Urolithiasis in cats is one of the first places among feline diseases, often being the cause of death. Urological syndrome, otherwise known as this disorder, is a systemic disease of the genitourinary system, which usually has a chronic course and is accompanied by the formation of sand and stones in the kidneys, bladder, as well as deposits in the ureters and urethra.
There are certain signs of urolithiasis in cats. First of all, it is frequent and painful urination. Sand and stones injure the urethra, which causes inflammation. In addition, traces of blood, as well as salt crystals, may be present in the urine, which makes it cloudy. Crystals often get stuck in the urinary tract, making it difficult for urine to drain. As a result, the cat often sits down, but the bladder does not completely empty. This leads to its overflow, the cat loses its appetite and becomes lethargic. The position during urination is tense, the back bends, the cat can meow. Palpation of the bladder for a cat is painful. As the disease progresses, the animal’s condition worsens even more: from overflowing, the vessels in the walls of the bladder may burst, and urine can enter the circulatory system. Intoxication causes symptoms such as vomiting and convulsions. Finally, rupture of the bladder leads to peritonitis and, consequently, to the death of the animal.
However, urolithiasis in cats can occur outwardly asymptomatic for a long time if the stones do not have sharp edges and there is no blockage of the urethra. This is the insidiousness of this ailment.
The causes of such an unpleasant disease as urolithiasis in cats are poor nutrition, physical inactivity, metabolic disturbances, hypovitaminosis, poor drinking water, early castration of cats, and infections. The following breeds are most susceptible to the disease: Persian, Siamese, Himalayan, Burmese, Maine Coon. Often the disease catches cats after castration or sterilization, as they urinate less often. In addition, the deposition of calcium and phosphorus salts leads to the abundant inclusion of fish in the pet's diet. Infection is a relatively rare cause of urolithiasis.
No matter how dangerous the urolithiasis in cats is, its treatment can be effective with timely medical attention. The owner should carefully monitor his pet: if the animal often sits in the tray, sits there for a long time, often licks the urethral opening, sits in the wrong places and urinates in small portions, if blood is noticed in the urine, while the animal's appetite worsens, then these signs should immediately alert the owner. Sometimes with a disease there is a complete absence of urination, which is fraught with urinary peritonitis. If at least some of these symptoms occur, you should, without delay, take your pet to the veterinarian.
First of all, the doctor must eliminate the blockage. To do this, the veterinarian first presses gently on the bladder. Sometimes this procedure helps, however, most often there is a need to install a catheter. This is a rather painful process that requires sedation of the animal, and sometimes carried out under anesthesia. In most cases, the procedure is successful, but if the catheterization is unsuccessful, the pet needs an emergency operation.
In order for the urolithiasis in cats to not be fatal, in no case should you treat your pet yourself. No need to try to massage the bladder or install a catheter yourself. Also, in no case should you give diuretics. Treatment should be under the strict supervision of a specialist. Only he, and not neighbors, friends or relatives, is able to provide qualified assistance to your pet.