Bladder Stones

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.  

Preventing Bladder Stones

Cats need to drink plenty of water, have a healthy diet, and get plenty of exercise. General good health will help prevent bladder stones and feline kidney disease from occurring. Your veterinarian may perform a urinalysis or urine culture a few times a year to test for infections and crystals in your feline.

Seek Feline Care for Bladder Stones at Our Cat Veterinary Clinic

Bladder stones are a painful condition for cats, and can form at any stage of life. Keep your feline healthy and happy with vet care. If you have any questions about bladder stones, or if you want to schedule an appointment with our team at Just Cats Vet Clinic in Fredericksburg, VA, call 540-899-3644 today.

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Closed all Major Holidays

Monday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Doctor's hours by appointment

Tuesday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Doctor's hours by appointment

Wednesday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Doctor's hours by appointment

Thursday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Doctor's hours by appointment

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed