What to give a cat with urolithiasis. Urolithiasis in cats

Urolithiasis disease in cats was discovered in the 70s of the XX century. Initially, scientists assumed that the disease appears due to the virus. This assumption has not been proven. There was also a version that urolithiasis appears from dry food. And there was not enough evidence for this assertion. Veterinarians now claim that low water intake and elevated pH levels lead to disease. This is due to the fact that cats have a weakened sense of thirst. Statistics show that it is with this problem that they most often turn to veterinary clinics.

Causes of urolithiasis in cats and cats

Urolithiasis in cats (urolithiasis) is associated with metabolic disorders, which leads to the appearance of sand and stones. At correct work The body's decay products must be completely excreted in the urine. It becomes dangerous that the pet may already have urolithiasis, and the owner will not notice the symptoms for several years.

But for cats, the disease is more complicated than for cats. The diameter of the urethra of cats is three times smaller than that of females. Predisposed to cat disease persian breed and her mestizos. Siamese, Burmese, Carthusian cats are also often sick. Between the ages of one and six years, urolithiasis most commonly develops in cats. The reasons for this are explained by veterinarians.

Symptoms of the disease

A lot of trouble causes urolithiasis in cats. Symptoms of the disease are very difficult to recognize at the beginning of its appearance. At the first stage of the development of the disease, the cat behaves as usual. She eats well, looks great and does not change her usual behavior. If urolithiasis could be diagnosed at the first stages of its appearance, it would greatly facilitate the treatment of cats. Signs of urolithiasis in cats become clearly visible when the situation that has arisen can threaten the pet's life.

The symptoms manifest themselves in different ways. It depends on the shape, size and location of the stones. Acute uroliths cause discomfort to pets. It hurts the cat to go to the toilet.

She is longer than usual on a vessel or under a bush. This is due to the fact that the stones, moving, injure the surface of the mucous membrane with sharp edges.

With the appearance of a small sediment in the urine, urolithiasis in cats begins.

Symptoms are grade 4.

First degree:

The cat begins to form crystals in urinary tract. Owners cannot see this degree.

Second degree:

The first symptoms appear that an attentive owner can notice. This is frequent urination, the appearance of blood in the discharge, frequent washing out of the genitals.

Third degree:

Symptoms are pronounced. The cat often goes to the toilet, cats constantly sit down, urine comes out with blood, when urinating, the pet meows, lies down heavily, lethargic, bladder dense.

Fourth degree:

Dangerous for a cat. The cat stops going to the toilet, does not eat, convulsions, vomiting begin.

Signs of urolithiasis in cats at an early stage can only be determined by a specialist in a veterinary clinic. Treatment should be started as soon as at least one of the above symptoms has been noticed. Veterinarians recommend not to self-medicate, but to contact specialists.

To make a correct diagnosis, the clinic must have a laboratory. Its presence will help to get the results of blood and urine tests faster. You also need to go to the veterinary hospital, where they can take an x-ray and ultrasound.

Urolithiasis disease. Medications

In cats, urolithiasis is treated in a variety of ways.

The basic principles of treatment are based on three points.

1. lighten acute condition and restore the flow of urine. For this there are various ways. Measures will depend on the complexity of the situation of the pet.
2. Carrying out antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy.
3. Preventive measures: diet, herbal medicine, testing with regularity once a month, ultrasound procedure organs of the genitourinary system.

Treatment of urolithiasis in cats is carried out based on the degree of its development at the time of treatment. The doctor chooses a method of treatment or surgery. The main goal at any degree of the disease is the removal of stones and sand from the body of the animal. The animal must be freed from particles that prevent him from freely doing his business. In this case, the veterinarian always prescribes a strict diet. A cat or a cat should eat the food that does not provoke the formation of stones and sand.

Medicines that may be prescribed are aimed at relieving inflammation, spasm, and pain. The veterinarian prescribes in such cases the drugs "Baralgin", "Spazmolitin", "Atropine", "Platifillin", "Novocaine" and other drugs.

Methods of treatment of urolithiasis in cats

Among the methods by which urolithiasis is treated in cats, there is the simplest one - this is catheterization. A catheter is inserted into the urinary canal. Veterinarians also perform urethrostomy. This is an operation to establish an opening in the urethra. Stones are taken out through it and do not allow it to overgrow until the condition of the animal stabilizes. The "cystotomy" method is used when the stones cannot come out on their own. The doctor opens the cavity of the bladder and removes stones from it. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

1. Catheterization is the introduction of a special tube into the channel for the forced drainage of urine. This is done by the veterinarian. The catheter is sometimes sutured. The animal must walk with him for 2-3 days. This procedure is carried out if stones are found, the urethra is swollen and re-blockage of the canal is possible. After the catheter is removed, the pet is put on a drip and prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs.

2. Urethrostomy is used in cases where the urethra is regularly clogged. The operation consists in removing the scrotum, testicles, penis and part of the urethra. The urethra is opened and sutured open to the skin. After the operation, it is necessary to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the wound so as not to get an infection. genitourinary system. After this procedure, the animal loses its appetite, becomes depressed and is in a depressed state.

3. Cystotomy is the removal of stones from the bladder of an animal. The operation is considered more effective when large stones are found in the bladder. Recovery occurs within two weeks.

Folk remedies

Is it possible to use non-traditional methods when is urolithiasis detected in cats? Treatment folk remedies, such as herbs, charms and lotions, are not recommended for use without consulting a veterinarian. The doctor may advise the use of herbal infusions and homeopathy only for early stages disease development and prevention. Self-treatment urolithiasis in cats can not only not help, but also harm.

To prevent the appearance of stones in the genitourinary system, it is necessary to brew healing herbs and give the resulting decoction to the pet. Among the herbs that can be used for these purposes, it is necessary to highlight the following: heather, lingonberry, plantain, bearberry and many others.

A decoction of lingonberry leaves is made in the following way. Dilute a handful of herbs with 3 cups of water and boil for 10 minutes. Heather in the amount of 1 tablespoon insist all night in half a liter of boiling water in a thermos.

The veterinarian may prescribe folk remedies for urolithiasis after treatment. In the treatment prescribed homeopathic remedies. These are preparations "Kantaris", "Apis", "Capsicum", "Magnesia", "Kotervin", "Healthy kidneys" and many others.

When is treatment done at home?

Illness can easily take chronic form. What should owners do when traveling home with a recovered pet that has been diagnosed with feline urolithiasis? Treatment at home is prescribed by a doctor, based on the degree of development of the disease at the time of contacting the clinic.

If the disease has become chronic, then the animal is required Special attention. Prevention of urolithiasis in cats consists of several main points:

1. The constant presence of water in the bowl.
2. Protection of the pet from drafts and hypothermia.
3. Selection of special food.
4. Active pet lifestyle.
5. Regular use of vitamins

It has already been observed that overweight cats and cats are more prone to this disease. Therefore, it must be reduced to without fail. Feed for cats with urolithiasis should be selected with the mark "for neutered cats" or "for the prevention of urolithiasis". Some foods may have recommendations for use if cats have urolithiasis. Diet is also essential.

Types of urinary stones

For correct selection diet you need to know what type urinary stones at the pet.

With urolithiasis, after procedures for removing sand and stones, cats are prescribed treatment at home. The owner's main concern is keeping the diet. Stones happen different origin, therefore, the diet for urolithiasis in cats is different.

If the stones have a phosphate nature of formation, then when compiling a diet, it is necessary to focus on the fact that the products should increase the acidity of the urine. The basis of the diet should be meat. Dairy products must not be consumed. You can give limited amounts of vegetables with low content calcium and alkali. It can be pumpkin, Brussels sprouts. Add a few drops to drinking water lemon juice, currant, cranberry, apple and any other. The main thing is that the juice used should be sour.

With the formation of oxalate stones, it is necessary to exclude from the diet those foods that contain oxalic acid. These are sour vegetables that cats and cats do not eat anyway. Such stones help to remove infusions of grape leaves, blackcurrant, pear. It is useful to eat white and black bread, vegetable oil, cereals, animal fats. You can give small portions of meat, fish and eggs.

If stones arose from salts uric acid, broths, liver sausage, offal are excluded from the menu. Products that contain purine must be boiled, then part of the harmful components will pass into the broth. The nutrition of cats with urolithiasis must be agreed with the veterinarian.

Nutrition Features

It is useful for animals to eat raw meat with blood. This will help boost your metabolism. It is better to use lamb for these purposes. Fish is strictly prohibited for animals predisposed to urolithiasis. It is also necessary to exclude cheap food. You can give lactic acid products. They contribute to the normalization of microflora. Nutrition should be varied as much as possible. Mix food and natural food. The best natural food for cats and cats from early childhood will be meat, dairy products, vegetables and cereals. If you prefer food, then you can use only dietary food. Experts recommend mixing natural food with high quality food.

Be sure to give cats extra vitamins. For natural feeding the owner can prepare small portions for some time in reserve. They can be stored in the freezer. When you need to feed a pet, you need to get a portion and defrost. Cats are allowed to eat beef, chicken, lamb, vegetables, quail eggs, cereals. Meat is mixed with vegetables and cereals. Pass through a meat grinder so that the mass becomes homogeneous. Any meat before use should be frozen for 3-4 days. Give to a cat, treated with boiling water. Fish can only be given boiled and in small quantities.

Forbidden to eat: pork, raw fish, oatmeal, wheat groats, legumes and milk.

Disadvantages of natural nutrition

Many experts believe that homemade food can't be in sufficient balanced. The quality of products that are purchased for animals does not always meet the requirements that must be met to prevent the disease. Vitamins must be added to such food. Vitamin supplements on sale are presented in such a variety that some of them cause distrust. For selection vitamin complex a veterinarian should be consulted. It is recommended to purchase the additive from the same manufacturer, without interfering with everything possible options. At different ages and conditions of the pet, he needs a certain set of vitamins and microelements, which can only be properly balanced by a specialist. If there is a desire and time to properly organize feeding natural food, then such an initiative can only be welcomed. More often, quite the opposite happens.

For those who do not have time to organize the feeding of a cat with natural products, feed manufacturers offer a large selection of food for cats with urolithiasis. It can be given for prevention, interfering with other types of feed.

