| Just as humans can have problems with the | | | | not your cat is suffering from urinary stones. Some |
| formation of stones in the urinary tract, the same is | | | | of these tests include:o Performing a medical history |
| true of your feline friend. While these stones, which | | | | as well as a physical examination of the abdomeno |
| are referred to as uroliths or calculi, can be found | | | | Evaluation of the urineo Abdominal x-rayso Blood |
| anywhere in the urinary tract or the kidneys, they | | | | testso Abdominal ultrasoundso Contrast dye x-rays |
| are most commonly found inside the bladder. | | | | How to Treat Feline Urinary Stones |
| What Causes Feline Urinary Stones to Occur | | | | If your veterinarian confirms that your cat is |
| Feline urinary stones are formed when the urine | | | | suffering from urinary stones, there are several |
| becomes overly saturated with certain types of | | | | different treatment options that he or she may |
| minerals. There are a number of different factors | | | | pursue. Some of these include:o Antibiotics to treat |
| that can cause the oversaturation to occur. For | | | | any bacterial infections that may have developedo |
| example, your cat may experience changes in pH | | | | Removing the stones through dietary changes or |
| level, certain minerals may become more | | | | surgeryo Medication, which will need to be given to |
| concentrated in the urine or certain stimulators and | | | | your cat over a period of time |
| inhibitors may become present in the urine. Some | | | | You can also help your cat pass the stones by |
| things that can cause these factors to develop | | | | making certain it has regular access to fresh, clean |
| include:o Geneticso Changes in dieto Changes in | | | | water. In order to make certain your kitty has |
| water intakeo Certain metabolic diseaseso Congenital | | | | returned to good health, it is important to take your |
| problemso Bacterial infections | | | | cat to the vet for a follow-up visit about 5 to 7 days |
| How to Recognizing Feline Urinary Stones | | | | after treatment started. This way, new urine cultures |
| The symptoms associated with feline urinary stones | | | | can be taken and your vet can check to see |
| are fairly easy to recognize. These include:o Frequent | | | | whether or not the treatment program has been a |
| urinationo Difficulty with urinationo Urination in | | | | success. |
| inappropriate placeso Blood in the urineo Back paino | | | | Although most stones are difficult to prevent, you |
| Abdominal paino Abnormal odor in the urine | | | | can help reduce your cat's risk of developing urinary |
| Unfortunately, many pets do not show any | | | | stones by making certain to always provide it with |
| symptoms at all. In these cases, it may be quite | | | | fresh, clean water and by encouraging it to drink on |
| difficult to realize your pet has a problem. | | | | a regular basis. In addition, it is important for you to |
| How to Diagnose Feline Urinary Stones | | | | keep a close eye on your pet's habits. This way, |
| If you suspect your kitty may be suffering from | | | | when you notice a change that may be consistent |
| stones, it is important to see the veterinarian as soon | | | | with urinary stones or other disorders, you can take |
| as possible. When you visit the vet, he or she will run | | | | your feline friend to the vet as soon as possible. |
| a number of different tests to determine whether or | | | | |