Urolithiasis is a common ailment among representatives of the cat family of any breed. Usually, the presence of the disease is indicated by oxalates detected in the cat’s urine as a result of an appropriate analysis. If a cat has oxalates in its urine, it needs a special diet.

Urinary tract disease is very common in domestic cats. Veterinarians note that this is one of the main causes of death of modern representatives of the cat family. An advanced form of the disease can lead to death. Therefore, it is so important to notice the disease in time and begin treatment. If the owner discovers that the animal is experiencing increased discomfort when urinating, then it is necessary to visit a specialist as soon as possible and undergo the appropriate tests. After this, the veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate treatment for the animal.

It’s interesting that one of the things that can lead to illness is poor nutrition pet The thing is that many modern foods contain harmful prohibited substances that negatively affect the health of the animal. This is especially true for the cheapest products. Manufacturers add certain ingredients to increase the final weight of the feed. As a result of its consumption, oxalates are formed - salts of oxalic acid. These are exactly what a specialist can detect as a result of a special analysis.

To avoid such a problem, it is very important to purchase exclusively high-quality food for your animal, which will certainly not harm its health. If you can’t buy such products, you can cook healthy food for your pet yourself.

Urolithiasis is the most dangerous for cats. Representatives of the cat family suffer from this disease much less frequently. The owner of a furry pet should also take this into account and not forget about the prevention of a dangerous disease.

If an animal is prone to a dangerous disease or the test results are poor, then it is very important to carefully monitor your pet’s diet. First of all, it is worth studying the list of products that contain oxalates. These are beef by-products (especially kidneys and liver), sweet fruit yogurt (and even this product without any additives), buckwheat in any form, sardines, brown rice. Listed here are those foods that a cat might like and end up in the animal’s bowl with natural (prepared by the owner) or store-bought food. It is very important to exclude all of them from the diet of a feline. You will also need to carefully study its detailed composition each time you purchase ready-made commercial food to eliminate undesirable and dangerous ingredients.

There is also a list of products that, on the contrary, should be on the menu of a cat or cat with an existing illness. It contains egg whites, poultry, any fermented milk products (especially kefir), and potatoes.

It will be important to create your pet’s diet, trying to include more of the listed permitted products. Moreover, your cat will surely like dishes with them, regardless of the cooking method. For example, some animals are happy to eat even raw potatoes, as well as egg whites in any form.

Interestingly, veterinarians were able to calculate the most dangerous age for representatives of the cat family, in which there is a maximum risk of developing urolithiasis. This is a period from one year to six years. It is at this time that the owner of the animal should give Special attention prevention.

Proper nutrition and careful balanced diet the animal will help the owner to positively influence the health of his pet and reduce the content of oxalates in his body. In general, urolithiasis, with the right approach, is easily treatable.

The detection of tripel phosphates in a cat’s urine means that the animal is developing urolithiasis, which requires immediate contact with a veterinarian. If during the period of exacerbation of symptoms the pet is not provided with assistance, for example, surgery, then it may die. Regardless of whether the cat drinks or not, urine constantly enters the bladder and stretches it to a critical size. Blood vessels on the inner walls rupture, a lot of blood enters the lumen, and urine enters the blood vessels, intoxication of the body develops, which is accompanied by convulsions, body tremors, and vomiting.

Show all

Treatment of disease in cats

Treatment of urolithiasis is carried out in several ways:

• drug therapy, homeopathy;
• the use of herbal medicine includes herbal preparations to reduce inflammation and dissolve uralites;
• surgery epicystomy, urethrotomy or catheterization of the bladder;
• a dietary method, including the stage of dissolving stones, preventing the appearance of new ones, reducing harmful substances in the diet, increasing the volume of urine formation, maintaining the required pH;
• pulsed magnetic therapy.

They try to use medications to eliminate pain, increase the dissolution of salts, make the texture of stones more loose, and prevent relapses:

• To eliminate pain, antispasmodics are used, these include Spazgan, Baralgin;
• the infection is fought with sulfonamide drugs (Sulf-120, Urosolfan), antibiotics (Albipen LA, Cefa-kure, Enprofloxacin), anti-inflammatory drugs (Dexafolt), the drug Kot Erwin is effective, the latter is injected into the bladder after urine is removed;
• relieve spasms of smooth muscles with Catozal or Gamavit;
• clean the lumen of the canal and break up the plugs in the urethra using a catheter and treatment with Kot Erwin, baths heated to 40˚C for bottom part animal body;
• quickly improve the pet's condition by introducing the drug Gamavit under the skin with the simultaneous administration of Fosprenil and Maxidin;
• The use of Avisan and Cyston is allowed, but the dosage in the instructions is indicated per person, so for cats it is recalculated by weight, and attention is paid to the cat’s allergic manifestations to the incoming plant components.

For cats, medications containing essential oils and glycerin, this will lead to the death of the animal (Cystenal, Urolesan, Fitolysin, Pinobin).

If carried out drug treatment, then in 50-60% of cases repeated relapses occur.



Homeopathic remedies

Long-term therapy with homeopathic medicines controls the condition of the inner mucous layer of the bladder. The medications Mucosa, Berberis-homaccord, and Compositum are prescribed. According to the instructions, the medications are given several times a week, dissolved in drinking water. In the acute phase of therapy with homeopathic medicines, Traumeel is prescribed; it is injected under the skin several times a day or after surgery, it is used dropwise after 17–30 minutes.

If the formation of tripel phosphates is a consequence of chronic pyelonephritis, then Compositum-cantharis and Berberis-homaccord are used as the main therapy.





