Bladder Stones in Cats

Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What are Bladder Stones?

Bladder stones (cystoliths or cystic calculi) are mineral and substance aggregations that form in the bladder. They can irritate the bladder lining, increase the risk of urinary infections, or cause an obstruction if they move into the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside). This condition is more common in male cats due to their narrower urethra.

 

Types of Bladder Stones:

  • Calcium Oxalate Stones: These stones are more likely to form in acidic urine and are commonly seen in cats. They require specific treatment and are not dissolvable by diet.

  • Struvite Stones: These form in alkaline urine and are typically more responsive to dietary treatment. Struvite stones are also common in cats.

  • Urate Stones: Rare in cats, these stones are often associated with liver disease or vascular shunts.

  • Other Stones: Other types of bladder stones are less common in cats.

Signs of Bladder Stones

  • General Symptoms: Frequent urination, urinating small amounts of urine, blood in the urine, pain during urination, and urinating outside the litter box.

  • Obstruction Symptoms: If the stone lodges in the urethra, it can cause a urinary obstruction, especially in male cats. This leads to straining to urinate with little or no urine production and can cause abdominal pain. This is a medical emergency.

  • Signs of Bladder Irritation: Increased trips to the litter box and difficulty passing urine.

How We Diagnose Bladder Stones

  • Blood and Urine Tests: Routine blood tests, urinalysis, and urine culture help diagnose bladder stones. Urinalysis may show microscopic calcium oxalate or struvite crystals, although stones can be present without crystals.

  • Imaging: Plain x-rays are effective for detecting calcium oxalate and struvite stones, but some smaller stones may require an abdominal ultrasound for detection.

  • Stone Analysis: Stones removed from the bladder are sent for analysis to determine their exact composition.

What You Can Do at Home

  • Observation: If your cat shows signs of bladder irritation or obstruction (straining without urination, blood in the urine), contact a veterinarian immediately.

  • Monitor Hydration: Ensure your cat has access to fresh water to stay hydrated, as this can help manage the condition.

  • Dietary Control: In cases of struvite stones, you may need to switch to a special prescription diet as recommended by your vet.

 

Priority / Urgency / Emergency

  • Obstruction: Urinary obstruction is a medical emergency, especially if your cat is unable to urinate and shows signs of distress.

  • Non-Emergency: If your cat is not experiencing an obstruction, but shows other signs like frequent urination or blood in the urine, you should schedule a veterinary visit for diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment Options at a Veterinary Facility

  • Struvite Stones: These stones can often be dissolved through a special prescription diet (e.g., Hill’s S/D). Your cat must consume this diet exclusively for a few weeks.

  • Calcium Oxalate Stones: These stones cannot be dissolved with diet and require surgical removal, typically through a cystotomy (bladder surgery). In certain cases, laser therapy via cystoscopy can be used, though this is available only in specialized facilities.

  • Other Stones: Depending on the type of stone, specific medications may be prescribed to help dissolve the stones or prevent recurrence.

  • Preventive Care: After stone removal, dietary changes may be recommended to prevent future stones. Prescription diets like Hill’s Multicare C/D or Royal Canin’s SO are designed to prevent both struvite and calcium oxalate stones.

Follow-Up Care

  • Post-Surgery: After surgery, a recheck visit is usually scheduled within 10-14 days to remove sutures.

  • Ongoing Monitoring: Urine pH levels and x-rays are typically repeated at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and check for recurrence.

  • Long-Term Monitoring: Some cats may need longer-term monitoring, especially if stones are a recurrent problem.

Prognosis

  • With appropriate treatment and dietary management, the prognosis for resolution is excellent. Although some cats may experience a recurrence of stones within 3-5 years, proper diet and ongoing monitoring can significantly reduce this risk.

  • Recurrence: Some cats may develop more stones over time, but regular veterinary care and dietary changes can help manage the condition effectively.

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Bladder Stones in Dogs