What is urolithiasis?

Urinary calculi, also called uroliths, are minute stones that form in the urinary tract. They can be found anywhere in the urinary system: bladder, ureter, urethra but most often these calculi are located in the bladder.

Anatomy of the urogenital apparatus in the male

Anatomy of the urogenital apparatus in the female

Uroliths are due to the accumulation of minerals in the urine. These can be triggered by modification of the urinary pH, or a variation of urine density…

There are two frequent types of calculi in cats : the so-called struvites calculi and calcium oxalate calculi.

Animation on calculi formation in the cat

Are there any predisposed breeds?

Yes – like the British Shorthair, the Persian, the Chartreux…

What are the symptoms?

The cat may experience difficulties to urinate, urinate more frequently, can present uncleanliness and you will eventually notice blood in the urine.

It can also be unable to urinate if calculi lodge at the tip of the penis: this is a true urgency and you must take your cat to the vet as quickly as possible.

How to diagnose urolithiasis ?

An ultrasound examination and x-rays will enable to see large calculi. A blood test is often useful to determine the presence of renal damage. A urinary analysis is used to confirm the presence of crystals and cells or blood during a cytological exam.

What is the treatment?

Depending on the number and type of uroliths, as well as their size, a medical or surgical treatment may be considered. The medical approach aims at dissolving the calculi that will be eliminated naturally while the surgical approach consists in removing the stones by way of surgery. Beware, recurrences are frequent. Special diets, dedicated at reducing the crystals and modifying the pH are also available and should be used to avoid relapses. Your veterinarian will prescribe such diet.

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