Bladder catheterization and surgery

Catheterization is prescribed by a veterinarian if a palpation examination shows a dense, overfilled bladder, sometimes with partial patency. The procedure is done under general anesthesia; the doctor gives a relaxant based on the anatomy of the animal and its character. The catheter is placed after the onset of anesthesia, it is carefully inserted and the formation of stones and crystals is destroyed, accumulated urine is removed through the cavity of the instrument and the internal cavity of the bladder is treated with medications that stop inflammation.

At the same time they do not take a large number of urine for laboratory testing. If necessary, the catheter is secured for several days (sutured). Drug therapy is immediately determined, and after receiving test results identifying the type of struvite, diet therapy using medicinal feed is prescribed.

If only one kidney is affected by uralites, then it is removed along with tripelphosphate growths. Surgical removal is indicated in case of accumulation of urolitic crystals in the ureters, this applies to mild form, and removal is easy. After surgery, complications arise in the form of developing renal failure, so attention is paid to following recommendations for prevention.

Effective results and positive prognoses are given after the extraction of tripelphosphates from the insides of the bladder during cystotomy. The operation consists of opening the organ and removing urolithic crystals.



The cat is sick: does not eat or drink, constant vomiting - possible reasons

Pulse magnetic impact method

The radiation source is applied to the area above bladder and conduct several sessions (up to 10), each of which consists of 50 pulses with a power of 500 mT. Low-frequency electromagnetic radiation has an antispasmodic, sedative and analgesic effect, changes the chemical and physical properties of urine, increasing its ability to dissolve substances.



This method is considered effective, painless and easily tolerated by cats, the procedure does not cause anxiety, and the mortality rate is reduced to zero compared to other methods. After pulsed MT, the passage of urine improves during the first three days for animals that were in serious condition, and complete removal characteristic symptoms observed after a week.

Magnetic pulse exposure helps in cases where urethra filled with tripelphosphates along its entire length and there is no way to insert a catheter. The preliminary procedure not only facilitates the placement of the catheter, but in some cases allows you to do without insertion. After treatment with low-frequency electromagnetic current, relapses are observed in 14% of diseases, while traditional therapy allows recurrence of symptoms in 40% of cases.

Phytotherapy

Allows you to use the properties of plants to dissolve and remove urolithic formations. At the initial stage of the disease, the drugs Kot Erwin and the drug “Phytoelite Healthy Kidneys” are prescribed.

Herbs are used to make infusions of woolly erva (pol-pal), knotweed, parsley root, watercress, and decoctions of bear's ears (bearberry) are prepared, which can dissolve stones.



Preventative diet

An analysis of feeding methods showed that the choice of products is important in preventing the onset of tripelphosphate formation:

• the incidence in cats and cats receiving natural fish and meat is 17% of the total number of cases;
• only fish dishes contribute to the development of the disease in 24%;
• the combination of natural nutrition with artificial feed gives the highest percentage of struvite presence (38%).

Recent studies have confirmed that sticking to natural foods increases the risk of crystal formation, while branded dry foods reduce it. The combination of natural and artificial products, since the amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients is difficult to trace. It is important for a pet to receive the required minerals, and in old age cats and kittens have impaired metabolism, which affects their complete absorption. In this case, food with vitamin supplements is indispensable.

Acidification of urine is promoted by an increase in protein in the diet due to impaired protein metabolism and increased uric acid content. Eating only fish and meat reduces the production of vitamin B1 and leads to the appearance of an acidic environment in the ureters, this also includes a lack of vitamin A. An increase in alkaline indicators and the formation of struvite is affected by enriching the diet with fish and rolled oats (phosphorus and magnesium).

The formation of uroliths is observed in the urinary canals of overweight animals. This unnecessarily loads the urinary system, which is not adapted to the disposal of breakdown products, which predetermines the onset of crystallization. The cat's heavy weight prevents him from moving actively, which reduces his metabolism.

For feeding, use high-quality dry food; when choosing, pay attention to the content of magnesium, phosphorus and proteins per 100 g of product. Branded dry granules are recommended at a rate of 37–50 g per day, while low-quality ones give 120 g. If the content of microelements per 100 g is the same, then when feeding a cheap option, the cat receives more substances than necessary.

Fluid intake has been studied in relation to various diets, since changes in water volume affect the amount of urine and mineral content. Pay attention not only to the excretion of urine, but also moisture with feces and other fluid exports from the body. Water balance depends on fat and energy content.



A high-fat diet (about 30%) increases diuresis, and a low-fat, low-fat diet increases the concentration of fluid in the stool. Regardless of the type of food, cats drink 120–240 ml of water per day. The increase in the volume of water consumed is influenced by climate, season, nutritional components, stress and other factors. The purpose of proper nutrition is:

• preventing the proliferation of struvite crystals and uroliths in cats;
• exclusion of tripelphosphate formations in animals with a tendency to obesity;
• dissolution of struvite;
• prevention of relapses and further growths;
• moderate reduction in vitamin D intake.

There are specially designed diets for each type of stone separately, since product recommendations vary. To prevent the development of struvite, cats are given meat and other protein products, as they acidify the urine and do not allow the alkaline reaction to increase. Do not eat cereals, as they alkalize the body. To increase the formation of urine, arrange for the animal to drink sufficiently. The development of urolithiasis in cats is a pressing problem when keeping pets; both animals and owners suffer from this. The main thing in this matter is the timely detection of the disease and contacting a veterinarian when the disease is at the initial stage.

Sometimes tiny crystalline particles appear in cats' urine. There are several factors that contribute to the formation of crystals in the urine, making urination difficult and painful for cats. Crystals in urine can be fatal because they cause bladder stones and cause urinary tract problems. Stones in urinary tract can cause a blockage in the urethra, blocking the flow of urine. Stagnation of urine, in turn, can cause the death of the cat.

Symptoms of crystals in cat urine.

The most serious cases of crystals in the urine are more common in cats than in female cats, since the male cat's urethra is narrower. The cat experiences severe discomfort and exhibits the following symptoms:

• urination several times a day;
• tension during urination;
• no urine is produced or a small amount of urine is produced;
• traces of blood are visible in the urine;
• painful and enlarged bladder;
• vomiting with loss of appetite;
• meowing near the litter box, meaning that the cat wants to urinate, but cannot do it.

Since toxic waste that accumulates in the body is eliminated through urine, urine accumulation in a cat's body can be fatal and cause death due to kidney failure.

Causes of crystal formation in cat urine.

All cats with crystals in their urine exhibit the same symptoms, which is why it is important to determine the exact cause of these symptoms through appropriate diagnostic procedures.

The reasons may be:
1. Poor nutrition.
Since the formation of crystals or stones in the urinary tract depends on the pH level of the urine and the mineral composition of the urine, a cat's diet can either prevent or promote the formation of crystals in the urine. For example, excessive consumption of food rich in magnesium is not advisable. Much depends on the number of feedings per day.
2. Stress.
This is another factor that increases the risk of crystals forming in the urine. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the cat is not exposed to stress or injury. Stress can be caused by illness or the cat's immediate environment. A happy cat is a healthy cat.
3. Birth defects.
Sometimes even minor ones birth defects bladder or other parts of a cat's urinary tract may increase the risk of crystals forming in the urine.
4. Cancer.
Cancers and tumors of the urinary tract are characterized by high risk formation of crystals in the urine.
Besides stated reasons There are several other factors that influence the formation of crystals in the urine. This includes side effects medications, genetics, urinary tract infections and urinary frequency.

Diagnosis.

An external examination of the bladder can help diagnose crystals in the urine. There are also special diagnostic procedures. This is primarily a urine test, where the pH is measured and the urine is tested for the presence of bacteria. X-rays, ultrasound and radiography can also be used.

Treatment.

Most effective method treatment is determined after determining the cause.
Highlight following methods treatment for this problem:

• Antibiotics and antispasmodics.

Prescribing antibiotics is a treatment method used to combat the formation of crystals due to bacterial infection. Antispasmodics, by counteracting muscle contractions, help relax muscles and relieve pain.

• Increased water consumption.

Water thins the urine, facilitating healing.

• Diet changes.

Certain changes in your cat's diet will help maintain urine pH levels and restore balance. Eat special diets designed to dissolve crystals without the need for medicines. These diets also reduce the amount of crystal-forming compounds in the urine.

• Changes in diet.

You need to feed your cat little by little several times a day. If your cat eats once or twice a day, changes in diet may also help with treatment.
Excessive accumulation of toxins in the blood can cause serious complications, so the formation of crystals in the urine should not be ignored. IN in rare cases The bladder may burst, causing urine to leak into the abdominal cavity. This condition known as peritonitis is fatal.

Pathology of the urinary system, and primarily urolithiasis (UCD), will occupy one of the first places in the frequency of visits to veterinary clinics. Urolithiasis (UCD), along with diseases of the cardiovascular system, tumors and traumatic lesions, is the main cause of death in cats aged 1 to 6 years.
Urolithiasis (urolithiasis), a systemic, often chronic disease, characterized by the formation of sand and stones (urolithiasis) in the urinary tract, in particular in the bladder, and manifested by dysuria, pollakiuria, ischuria, urinary colic, periodic hematuria and crystalluria.

REASONS (ETIOLOGY) OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF URINOLOGICAL DISEASE
Urolithiasis is a polyetiological disease of the whole organism. Its development is influenced by both endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external) factors. Most often, urolithiasis is registered between the ages of one and six years. Due to the anatomical features of urolithiasis (UCD), cats are more often affected than cats. An increase in the number of cats with urolithiasis occurs in the autumn-spring period. Increase in ICD disease in last years associated with changes in diet (intensive consumption of low-quality dry food), a sedentary lifestyle, and the import of new breeds of cats that do not adapt well to our climatic conditions, deteriorating environmental conditions, chronic urinary tract infections in cats.

EXOGENIC FACTORS
1.Climatic and geochemical conditions
At high air temperatures, diuresis (formation primary urine, carried out in the renal glomerulus and consisting in its filtration) is reduced, urine becomes more concentrated, and with an increase in ambient temperature, diuresis is increased. The qualitative composition of air, water and soil also affects the incidence of urolithiasis. If the water consumed by animals is oversaturated with lime salts, then the acidity of the urine decreases accordingly, which contributes to the excessive accumulation of calcium salts.

2.Dietary conditions
The concentration of urea in the animal’s urine directly depends on the protein content in the animal’s diet. Excessive protein content in cat food (beef - 16.7%, chicken - 19%, fish - 18.5%, cottage cheese - 16.7%), with impaired purine metabolism (the end product of purine metabolism is uric acid), leads to development of uric acid urolithiasis in cats. A decrease in protein content has a positive effect, as it helps to reduce the amount of substrate favorable for the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Lactic acid diet and vegetarian diet contribute to the development of alkaline urolithiasis.

3.Hypovitaminosis of vitamin A
Insufficient vitamin A content in the body contributes to the development of urolithiasis in cats and is associated with insufficient intake of vitamin A-containing foods (vegetable oil, carrots) into the body. Vitamin A deficiency is also observed with sufficient vitamin A content in cat food, which is due to impaired absorption of the gastrointestinal tract ( gastrointestinal tract), as well as the inability of the liver to process beta-caratine into retinol (Vit. A). Vitamin A hypovitaminosis in animals has a negative effect on the epithelial cells of the urinary tract.

ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
1.Hormonal imbalance
The level of calcium in the blood is regulated by the hormone of the parathyroid glands (parathyroid hormone), the hypofunction of which leads to a decrease in the concentration of calcium in the blood of the animal. Excessive release of the hormone causes an increase in calcium levels in the urine and blood. Parathyroid hormone, on the one hand, increases the release of phosphorus and reduces its reabsorption in the renal tubules, on the other hand, it causes an increased release of calcium salts from the bone tissue of the animal’s body. The loss of phosphates leads to the removal of phosphorus compounds from the bones, which are also calcium salts; accordingly, calcium is released, thereby increasing its concentration in the urine and blood.

2.Anatomical features
The specific structure of the urethral canal, which has the shape of a narrow long tube with an S-shaped bend (in front of the penis bone), where urine is inhibited, creates conditions for the deposition of crystals. Due to castration in early age the urethra may have a small diameter, which also contributes to the formation of stones.

3. Gastrointestinal dysfunction
Pathology of digestion and absorption of nutrients, which is facilitated by chronic gastroenteritis and colitis, leads to a change in the acid-base balance, because calcium excretion from the intestines decreases.

4.Infection
Penetration of an infectious agent into the urinary system is possible in three ways:

hematogenously- from distant sources
lymphogenous- from the reproductive organs and intestines
upward path- from the urethra

Urolithiasis and infections affect each other. The calculus causes structural changes and prevents the passage of urine, creating conditions for the development of new populations of microorganisms. On the other hand, the presence of infection in the urinary system increases the likelihood of stone formation.

TYPES OF MAIN STONES FORMED IN CATS:
Struvite(trivalent phosphates)
Oxalates(oxalic acid salts)

The development of urolithiasis in cats does not occur the same way as in humans and dogs. The reason for the formation and precipitation of struvite is an unbalanced diet for feeding cats, an excess of magnesium and phosphorus in food, which leads to a change in the acidity of urine. Predisposing factors for the appearance of insoluble compounds in urine are also: genetic predisposition animal, improper cat lifestyle: inactivity, overweight(obesity), infectious and general diseases.
Domestic cats, descended from ancestors living in conditions of water scarcity, have a good balance of fluid in the body. They are capable of producing urine with a fairly concentrated sediment. This ability can become a major factor in the development of urolithiasis in cats. The diameter of the urethral lumen in cats is three times less than in cats, respectively, the frequency clinical manifestations Urolithiasis is much more common in cats.
Feeding dry food does not contribute to the onset of urolithiasis if the animal has constant access to fresh and clean water, and most importantly, drinks sufficient quantity water.
Oxalates in urine sediment in cats are less common. Males and cats over 8 years of age are more susceptible. The reason is acidification of urine by substances included in the feed, etc.
Uroliths(crystals in urine) are formed when the following reasons:
- Urine contains chemical components from which it is formed. urolith (urinary stone). At the same time, the increased concentration of these components makes it impossible to dissolve them, which contributes to the loss of crystals that collect in microstones.
- Abnormal pH (acidity) of urine, often alkaline.
- Rapid formation of crystals, which does not allow them to be washed out of the urinary tract with separated urine.
- Presence of a matrix or nucleus (cell remains, bacteria, foreign bodies) around which crystals form
- Pathogenic microflora predisposes to urolithiasis (insoluble mineral compounds are synthesized during the life of microorganisms)

DEVELOPMENT OF URINOSIS DISEASE. DIAGNOSTICS
Struvite or oxalates, when precipitated, form crystals in the form of sand and stones. Passing through the urethra with urine, the crystals injure it, thereby causing pain, inflammation and bleeding. There is an increase in urination, which becomes painful, very often there are traces of blood in the urine or the urine turns cherry color. Next, small stones or several grains of sand get stuck in the urethra, creating a plug there, thereby making the outflow of urine from the bladder very difficult, the cat urinates drop by drop, and often the urine stops flowing completely. More urine accumulates in the bladder than comes out; accordingly, the bladder becomes full, which in turn affects the general condition of the cat. The animal becomes inactive, stops eating and drinking, and constantly tries to urinate. The kidneys continuously continue to secrete urine, and it does not matter whether the animal drinks or not, urine continuously flows into the bladder, thereby stretching it to a size comparable to a tennis ball (normally, the bladder is no larger than a walnut). Then the animal's condition rapidly deteriorates. Due to overstretching of the bladder, the blood vessels in the walls burst, blood flows into the lumen of the bladder, urine enters the circulatory system of the body, thereby intoxication occurs. Then vomiting, trembling, and convulsions appear - these symptoms indicate severe poisoning by substances that make up the urine. External manifestation The disease depends on the shape, size and location of the stones. The disease may not manifest itself externally if the stones do not clog the lumens of the urethral canal and do not have sharp edges that would cause mechanical damage mucous membrane. Sometimes, when carrying out visual diagnostic methods, animals were found to have large stones, more than two cm in diameter. The formation time of such a stone is at least one and a half years. However, during this period, no complaints or signs of illness were observed. Suspicions of urolithiasis appear only when there is difficulty urinating, in which the animal strains, often takes an appropriate position, and urine is released in a very weak stream, often with blood, at times interrupted or completely stopped. Urine often contains fine sand.
An overfilled bladder indicates urinary retention, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Diagnosis of urolithiasis in cats is made on the basis of the clinical picture, analysis of the collected anamnesis and the study of salt sediment in urine. additional information the location, shape, size and number of stones can be obtained using x-rays and ultrasound (ultrasound). Urinary stones consist of a framework formed by protein or other organic substances, and crystals of various salts located around it. There are several methods for determining the composition of urinary stones: crystallographic examination, polarization microscopy, X-ray diffraction and spectral analyzes, as well as electron microscopy. The most accessible and simplest diagnostic method today is the method of chemical analysis of stones.

