Struvite bladder stones are a common issue in cats. These stones are made of a mineral called struvite, which is a combination of ammonium, phosphate, and magnesium. Normally, struvite crystals are present in urine at low levels, but in some cats, they can clump together to form stones that irritate the urinary tract and potentially cause blockages.
Causes of Struvite Bladder Stones:
- Urinary Tract Infections: Certain bacteria can contribute to stone formation by changing urine acidity.
- Concentrated Urine: Cats that don’t drink enough water may be more prone to developing stones.
- Increased Urine pH: Alkaline urine can contribute to stone formation.
- Diet: High levels of magnesium and phosphorus in the urine can increase the risk of stones.
- Genetic Factors: Some cats may be more prone to developing struvite stones due to genetic factors.
Signs of Struvite Bladder Stones:
- Frequent urination
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Urinating outside of the litterbox
- Non-specific signs like tiredness and decreased appetite
- In severe cases, complete obstruction of the urinary tract, which is life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention. If your cat is attempting to urinate and nothing is coming out, please ring the emergency number, especially if he is a male cat.
Diagnosis:
- Urinalysis: To check for crystals, blood, and other signs of urinary issues.
- Blood Tests: To assess overall health and rule out other conditions.
- X-rays: To visualize the stones in the bladder.
- Ultrasound: May also be used to detect stones.
Treatment Options:
- Medical Dissolution: Feeding a special prescription diet to dissolve the stones. This is an ongoing problem and needs long term diet modifications
- Surgical Removal: Removing the stones through surgery (cystotomy) or cystoscopy.
Preventing Recurrence:
- Prescription Diet: Feeding a diet that creates a urine environment less favorable for stone formation. The key to this is diet that helps lower the ph of urine, and so makes the urine more acidic. Prescription diets are available to optimize this; ideally, they are on nothing else. At a push, supermarket brands aiming at Urinary health will still be better than non specific diets.
- Increased Water Intake: Making sure your cat drinks enough water to dilute the urine. Wet food may also be a good option, especially for the first couple of weeks after any cystitis episodes. Make sure there are plentiful sources of fresh water available.
- Regular Check-ups: Monitoring your cat’s urine to detect any potential issues early on. Dropping a urine sample to us once every 6 months as a survey check is a good way to identify problems before they become life threatening. We have kits you can use to collect urine at home. Please do tell us if intending to drop a sample so we can be prepared. Ideally, it’s not dropped on a Friday / Sat / Sun.
If you suspect your cat is showing signs of struvite bladder stones, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Contact Horse and Cat Vet at 027 599 0045 for expert advice and care.