Cat Crystals In Urinary Tract
Flutd includes crystal formation in the bladder which might obstruct the cat s urethra.
Cat crystals in urinary tract. Urinary tract issues are not that uncommon in cats. Chronic urinary tract infections. Especially with cats that have been on a dry food diet for some time. What can happen if a cat s lower urinary tract problems go untreated.
For most cats suffering from urinary issues such as crystals or bladder stones wet food is best since it has more moisture to keep your cat hydrated that s one of the reasons why we picked royal canin s veterinary diet urinary so canned cat food for the overall best cat food for urinary tract health. Crystalluria is a medical condition where crystals are expelled into the urine. Urinary tract obstruction especially in males urine spraying. Water is the most important solution for a cat s urinary health.
This is a medical emergency that can very quickly lead to kidney failure and or rupture of the bladder and can prove fatal if the obstruction is not relieved. It was formerly referred to as feline urological syndrome or fus. The detection of urinary crystals is not synonymous with kidney stones or the clinical signs associated with them nor is detection of urine crystals irrefutable evidence of a stone forming tendency but there is some association with an increased risk for kidney stones in animals that are. Feline lower urinary tract disease or flutd is a term for bladder and urinary tract issues in cats.
If your cat has been displaying symptoms of urinary tract disease and has been diagnosed with crystals you are likely very keen to know what treatment options are available. Calcium oxalate and struvite crystals make a kitty s urine sparkly in the sunlight but this glitter is anything but good in your cat s urinary tract system. Struvite specifically is a material that is composed of magnesium ammonium and phosphate. Struvite crystals are microscopic crystals that are found in the urine of some cats.
The crystals themselves can be perfectly normal but become problematic when they combine to form grit or stones of varying shapes and sizes. Urinary crystals are microscopic structures that can be found in the urine of many animals including cats. Some normal animals can have crystals in their urine although sometimes they are indicative of an underlying issue especially if present in large numbers or accompanied by urinary symptoms. Well the treatment will depend on which type of crystal is involved as the options are really quite different for each crystal type.
If you cat is adequately hydrated there are minimal chances of your cat suffering from urinary crystals.