FORECAST
With timely treatment and qualified assistance from a veterinarian, the prognosis is usually good. According to statistics, urinary retention for more than 4 days leads to the death of every second cat. With earlier treatment, treatment results are much better. If all recommendations are followed, relapses of urolithiasis are practically not observed.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF URILOSIS DISEASE OF CATS
Since urolithiasis is a severe polyetiological metabolic disease, its treatment requires a complex set of therapeutic and preventive measures.
Animals with urolithiasis require both conservative and surgical treatment methods. Success in the treatment of urolithiasis largely depends on timely diagnosis and measures taken. However, surgical intervention relieves the animal only of the stone, but not of urolithiasis as a whole. Conservative treatment of urolithiasis requires a long time and must be carried out before surgery, during the postoperative period and for a long time after surgery.
Primary therapeutic measure for urolithiasis is to ensure adequate urine outflow and restore patency of the urethra. To do this, bladder catheterization is performed under general anesthesia. The impossibility of catheterization is an indication for surgical intervention. Usually surgical treatment in case of urolithiasis, it is performed using the epicystostomy method: in this case, the bladder is opened and cleaned, then a temporary catheter is placed on the abdominal wall to empty the bladder. Intensive treatment is carried out for 4-14 days, after which the catheter is removed and the cat continues to live a full life. Usually, all operated cats with urinary retention of 3 days or less recover.

Conservative treatment urolithiasis is indicated for small stones and sand that can pass away spontaneously; when the stone does not cause a disturbance in the outflow (passage) of urine; presence of chronic infection; after surgical removal of the urolith, in order to prevent relapse.
Conservative treatment includes a number of therapies that are used in combination:
- Analgesic and antispasmodic
- Anti-inflammatory (antibacterial)
- General strengthening
- Diet therapy

Surgical treatment urolithiasis is indicated in case of prolonged strangulation of a calculus, accompanied by signs of urinary stagnation; the presence of a calculus that is unable to pass away on its own, complicated by pain, macro- and microhematuria; state of severe intoxication; the presence of a concomitant infection, as indicated by a rise in body temperature to 40 C. Contraindications to surgical treatment of urolithiasis are diseases of the cardiovascular system, respiratory and liver failure, and cerebrovascular accident.
During the treatment of urolithiasis, it is also necessary to correct and maintain the normal functioning of all body systems, namely: intensively combat intoxication and replenish the loss of blood and fluid, monitor the function of the kidneys and heart. This entire set of problems is solved by competent infusion therapy (drips) in combination with additional studies of urine, blood and cardiac function.

Treatment and prevention (including medical nutrition) are prescribed to each animal individually by a veterinarian, after conducting a set of studies (clinical examination, laboratory diagnostics, ultrasound).

The goal of prevention is to prevent the occurrence of the disease, timely identification of the danger of stone formation and its elimination.
Recommended:
- Abundant giving liquid to increase daily diuresis (tea, chamomile decoction, mineral water)
- Decrease body weight, this is achieved by reducing caloric intake
- Security unchanged functioning of the digestive tract. In case of constipation, the use of laxatives that do not cause a shift in the balance of electrolytes
- Non-admission hypothermia of the animal
- Choice diets are carried out depending on the type of stones that caused the disease.

DIET FOR OXALATE STONES (OXALATES)
The diet prescribed for oxalate stones should limit the intake of oxalic acid, a large amount of which is found in the liver, kidneys, tea and other products. The consumption of foods rich in calcium (milk, cheese, cottage cheese, etc.) is limited. It is necessary to include in the diet foods with a predominance of alkaline valences, such as beets, cauliflower, legumes, etc. We recommend foods rich in magnesium (rice, peas, boiled meat and fish, cereals and vegetables). Canned medicinal food for cats Hill's Prescription Diet Feline X/D. Dry and canned medicinal food Eukanuba Oxalate Urinary Formula.

DIET FOR PHOSPHATE STONES (STRUVITES)
Sick animals with phosphaturolithiasis are prescribed a regimen that promotes the oxidation of urine, converting it from an alkaline reaction to an acidic one. If possible, it is necessary to exclude products with a high content of calcium compounds (milk, cheese, cottage cheese, eggs (yolk), curdled milk, etc.). Recommended: boiled beef, veal, egg (white), rice, carrots, oatmeal (in small quantities), liver, cabbage, fish (eel, pike). Canned and dry medicated food for cats Hill's Prescription Diet Feline S/D, for the prevention of struvite formation Hill's Prescription Diet C/D. Dry and canned medicinal food Eukanuba Struvite Urinary Formula.

