharp and act like sandpaper on the delicate walls of a cat's bladder and urethra.
Symptoms
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The most common symptom of feline urinary calculi is blood in the urine. Often, the cat will begin urinating outside of the litter box and will show signs of difficulty when urinating. Look for straining or crying when she attempts to urinate. Small amounts of urine may be passed. If you notice a change in your cat's urinary habits, suspect a UTI. When a complete blockage occurs, your cat will show signs of weakness, pain and a total inability to urinate. This is an emergency.
Special Diet
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Struvite stones can sometimes be dissolved by the introduction of a special diet. Your veterinarian will prescribe special food that dissolves the stones. For cats with recurrent struvite stones, this diet may be a permanent solution. Feeding a cat canned food, a mix of canned and dry, or moistened dry food can aid in the prevention of stones. Calcium oxalate stones cannot be dissolved by diet and may require surgery.
Antibiotics and UTIs
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Sometimes, stones occur in combination with a UTI. A veterinarian will treat the underlying illness and administer antibiotics and pain relievers. Once any bacterial infection is cleared, a further examination of the cause of the stones will be conducted. If your cat suffers from recurrent UTIs, keep his litter box very clean, feed small amounts of food more frequently and provide plenty of fresh water.
Surgery
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Calcium oxalate stones do not respond to dietary management. Sometimes, these stones can be flushed from the bladder by the introduction of sterile fluids. If this procedure doesn't work--or can't be used because the stones are too large--surgery may be performed. An incision will be made in your cat's abdomen and the stones removed in a procedure called cystotomy.
Surgical Corrections
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In some cases, stones are the result of a tumor or an anatomical defect. These conditions are corrected by surgery. In male cats that continue to suffer from repeated blockages, a surgical procedure to widen the urethral opening can be performed. This is a serious procedure and usually done as a last resort.
Prevention
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To reduce the incidence of urinary tract problems and the development of feline urinary calculi, provide an appropriate diet. Adding water to dry kibble helps, but the addition of canned food--in whole or in part--is a better option. Look for foods that contain the highest quality ingredients possible. The first ingredient should be a named meat, not any type of grain or filler. Canned cat foods help to dilute a cat's urine, reducing her risk of calculi.
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