Ready-made cat food

Foods are presented in dry form and in jars or bags with juicy pieces. Don't buy the first cat food you see. Urolithiasis requires a serious attitude to its selection.

There is a huge selection of dry food on the market today. In cheap mixtures of economy class there are no necessary elements for the full development of a pet. The protein found in this type of feed is not digestible. Therefore, it is necessary to take high-class products without putting your pet's health at risk. You need to choose a food that will always be available for purchase. You should not transfer a cat or a cat from a premium or super premium food to a budget option. This can lead to gastrointestinal disease.

The most optimal variant of a balanced diet can be written by the formula:

100% food = 75% dry food + 25% canned food.

Drinking water for your pet should always be available and fresh and clean. It would be better if it is passed through a filter. boiled water not recommended for cats. It has a bad effect on the condition of the teeth and can destroy them due to the reduced content of calcium salts in it. cats drink less dogs because of its origin. The first cats appeared in northern Africa, where drought most often prevails. They may wake up at night to drink. Therefore, when they have a desire to quench their thirst, they should do it freely.

For cats different ages and the state of nutrition should be selected individually. Ready-made food is made for kittens, pregnant cats, neutered cats, aging and overweight pets. Therefore, nutrition from ready-made packages is considered by many experts to be more correct.

Urolithiasis is recorded in cats quite often. Although cats are much more common. So why do these health problems occur? How is KSD manifested in cats and cats? How to recognize it in time? What steps can you take to save your pet? How to treat urolithiasis? We will talk about this in our article.

Urolithiasis in cats is chronic illness. In a sick animal, pebbles form in the kidneys, ureters or bladder. They have a variety of sizes and shapes. It all starts with sand, which is an insoluble salt.

Can you imagine what it is? Not? Then look into the kettle, which boiled unfiltered water for a long time. So on the walls and at the bottom you will see scale - these are insoluble salts. Of course, the body does not boil anything, but this is a simple example of what stones look like. Only now the urlites are "prickly", which gives the animal severe pain, scratches the mucous membrane of the ureters and bladder.

Causes of urolithiasis

The main cause of urolithiasis in cats is a metabolic disorder. What does this mean in practice? Now we will try to explain to you why this very metabolism is disturbed. So, the reasons are in order.

Poor or unbalanced diet

This is the main cause of KSD in cats and cats. Many owners mistakenly believe that dry food is the culprit. In fact this is not true. Yes, if you buy budget food, often change manufacturers (and each has its own ratio of proteins, carbohydrates and fats) or alternate natural food and industrial feed (or mix in one bowl), then health problems will arise sooner or later. However, if you approach the choice of food with all responsibility, then the pet will not have any ICD.

Feeding exclusively natural food is not a guarantee of health. So many pet owners are convinced that feeding exclusively on fish (some are too risky, give raw meat and fish products) and meat is very healthy. By no means!

If you give only protein foods daily, you will develop kidney failure(kidneys simply begin to fail). Even people should not eat only protein foods, there should be foods containing both fats and carbohydrates on the menu. The same applies to pets. Of course, there should not be a lot of carbohydrates and fats, otherwise obesity will develop (and it is a consequence of metabolic disorders, again). Therefore, the diet must be composed correctly.

Small amount of water or its poor quality

The second reason for KSD in cats is a small amount of water or if it is of poor quality (especially if it is from the tap and not filtered). Someone thinks that urolithiasis in cats and dogs occurs due to the fact that the animal drinks a lot after feeding with dry industrial feed. Actually it is not. Water cleanses the kidneys, washes out the sand (if it has already appeared), thereby preventing the formation of stones.

Obesity or lack of movement

Usually obesity develops for several reasons: unbalanced feeding (a lot of carbohydrates and fats), metabolic disorders, lack of movement). Since the metabolism is slowed down, then urolithiasis in cats appears.

Infectious diseases

No matter how strange it may sound, but the infection "hit" not only the immune system, but also the internal organs. All the forces "leave" to fight the infection, the metabolism slows down. Unfortunately, sometimes the drugs used for treatment are very harmful to the kidneys.

Heredity

However, it is rather a contributing factor, just a predisposition. It is not necessary for the animal to have urolithiasis if the parents had it. If the owners monitor what their pet eats and drinks, contact the veterinarian in time, do not forget about preventive examinations, then no ICD threatens cats and dogs.

Symptoms of urolithiasis

First clinical symptoms KSD (urolithiasis) in cats and cats usually go unnoticed. This is lethargy, appetite worsens a little, certain anxiety in the pet during urination. On the this stage you can find out about the diagnosis only in the veterinarian's office by passing the urine of a cat or dog for analysis to the laboratory. Therefore, it is very important to undergo annual preventive examinations and donate blood and urine to the veterinary laboratory.

The most obvious symptom of urolithiasis in cats is restlessness during urination (the animal meows loudly or whines). The frequency increases, but the one-time volume of urine decreases. Sensation as if a pet is squeezing a drop out of itself.

Often, urine turns reddish (droplets of blood appear due to the fact that the stones scratch the mucous membrane). The abdomen may be painful when touched. But you should not do it yourself, so as not to harm your beloved mustache.

Blood in the urine

Your four-legged friend will try to get your attention. Climb on the handles, rub, “call” you to go to the toilet so that you can see that the animal is in pain. Sometimes the cat starts pissing in wrong place, maybe even right in front of you, so that you finally pay attention - such a clear symptom of KSD.

Treatment for urolithiasis

How to treat urolithiasis in cats at home? Some are wondering what treatment is there? Which is better: folk or medical methods? But whatever you decide, be sure to take your pet to the vet!

Folk methods of treatment

Many believe that there are folk methods for the treatment of urolithiasis in cats and cats. Someone gives their pet a decoction of lingonberry leaves (this plant is known for its beneficial effect on the kidneys, bactericidal and diuretic properties), but if the animal has urolithiasis, then no diuretics can be used! The stone can move and block the duct. Then the urine will stop being removed. And without veterinary care, the animal remains to live no longer than 4 days. Crazy intoxication of the body, toxins poison.

Alternative methods can only be used for prevention purposes or after permission from a veterinarian. But you can’t prescribe herbal treatment on your own! You can harm your four-legged friend. Sometimes veterinarians give the go-ahead for the use of decoctions from the leaves of bearberry, heather, plantain, lingonberries.

How will the veterinarian treat?

First of all, he must make sure that the ureters are not “clogged” with stones. Otherwise, the urine will stagnate. As a result - the strongest intoxication of the body. The animal will fade away just before your eyes. Every hour counts! If the uroliths are large, then either the introduction of a catheter is necessary, or surgical intervention.

Surgery to remove urolith

Antispasmodics will be prescribed so that the animal does not hurt so much. In more severe cases, antibiotics are prescribed, droppers can be placed (to maintain the strength of the animal). There is special preparations, the action of which is aimed at the destruction of stones and the removal of sand. BUT! No diuretics are used, especially if there are stones!

Prevention of urolithiasis

Prevention of KSD in cats and cats begins primarily with nutrition. Balance your diet. Choose either quality food (dry or canned, you can choose those that are designed specifically for the prevention of KSD in cats), or natural food. Do not feed often fish (especially raw)! Fish daily for cats is harmful. Be sure to add cereals, vegetables, dairy products.

• Water should always be. But pour only filtered!
• Don't forget to visit the vet. Have your pet get tested.
• Keep track of your cat's weight. Obesity is unacceptable. If you see that the pet excess weight, be sure to review the diet, and increase the physical activity of the animal. Obesity may be followed diabetes. And this is even more serious and for life.
• Give your pet active walks. If you have a cat, then play with it. The animal must move, not lie down.
• It is better to prevent than to watch your pet suffer later.

Diet and Diet

What to feed a cat with urolithiasis? Great value has a diet and diet in a cat with urolithiasis. If you do not watch what the animal eats, then the ICD will return. The percentage of relapses is extremely high (up to 70%!!!).

If you feed dry food, then the diet for urolithiasis is simple. Choose the dietary or therapeutic food that is designed specifically for the prevention of KSD in cats. Clean filtered water must always be present. It does not harm the animal, on the contrary, it helps to cleanse the kidneys, does not allow sand to accumulate and turn into uroliths.

You can now view the current price of drugs for the treatment of KSD and buy them right here:

If you feed exclusively natural food, then follow the basic rules:

• Do not mix, do not alternate natural and industrial (canned food, dry food) food!
• You can not feed only protein foods. Fish can only be given to cats boiled and not more than 2 times a week!!!
• Do not abuse dairy products. It is also rich in proteins, so the kidneys will not be "sweet". They have already suffered, the second "strike" they may not survive. In addition, it is calcium salts that are formed, which are insoluble and form "acute-angled" crystals. But it cannot be completely ruled out. Just make sure that food rich in minerals does not exceed 30% of a single portion (and even more so of the daily diet).
• Be sure to give porridge.
• Don't forget vegetables! Grind them daily on a fine grater. Do not abuse beets, as urine can turn reddish. But with KSD in cats, there is an admixture of blood in the urine. And you can simply not find out that the pet has a recurrence of urolithiasis.

If you follow these rules, then the mcb will bypass your cat. Health to you!

If you have any questions about urolithiasis in a cat or a cat, write to us in the comments, we will try to answer!

Among the many diseases associated with metabolic processes, urolithiasis in cats in recent times came out on top in terms of popularity. With this type of disease, sand or stones form in the kidneys, bladder of the animal. At the same time, it becomes difficult for the pet to go to the toilet, his metabolic processes, without proper assistance, a blockage of the urinary canals can occur, followed by death.

It is clear that the easiest way to treat the disease on initial stages. However, urolithiasis in cats at the very beginning is very difficult to recognize. At this time, the cat behaves completely as usual. And only for more later dates signs of urolithiasis in a cat become pronounced externally.

Urolithiasis in a cat symptoms can give the following:

1. The cat often sits on its tray, but can’t go a little.
2. Very tense posture of the animal when urinating, with an arched back, lowered head.
3. A cat may cry in pain while sitting on a tray.
4. The cat's tummy is often tense.
5. The heyday of the disease is characterized by the fact that the pet becomes obsessive, tries all the time to caress the owner, draws attention to himself in every possible way.
6. Urine may contain traces of blood, its usual color changes.
7. A pet may lick the area around the urethra often and for long periods of time to facilitate the process of emptying the bladder.
8. Even the most well-mannered pet can begin to relieve himself not on a tray, but in completely different, unusual places for him. This is due to the fact that the cat wants to hide, go to the toilet in a secluded place.

Describing the signs of urolithiasis in cats, it is impossible not to mention the possibility that the stone can completely block the urethra. Then the cat can not empty the bladder at all, her tummy increases. The temperature of the cat rises, she refuses to eat, tries to hide in a far corner, shows signs of fright.

At this point, it is very important to take the animal to the veterinary clinic to provide a pet emergency assistance. Otherwise, there is a risk of severe intoxication and rupture of the bladder. In this case, without providing medical care fatal outcome inevitable within one or two days.

You need to understand that owners of males, and not females, have to deal with urolithiasis more often. This is mainly due to anatomical differences in the structure of animals. The very same urolithiasis of cats has the same symptoms as the ICD of cats.

Causes of the disease

As mentioned earlier, kidney stones are less common in cats than in cats. But unneutered and neutered cats suffer from KSD with the same frequency, the same can be said about neutered and non-neutered cats. Only castration at an early age (up to six months) can ensure that the urethra does not reach its full development, the narrow lumen of this organ will make it difficult to urinate. Then urolithiasis for a cat will be more difficult due to clogging of the lumen with deposits.

Allocate the following reasons that provoke the occurrence of urolithiasis in cats.

1. Improper nutrition of pets. In particular, if minerals are excessively present in the cat's food. This occurs in the case of frequent consumption of fish, fatty foods, cheap dry or wet food. Those dry foods that belong to the premium class and above are safe for animals.
2. Mixing different types fodder. If a cat randomly eats either dry food or natural food, this leads to metabolic disorders and, as a result, to urolithiasis.
3. Drinking poor-quality tap water or insufficient fluid intake by animals.
4. Obesity of a cat, its sedentary lifestyle in most cases lead to the disease.
5. congenital pathologies and hereditary predisposition also cause disease.
6. Transferred infectious diseases, infection with staphylococci or streptococci.
7. Violation and improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment

Treatment of urolithiasis in cats can only be carried out with the full supervision of a veterinarian. In no case should you self-medicate, as an ignorant person can harm the cat, and in case of untimely provision of veterinary care for this disease, it can even lead to the death of the pet.

Starting the treatment of urolithiasis in cats, the doctor will certainly conduct all the necessary examinations of the animal, send blood and urine for analysis, take an x-ray, possibly conduct an ultrasound examination and take the stones themselves or urine sediment for analysis to determine the susceptibility of solid formations to dissolution by one or another drug .

Depending on the results obtained, the doctor will decide whether the purr can be treated conservatively or whether the help of a surgeon is required.

First of all, with ICD, the doctor helps the cat to restore the outflow of urine. For this under general anesthesia a catheter is inserted into the cat, with the help of which pebbles or sand are removed and the urethra is washed with a special antiseptic. If the x-ray shows large stones that interfere with the proper functioning of the kidneys or bladder, it may be necessary abdominal operation. After the operation, the cat will certainly be prescribed restorative therapy (droppers, injections) to relieve the effects of intoxication and restore normal operation kidney and urinary tract.

If the doctor decides to treat the cat in a conservative way, he will prescribe the necessary medications that will relieve inflammation, dissolve stones, and alleviate general state pet. It should be understood that treatment should be carried out exclusively under the supervision of a doctor. Even if the owner of the cat has acquaintances who allegedly healed their pet with the help of a miraculous folk method, do not blindly trust such a recipe. In any case, you need to consult a doctor who will direct the treatment in the right direction, explain whether it is possible for a particular cat to use one or another method of treatment.

It is mandatory for treatment and subsequent rehabilitation to prescribe a diet for urolithiasis in cats. In this case, only the veterinarian gives recommendations for the pet's nutrition, based on the results of the study of stones, because what foods can be consumed by the cat depends on their composition.

After the end of the treatment of the pet, the owners should do everything to avoid exacerbation of the disease. If you do not pay attention to the causes that led to the pet's illness, then the disease will worsen again and again.

Disease prevention

After the end of treatment and a period of rehabilitation, the owner of the cat will have to take all necessary measures to prevent a relapse.

1. The animal is shown special diet, which will not contribute to the formation of sand and kidney stones. For animals already having MBC, the doctor prescribes the diet after the tests. For healthy cats, it is recommended to follow simple rules when compiling a diet:

• if the cat eats ready-made food, then they must be of high quality;
• do not mix natural food with industrially manufactured feed;
• fish and dairy products are not recommended;
• excessive consumption of carbohydrates and minerals is contraindicated for cats;
• it is forbidden to eat fatty meats, as well as fried, spicy, salty, sweet and smoked.

1. The water that the animal drinks should not be drawn from the tap, boiled or filtered water is recommended.
2. It is necessary that the cat does not lead a recumbent lifestyle. Active games, exercise stress serve as an excellent disease prevention.
3. It is recommended to take urine tests so as not to miss the onset of the disease. If the cat is predisposed to the formation of stones, it is recommended to do an x-ray and ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder every six months.

Video

Urolithiasis in cats(also called urolithiasis) is a disease caused by the formation of sand and stones (uroliths) in the kidneys, bladder, ureters or urethra of an animal. Uroliths usually consist of uric acid, struvites (phosphates), cystine, oxalates, carbonates. The size of the stones can reach up to 2 cm in diameter, causing unbearable pain to the cat during an attempt to urinate. In the most difficult cases, uroliths can completely block the lumen of the urinary tract. And if you do not give the animal urgent medical care, death is inevitable.

Diseases are more likely to occur in individuals over the age of 2 years, and the most vulnerable group is. The fact is that the urethra of males is curved and narrower, which contributes to the formation of sand and stones, making it difficult to remove them with urine. In addition, urolithiasis is more likely to threaten long-haired cats (especially prone to it). When rendering timely treatment urolithiasis can be successfully cured, however, the health of the affected animal will have to be monitored throughout life, carefully selecting food, periodically contacting the veterinarian for preventive examinations.

Lack of urine or it may be negligible (anuria);

Convulsions are possible;

Development of renal failure;

blockage of the urinary tract;

Autointoxication (uremia).

Diagnosis of urolithiasis

The owner of the cat, even noticing such symptoms, should not independently diagnose the animal. Many of the listed signs of ill health may not necessarily indicate the presence of urolithiasis in a cat. For example, in oncology (including tumors of the genitourinary system), seals are often observed in abdominal cavity, and anxious behavior, and the presence spotting. With cystitis, cats can also behave anxiously when visiting the tray, blood may be present in the urine, jumps in body temperature are possible. Thus, the diagnosis is up to the veterinarian.

The veterinarian determines urolithiasis in a cat based on the owner's story about the pet's condition (it is advisable to inform the doctor about the frequency of urination, the color of urine, the behavior of the animal in the tray). The specialist examines the animal, prescribes an ultrasound scan (of the kidneys and bladder) and radiographs, as a result of the study, the condition will become visible internal organs, presence and size of stones. Urine must be taken from the animal for general analysis for laboratory research.

Treatment of urolithiasis in a cat

Since stones may differ from each other in composition, the correct treatment for kidney stones in cats can only be prescribed by a veterinarian. Usually, stones (or sand) can be removed from the cat's urethra through a catheter using antibacterial solutions. In more complex cases (when the lumen of the urethra is almost completely blocked by uroliths), it may be necessary to urethrostomy- a surgical intervention, the purpose of which is the formation of a new opening of the urethra for the excretion of urine. When the diameter of the stones exceeds the diameter of the urethra itself, and the clock counts, the cat needs complete removal stones operational method (cystotomy). Such manipulations are performed on the animal under general anesthesia. Stones after removal are sent for chemical analysis in order to determine the nature of their appearance (most often urolithiasis is caused by the appearance of oxalates or struvites) - this will help to choose proper treatment. In the future, the animal needs intravenous infusions to restore the body after intoxication. Antibiotics, antispasmodics, painkillers, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs.

In cases where urolithiasis is at the initial stage (the cat is able to go a little, there are no impurities in the urine in the form of blood, the animal does not experience severe discomfort), doctors may suggest conservative treatment of urolithiasis. Its purpose is the dissolution of stones with the help of a special diet and the use of diuretic herbal remedies. However conservative method will bear fruit only after a while, therefore most commonly treated for urolithiasis surgically .

Prevention of urolithiasis

After successful treatment this disease may never bother a cat again, provided that the owner follows some rules. Clear recommendations for prevention of urolithiasis the doctor gives, based on the age, health status of the animal. Usually, cats who have had urolithiasis are prescribed as a preventive measure for the recurrence of the disease:

• Eat high-quality ready-made food (for the treatment and prevention of urolithiasis);
• Use only purified - filtered or settled water, and also control that the cat drinks enough (at least 150-200 ml of water per day);
• Avoid in natural nutrition foods such as fish, seafood, foods rich in calcium (milk, cottage cheese, cheese, curdled milk), salt. Depending on the composition of the stones, vegetables, offal, fatty, raw meat are often forbidden to cats;
• Natural nutrition after medication treatment of urolithiasis should consist of liquid cereals (rice, oatmeal, buckwheat), lean boiled meat (rabbit, veal, lamb, chicken, turkey), boiled vegetables (carrots, cauliflower);
• To normalize the functioning of the kidneys, urinary tract cleansing and excretion of urine, it is recommended to give cats diuretic fees (diuretics);
• To support the body, the doctor prescribes vitamin complexes;
• To prevent obesity, the owner must monitor the activity of the animal, try not to overfeed the cat;
• Some time after recovery, it is advisable to show the pet to the veterinarian, repeat the ultrasound and X-ray studies, and take a urine test.

Urolithiasis can lead to the development of many severe concomitant diseases, violating not only the work of the kidneys and urinary system, but also the whole organism as a whole. Due to the appearance of urolith stones, toxins, protein substances, salts cannot be excreted in the urine, the cat's body poisons itself. In addition, the purr experiences severe pain her quality of life deteriorates significantly. Therefore, the owner should immediately contact the veterinary clinic, especially in cases where the pet cannot empty the bladder for more than 1-2 days.

Urolithiasis in cats is quite serious and dangerous disease If not detected and treated in time, then death is inevitable. If you hear about the presence of such a diagnosis in your pet, do not panic and despair. First of all, you should contact your veterinarian for the prompt appointment of treatment.