When using dietary rations, it is necessary to take into account some nuances. The acidifying effect of feed on urine can be either excessive or insufficient. Therefore, repeated urine tests are required during treatment. All medicated foods have contraindications, so before giving them to your pets, you should consult a veterinarian. Manufacturers of cat food do not recommend combining ready-made dry or canned food with natural (homemade) food. It is strictly forbidden to mix ready-made food with porridge or other products in a cat’s feeding bowl. The cat should always have access to fresh, clean water (preferably filtered).
The basis for the prevention of urolithiasis in cats- a balanced diet and prevention of obesity. Avoid long-term use monotonous foods rich in salts (fish, milk, various seafood, mineral supplements, etc.), as well as hard drinking water. The diet is enriched with vitamins, and when feeding a pet dry food, food marked “for castrated animals” or “for the prevention of urolithiasis” is used.
Professional food and premium food, such as Hills, Eukanuba, Royal Canin, have a good preventive effect. Unsatisfactory results were observed after feeding with Whiskas, Doko, Dr. Clauders (Doctor Clauders), Darling (Darling).

Genitourinary system of cats

Kidney stones in cats - signs, pathogenesis and first aid

Urolithiasis in cats: symptoms, treatment, detailed pathogenesis and basics of prevention. Cat nutrition for urolithiasis, features of keeping.

Urolithiasis (UCD) is one of the most common forms of pathology in cats. Moreover, the ICD is probable cause death of pets and the veterinarian very often has to deal with this urinary tract disease.

According to statistics, the occurrence and development of urolithiasis correlates with the age of the animal. It has been established that the maximum incidence occurs in age group from 1 year to 6 years. Another statistically reliable conclusion is that cats get sick more often, which is associated with greater tortuosity and narrowness of the urinary tract in males.

The danger of urolithiasis

Urolithiasis, or urolithiasis, is a chronic disease in which urinary sand and stones are formed in the urinary tract of an animal. The urinary tract includes the renal tubules, ureters, bladder and urethra. Concretions themselves are not dangerous, but can cause a number of conditions and conditions that can cause significant harm to the health of the animal:

• · They injure the mucous membrane, thereby causing bleeding and pain.
• · Stones and sand interfere with the flow of urine, which at the peak of the disease can lead to the development of acute renal failure.
• · If the outflow of urine is delayed, it may become infected and reflux (reverse reflux) into the overlying parts of the urine excretion system (renal pelvis and tubules) with the development of an inflammatory process in them.

The last two circumstances can cause death.

Causes of urolithiasis in cats

The entire extensive list etiological factors are divided into two main groups: exogenous (external causes) and endogenous (internal).

The exogenous etiological group includes the characteristics of the habitat, the nature and quality of the animal’s diet. TO internal reasons include the hormonal background of the animal’s body, the anatomical features of its urinary tract, the quality of the digestive system, as well as the reactivity and resistance (stability) of the internal environment in conditions of bacterial aggression.

• · Features of the habitat. If the animal is kept in a region with a hot climate, then a significant proportion of excess water is released through exhaled steam. Consequently, the daily volume of water excreted by the kidneys in urine - diuresis - decreases. Urine becomes more concentrated, which is one of the conditions for stone formation.
• In this etiological group there is another factor - the mineral composition of water and soil, namely the concentration of calcium salts in them. The consumption of such hypercalcified water leads to the creation increased concentrations of this element in the urine, which can cause the formation of stones.
• · The nature and quality of the cat’s diet. We are talking about protein foods rich in nucleic acids. The final product of protein metabolism is urea, and the breakdown of nucleic acids produces uric acid. Therefore, when an animal is overfed with protein foods, high probability creating hyperconcentrations of urea and uric acid in the urine, which contributes to the formation of sand and stones from them. This phenomenon is called uric acid urolithiasis. In order to reduce the risk of occurrence and development of urolithiasis in a cat, it is recommended to reduce the content meat products in the animal’s diet, and shift the balance of the diet towards vegetables, cereals and dairy products.

In the same group of etiological factors and conditions contributing to the development of urolithiasis is a deficiency in the body of retinol (vitamin A). The condition is called hypo- or vitamin deficiency A. Retinol is found in products of animal origin, as well as yellow or red vegetables. The list includes cod liver, fish oil, caviar, egg yolks, butter, milk, sour cream, cream, cottage cheese, carrots and others. Vitamin A normalizes the function of nutrient absorption by the cells of the intestinal wall responsible for this. Therefore, its deficiency can be a fatal factor in the occurrence of urolithiasis in cats.

• · Hormonal background of the internal environment of the animal’s body. The cause of urolithiasis in cats can be a violation of the hormonal regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism by the parathyroid gland. Its hormones - parathyroid hormone and calciotonin - are responsible for the content of calcium and phosphorus ions in the blood and urine.

Parathyroid hormone increases the amount of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemic effect). Calciotonin is a parathyroid hormone antagonist, a hypocalcemic factor. In addition, parathyroid hormone and calciotonin affect phosphorus metabolism, reducing its concentration in the blood.

Parathyroid hormone in bone tissue and in the intestines enhances the mobilization and movement of calcium ions into the blood. In the kidneys, it stimulates the reabsorption of calcium into the blood and inhibits the absorption of phosphates.

Calcitonin stimulates the deposition of calcium in bone tissue, inhibits the absorption of calcium and phosphates in the intestine, and enhances the excretion of calcium by the kidneys.

In the development of urolithiasis in cats, it is the increase in the production of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands that is relevant. This condition is called hyperparathyroidism, and the main targets are the kidneys and bone tissue. Calcification occurs in the bone tissue, softening of the bone and, sometimes, deformation of the skeleton. The kidneys increase the excretion of phosphates in the urine. As a result, the calcium content in the blood and urine increases, which makes it possible to form urinary stones of the appropriate chemical nature.

