Our Cat Veterinary Clinic In Fredericksburg, VA, Treats Bladder Stones
Bladder stones are small deposits of organic material, crystals, and minerals that can be found inside a cat's bladder. They can stay very small or grow a few millimeters in diameter, and can rub against the bladder walls, cause inflammation, and possibly block the urethra. The most common minerals found in these stones are calcium oxalate and struvite. Without treatment, bladder stones may cause feline kidney disease. Here at Just Cats Vet Clinic in Fredericksburg, VA, we can perform several diagnostic testing to determine the cause of the bladder stones in your pet.
Symptoms of Bladder Stones
Some cats may not show any symptoms at first, but some clues can help you recognize the signs of bladder stones. Your cat may strain to urinate, go frequently, or have blood in the urine. Your pet may also spray urine or pass urine outside of his or her litter box, suffer from frequent urinary tract infections, or lick his or her genitals often. Seek cat veterinary care at our clinic if you notice any of these symptoms.
Diagnosing Bladder Stones
Stones that reach a large size can be felt through a cat's abdominal wall. Your veterinarian may use radiographs, urinalysis, ultrasound, or a urine culture to diagnose bladder stones and find the underlying cause of it.
Treatment
Your cat’s treatment plan will depend on his or her diagnosis. Your vet may suggest a few options to help treat the condition, including:
- Surgery to remove the stones
- Increase water intake
- A prescription diet to dissolve the stones
- Flushing procedure
- Lithotripsy to break down the stones
Female cats are more likely to pass smaller stones themselves than males since their urinary tract is not as narrow.