In the article we will tell: what is urolithiasis, its causes, methods of detection and methods of its treatment.

What is urolithiasis

Urolithiasis (urolithiasis) in cats is associated with the occurrence of metabolic disorders, which causes the formation salt deposits and as a result - stones. When the stones reach a sufficiently large size, they clog the passages; if not detected in time, the death of the pet may occur.

When the blockage of the urinary tract has already occurred, you cannot hesitate for a minute, it is urgently necessary to contact veterinarian for surgery, as the animal may die. Urotilias, according to the degree of danger, is equated to heart disease and malignant neoplasms. It often leads to the death of the pet.

Cats tolerate urolithiasis much more difficult than cats. This is due to the fact that their urethra is several times narrower and even a small stone can clog the canals. In cats at the initial stage, it is almost impossible to notice the signs of an emerging urolithiasis. Because of this, owners may contact the veterinarian too late.

What are the causes of the disease

Urolithiasis is detected in about one animal out of twenty. On her occurrence is influenced by a number of factors:

• the age of the pet;
• general state;
• diet;
• breed;
• accommodations.

Urolithiasis develops in cats gradually, signs of its appearance occur in animals that have reached the age of five. But cats older than ten years are most predisposed.

Scientists already in the early seventies of the last century began to conduct research in this area in order to find out the cause of urolithiasis in animals and the symptoms. But, until now, they have not come to a consensus. At first, they thought that the disease was caused by a virus, later that the cause was the use of dry food, but none of them was confirmed.

The reasons

Urolithiasis appears from violations of metabolic processes inside the body. They are caused by an underactive thyroid gland and insufficient fluid intake. But all this is just speculation.

Other factors that can influence the occurrence of urolithiasis in cats:

• insufficient amount of liquid;
• genetic predisposition;
• overweight;
• avitaminosis;
• the presence of infectious diseases;
• insufficiently active lifestyle;
• disorders associated with the digestive tract.

It must be argued that the introduction of dry food into the diet of a cat is not the cause of urolithiasis. If the food is unbalanced and of poor quality, then only this poses a danger to the health of the pet. So in more than eighty percent of cases, cats that ate both dry food and regular food fell ill with urolithiasis. This is due to the fact that this type of feeding causes an excess of minerals.

It should be noted that even in the presence of one of the above reasons, they may begin to develop pathological processes. First, sand appears in the bladder and kidneys, and then stones appear. The process develops gradually and visible symptoms diseases can occur many years later.

But, if you carefully observe your pet, you can notice the first symptoms of the presence of sand in the kidneys. The condition is more or less satisfactory, but when stones form, it worsens significantly. Due to the structural features of the cat, the owner can understand that the animal is sick with something already at the fourth stage, in which treatment may not give positive results.

Types of stones

The most common types of stones found in cats are struvite, oxalate, and urate. They differ in chemical composition, the presence of each type implies individual treatment and further diet. They arise depending on the influence of certain factors.

Struvites- occur with excessive consumption of foods containing phosphorus. The risk of developing this type of stone increases with the presence of genetic predisposition to such formations, the presence of obesity, sedentary lifestyle, frequent infectious diseases.

Oxalates- are formed with a large consumption of nuts, seeds and other foods containing oxalic acid. The appearance of this type of stone may seem strange to many owners, because it is rare to see a cat eating nuts, but still sometimes oxalates appear in the body of a pet.

Urats- their occurrence is affected by an increased radioactive background environment, as well as excessive consumption of meat products or an infectious disease.

The main symptoms of urolithiasis

To identify the disease at the first stage and start treatment on time, you need to know the main symptoms of urolithiasis in cats. At the initial stage of the disease, the symptoms are not so pronounced, the pet can behave as usual. To establish the diagnosis, you can do a urine test, which one will tell the veterinarian.

The main signs of urolithiasis in cats:

• the animal is more restless;
• there is a deterioration in appetite;
• frequent urination;
• more frequent licking of the genitals;
• urinary incontinence;
• screaming while going to the toilet.

If you notice the first symptoms of urolithiasis, for example, the pet does not have time to reach the tray or makes plaintive cries during urination - contact your veterinarian for advice. When the disease passes into a more serious stage, already obvious symptoms of urolithiasis can be observed: blood and deterioration in the color of urine. The presence of blood and a change in posture when going to the toilet indicates the development of the last stage of urolithiasis.

Disease stages:

• at the first stage, the presence of urolithiasis is very problematic to determine. Crystals form in the urinary tract;
• in the second stage, the first symptoms appear;
• the third stage is already very severe symptoms: frequent urination;
• the presence of the fourth in most cases ends in the death of the pet.

The occurrence of certain symptoms is determined primarily by the stage of urolithiasis. It is also affected by the size and shape of the stone.

When the channels are clogged, the cat does not eat well, becomes inactive, and vomiting may open. If you notice anything like this, immediately go to the veterinarian.

Only a specialist should professionally determine the symptoms of urolithiasis in a cat and home treatment that can be prescribed. In no case should you self-medicate.