• · Anatomical features of the urinary tract in cats. The urethra of male cats is quite narrow. This fact increases the turbulence (swirling) of the urine flow, changes its physical and chemical properties and contributes to the precipitation of mineral deposits, from which sand and stones are formed over time, with repeated repetitions.
• · The quality of the digestive system. What is important here are those diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in which calcium is retained in the internal environment of the body. These are mainly inflammatory diseases of the walls of the stomach, small and large intestines.
• · Reducing the reactivity and resistance (stability) of the internal environment in conditions of bacterial aggression (infection). Infection of urine and disruption of its outflow act as synergists in creating an ideal habitat for pathogenic microorganisms. At the same time, both factors mutually reinforce each other, promoting the return of infection to the bladder, ureters and renal pelvis. Stagnation of urine increases intratubular pressure, inhibiting the filtration of blood plasma in the glomeruli. In itself, an untreated infectious process of any origin can cause acute inhibition of the filtration of primary urine (the “shock kidney” effect), and in combination with a violation of the outflow of urine, it becomes a serious cause of the occurrence and development of acute renal failure and the subsequent cause of death of the animal.

Types of urinary formations and risk factors for their development

The most common stones found in animals of this species according to their chemical origin are divided into salts of phosphoric acid (struvite or phosphates), salts of oxalic acid (oxalates) and salts of uric acid (urates).

Struvite.

These are the most common salts found in cat urine sediment. This is the basis for the formation of stones of a phosphate nature and the main factor here is an excess of phosphorus in the food consumed by the animal, firstly, and food that gives an acidic urine reaction, secondly. Struvite is an alkaline salt, so it is highly soluble in an alkaline medium. When the urine reaction changes to acidic, these salts lose solubility, precipitate and become the basis for stone formation. Thus, the decisive factor in the occurrence of urolithiasis with phosphate stones is food with a high phosphorus content - fish. Of course, there are other foods rich in phosphorus, but cats, as a rule, do not eat them. For cats, the actual cause of phosphate stone formation is precisely the consumption of fish - raw or boiled.

In addition, there are conditions conducive to the formation of phosphate stones. By themselves they cannot cause the onset pathological process, but if there is a reason, they contribute and accelerate its development. Such risk factors include hereditary predisposition, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and previous diseases.

The hereditary predisposition is that cats have a developed ability to retain water in the body. Cats received this phylogenetic inheritance from their ancestors, who existed in conditions of water scarcity. Cat urine is naturally highly concentrated. However, in modern conditions home care this ability changes its absolutely positive significance in reverse side. With ill-conceived, random, uncontrolled nutrition, the process of phosphate stone formation can begin. Therefore, your cat should always have access to clean and fresh drinking water.

Oxalates.

These are salts of oxalic acid, which are formed when animals consume feed containing an excess amount of this substance - nuts, seeds and others. However, cats consume this type of food extremely rarely. Perhaps, of course, individual taste preference, but still oxalate calculi are rare.

Urats.

Uric acid salts. They are formed in all situations that are accompanied by the disintegration of cell nuclei with the release of nucleic acids and their further degradation into uric acid. This is possible in conditions of recovery due to

Struvite from a cat's bladder.

past infectious and inflammatory diseases, as well as with a feeding regime overloaded with meat. There are other reasons, for example, keeping the animal in an area with high radioactivity.

Pathogenesis of the disease

Precipitated salts are physical formations that have volume and dimensions. They reduce the diameter of the lumen of the urinary tract, injure their mucous membrane, damage the integrity of the walls of mucosal vessels, and irritate pain receptors.

An inflammatory reaction of the urinary tract develops, which is manifested by swelling and thickening of their walls, bleeding or hemorrhage, painful sensations and pain when urinating.

This period is accompanied by the appearance of the first urinary symptoms of the disease:

• · hematuria – the presence of red blood cells in the urinary sediment;
• Polakisuria – frequent, painful urination in small portions;
• · dysuria – uneven portions of urination during the day;
• · strong painful sensations limit the activity of the animal.

These signs of urolithiasis in cats increase as the pathological process progresses. The obstacle to the outflow of urine gradually increases and stagnation forms in the urinary system.

The cat still has the urge to urinate, but to no avail. An attentive owner will definitely pay attention to this and see an empty tray after the pet’s repeated attempts. I would like to draw the attention of the interested reader to the fact that it is at this moment that you should immediately seek veterinary help.

Obturation (blockage) of the urinary tract leads to its retention in the tubular system. The blockage can be at any level: the urethra or the ureters - all lead to an increase in hydrostatic pressure in the renal tubules. The fact of an increase in intratubular pressure immediately inhibits the process of filtration of blood plasma. This means that all metabolic products that must be excreted from the body, including highly toxic ones, remain in the internal environment. Acute inhibition of urine filtration in the glomeruli is called acute renal failure. The retention of poisons initiates general intoxication, which manifests itself as a pronounced deterioration in the general condition of the animal. Lethargy, obvious weakness, inactivity, lack of interest in the food offered, constant lying down, as it worsens, vomiting and convulsions - all these are signs of urolithiasis in cats as a stop in the formation of urine due to a delay in its outflow.

Failure to contact a veterinarian in the presence of frequent and unsuccessful attempts to empty the bladder, along with the above clinical signs, will inevitably lead to the death of the animal.

