Feline Bladder Stones (Urolithiasis) Symptoms and Treatments

Bladder stones have become much more common over the last twenty to thirty years and veterinary surgeons are seeing a worrying increase in the numbers of affected cats brought to surgery. Bladder stones are not one of the feline diseases as such but are a sign of an imbalance in the chemical structure of the blood and urine; current thought is that the change in manufacture of pet food to a higher pH (acidity level) of pet food in response to a low incidence of bladder stones about a generation ago has resulted in higher incidence rates of hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium) which results in a higher incidence of calcified stones in the bladder.

The signs and symptoms of feline bladder stones are straining, an inability to pass water upon natural impulse and an increase in attempts to pass water at odd times. Occasionally there will be blood seen around the urethral opening. Cats may also be seen licking the external genital area in an effort to relieve the discomfort and pressure, and they will not want to eat or drink.

This condition needs immediate treatment not only because of the cat's acute discomfort but because of the problems associated with backflow from the bladder up to the kidneys and possible kidney filtration issues, so the cat must be taken to the vet as an emergency. The vet can perform diagnostic tests, the most effective of which will be an X-ray as a calcified stone will show up on X ray as an opaque white circular shape of varying size, situated in the bladder.

There is no medical treatment that can be used to treat the stones if they are causing blockage, and surgery will be required to ensure that the stone is removed in its entirety. It is a simple operation through a small abdominal incision under anaesthetic and the cat will feel immediate benefit afterwards. He will need to be watched for any further bladder problems, and it may be advised that his diet is changed so as to reduce the pH level in his food. Many owners are choosing to change to the specific diets manufactured by Hills, Royal Canin (formerly Waltham), or are deciding to begin preparing meals at home using fresh, natural raw ingredients as these are of the optimum pH level for the cat's genetic make up.

It may be that the cat has a genetic disposition to form stones, in which case he will need to be carefully monitored and checked regularly, and blood and urine tests carried out to keep a running guide of his urine and blood pH levels. If he does develop higher pH levels the vet can then advise treatment and dietary change accordingly.

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