How is urolithiasis

Depending on the influence of certain factors (poor nutrition, the presence of chronic diseases), crystals form in the bladder of your pet. Growing, formations interfere with normal urination. They scratch the walls of the channels with their pointed edges when the cat tries to get rid of them. Blood appears in the urine.

In cats, the urethra is straight, so in the initial stages they have almost nothing to worry about. In cats, the urethra is curved, the sand that has not come out accumulates in the bend and, if not detected in time, completely clogs the lumen. Urine cannot fully exit, the bladder overflows, intoxication of the body occurs, blood appears in the urine. As a result, the death of the pet occurs within three days, if the necessary assistance is not provided in time.

Methods of treatment of urolithiasis

Many owners are interested in: how is urolithiasis treated in cats, with what methods and what medications, is it possible to get rid of the disease at home, and what causes urolithiasis in cats. Below, we will try to fully answer the questions posed.

Urolithiasis in the first non-advanced stages lends itself very well to conservative treatment . The main thing is to contact as soon as possible specialized clinic to identify the problem. Regarding the possibility of treatment at home, let's say that decoctions of herbs, tinctures and other folk remedies should be used with great care and strictly under the supervision of the attending physician. Urolithiasis is treated with folk remedies, and this brings at least some relief, only in the first stages of the disease.

To establish an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo the following studies:

• do an ultrasound;
• do urine and blood tests;
• seek advice from a specialist.

These studies will allow how to determine whether the symptoms that have arisen correspond to this species diseases, and to make a final diagnosis for the appointment of a productive method of treatment. To alleviate the condition of the pet, it is necessary to resume the function urethra prescribe the necessary therapy. After, explain to the owner what measures need to be taken in order to prevent the recurrence of the disease in the future.

Ways

Carry out the treatment of urolithiasis in two ways - conservative and operative. The first is used in the initial stages, when sand and the resulting stones can be removed from the body naturally. Drugs are prescribed that help break up small stones into smaller pieces and their removal. Medicines can relieve pain during urination, remove infection, inflammatory processes and intoxication of the body. Droppers, antibacterial drugs, drugs that relieve pain and spasms are prescribed.

The second method is used already in the last, more difficult stages, when self-excretion of the stone is no longer possible and its presence at any time can lead to the death of the animal. Specialist, after all necessary research independently decides whether there is a need for surgical intervention. Since stones, called oxalates, do not dissolve with the help of drugs, and you can only get rid of them with a scalpel.

Initially, it is necessary to restore the function of the urethra. To do this, a special catheter is installed under general anesthesia, in some cases the bladder is opened to drain the accumulated fluid.

During the operation, special preparations are used that prevent the occurrence of an antispasmodic reaction of the body. Surgery prescribed only at the last stage of urolithiasis. After the operation, the animal needs a special course of treatment.

Since urolithiasis is a chronic disease, it is simply impossible to get rid of it completely, so the cat is prescribed lifelong preventive treatment. In this case, the animal can lead a completely normal life.

Preventive actions

Urolithiasis is found in a cat quite often due to the natural characteristics of these animals. Therefore, it is necessary with early age apply preventive methods control of this type of disease. In the case when you missed the onset of urolithiasis, then prevention should be aimed at preventing the development of more severe stages of the disease.

Prevention of urolithiasis in cats primarily consists in providing the pet with a sufficient amount of liquid. Provide a comfortable place for the cat to rest with optimum temperature and without drafts. The animal must be active throughout the day.

In case of urolithiasis balanced diet, which contributes to the prevention and prevention of the development of the ICD. What foods should be included in the daily diet, consider below.

The diet of sick cats

The diet for microbial cb should be compiled by a specialist. The doctor prescribes necessary diet individually in each individual case. It depends on the:

• neglect of urolithiasis;
• type of stones;
• pet breeds;
• body weight of the animal;
• pet's culinary preferences.

So, the presence of oxalates in the body means compiling a menu of those products that least contribute to the formation of this type of stone. Therefore, before making a daily diet, it is necessary to know the exact diagnosis of the disease.

Peculiarities

The occurrence of urolithiasis is facilitated by the consumption of food such as: buckwheat or rice groats, beef kidneys, liver, various yogurts, fish. All of these foods should be permanently eliminated from your pet's diet. Doctors recommend adding chicken meat, egg white (preferably quail), potatoes. These products have a low oxalate density.

The formation of struvite is promoted by eating fish in any form, bones, dairy products (milk, cheese, cottage cheese), egg yolk. With this type of disease, you can eat chicken meat, carrots, oatmeal.

If you find urate sand or stones, then completely exclude fish and meat from the diet, and enter milk and vegetables.

After treatment of urolithiasis, it is imperative to bring the pet for a scheduled examination. If the animal was fed dry food before the illness, then the veterinarian will recommend a special diet intended for patients with KSD.

In order to prevent the occurrence of urolithiasis, it is necessary first of all to carefully consider the nutrition of the cat. Pets that are spayed or neutered should receive special food, which will significantly reduce the risk of urolithiasis.

Do regular urine and blood tests. Upon detection of any similar symptoms contact a specialized clinic. It is impossible to prescribe treatment on your own, it can end badly.

Having urolithiasis does not mean your pet is doomed. Timely detection of urolithiasis and its symptoms contributes to a quick cure, and your pet will live happily ever after.