Diagnosis of stones in the genitourinary system

Diagnosis of urolithiasis in this species of animals is aimed at clarifying the pathological process, determining the degree of severity in each specific case and choice of treatment methods. Signs of urolithiasis in cats and treatment must be taken into account in combination with each other. Therapy can be based on a combination of surgical and drug treatment, or only medication.

Large crystals in the shape of stars and cylinders are clearly visible - the basis of urinary sand.

It is necessary to record the anamnestic data determined in a conversation with the owner, who talks about the signs of trouble in his pet that he observes, an examination of the sick animal, laboratory research and, if necessary, ultrasound diagnostics (ultrasound).

Laboratory examination of urine - required condition, which is required by urolithiasis in cats. The symptoms of which are as follows:

• Hematuria – the appearance of red blood cells in the urinary sediment. There may be microhematuria, when the color of the urine does not change. If it becomes red or acquires a reddish tint, then this phenomenon is called gross hematuria, which is also possible with urolithiasis;
• · Oliguria – a decrease in the daily amount of urine. Normally, this volume should be approximately equal to the volume of liquid drunk. An extreme variant of the disorder is anuria - complete cessation of urination;
• hypersthenuria – high specific gravity urine during the day, which determines its high concentration.

X-ray of a cat with urolithiasis. Large stones in the bladder area are clearly visible.

Urolithiasis in cats, treatment and medications

The formation of sand and stones in the urinary tract occurs as a result of pathological disturbances in the physicochemical properties of urine, namely changes in its mineral composition, pH reaction, daily amount and concentration. Therefore, treatment of urolithiasis in cats should be aimed, firstly, at radical elimination of the factor that closes the lumen of the urine excretion pathways; secondly, for such an intervention in metabolism at the organismal level, which will correct and normalize all physico-chemical changes, thereby eliminating the possibility of the formation of calculi.

The first problem is solved surgically, the second - with conservative therapy.

Surgical restoration of the patency of the urine outflow tract is performed through catheterization. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. A catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. If urethral catheterization is impossible, the epicystostomy technique is used, when a catheter is inserted into the bladder through the abdominal wall, through an incision on the wall of the bladder. The catheter ensures the unimpeded flow of urine and is installed for a limited time: from four to fourteen days.

During this time period, the second task must be solved - restoration of the functions of organs and systems, the chemical composition and physical characteristics of urine as a biological fluid and the elimination of conditions conducive to stone formation in the urinary tract.

To solve the second problem, conservative drug and dietary therapy is used. The goals of drug therapy are to relieve pain syndrome and spastic contraction of the smooth muscles of the urine outflow tract, combating intoxication and infectious and inflammatory complications of the process. For this purpose, painkillers and antispasmodics, intravenous drips of drugs, as well as antibacterial drugs are prescribed.

Properly selected nutrition for a cat with urolithiasis will provide a painless intervention in metabolism, the normalization of which will eliminate disturbances in the physical and chemical properties of urine that contribute to stone formation. Proper feeding should become a way of life for the animal. You must not feed your animal products that are known to be unacceptable. This is a guarantee of well-being throughout the cat's life.

It is worth emphasizing that urolithiasis in cats cannot be treated at home. Making a diagnosis and how to treat urolithiasis in cats is the prerogative of a purely veterinarian, who will prescribe the necessary therapy strictly individually.

Prevention of urolithiasis in cats

Due to natural features This type of animal, urolithiasis in cats is a fairly common disease. That's why preventive actions should be carried out for life to prevent the formation of stones or to exclude periods of exacerbation if the disease already exists.

First of all, your cat should always have clean and fresh water in his drinking bowl.

One more an important condition is to prevent hypothermia of the animal. You need to make sure that the cat does not sleep in drafts. If there are such places in the house, then the deficiency must be eliminated or the animal must be prohibited from being there.

And finally, the most important thing is the selection of food products. It depends on the chemical composition of the stones and the surrounding environmental conditions.

If an individual case of urolithiasis is associated with the presence of oxalates in the urine, then the intake of products containing these substances into the body should be strictly limited. There are foods with high, medium and low oxalate density. But the animal will not consume many of them on its own. For example, these are tea and coffee, peanuts and orange juice.

What to feed a cat with urolithiasis?

Here is a list of oxalate-containing foods that may end up in a cat's bowl: buckwheat, brown rice, beef kidneys, liver, sardines, plain yogurt or with fruit. All these products should be excluded from the animal's diet.

Here is a list of recommended products: fermented milk drinks, chicken meat and eggs without yolk, potatoes. We emphasize that these are only those products that may end up in a cat’s bowl. For humans, their range is wider.

Urinary stones of phosphate origin (struvite) are formed when food with an acidic reaction and rich in phosphorus enters the body. Therefore, you cannot feed any fish to an animal, with or without cooking, as well as the bones of birds, fish, and animals. Refrain from giving your pet calcium-containing foods - milk, cheese, cottage cheese, egg yolk, curdled milk. Chicken meat, egg whites, carrots, and a little oatmeal are healthy and allowed.

If a cat has developed urolithiasis due to the formation of urate sand and stones, then fish and meat dishes will be prohibited foods, and dairy and plant products will be permitted.

After completing a course of treatment at a veterinary clinic, the doctor will definitely prescribe routine examinations. You definitely need to go through them. In addition, the veterinarian will recommend the most suitable dry food, taking into account individual characteristics case. Medicinal food for cats with urolithiasis is marked as “Urinary”. All permitted products can be added to this food.

The prognosis for the disease is favorable provided that you seek veterinary help in a timely manner.

In addition, you may be interested in the article -. Subscribe to