Understanding Feline Urolithiasis: Causes and Symptoms
Section 1: Symptoms of Feline Urolithiasis
1. Increased frequency of urination, with the cat visiting the litter box more often than usual. The amount of urine is reduced, and the litter box may show more frequent and smaller clumps of urine.
2. In severe cases, the cat may experience hematuria, which is the presence of blood in the urine.
3. The cat may frequently lick its genital area due to the inflammation in the urinary system, which can cause pain and a burning sensation. Licking helps the cat alleviate discomfort.
4. The cat may rush to the litter box with urgency when urinating, often accompanied by loud, painful yelps.
5. Inflammation can lead to dysfunction of the urethral sphincter, causing the cat to either be unable or unable to reach the litter box in time, potentially resulting in inappropriate urination.
6. When the urethra is blocked, the cat cannot expel urine properly, leading to the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream. This can trigger vomiting, known as uremic poisoning. If not addressed promptly, the cat may enter a coma and die within 4872 hours due to acute uremic poisoning.
Section 2: Treatment for Feline Urolithiasis
1. Catheterization: If a cat retains urine for more than 24 hours, its bladder can become damaged, leading to severe bleeding and uraemia, which could result in death within a few days. Therefore, if you notice your cat frequently squatting in the litter box without producing urine, it's crucial to take it to a veterinarian for immediate catheterization.
2. Medication: For noncompletely blocked cases of feline urolithiasis, regular medication and injections are typically sufficient, and hospital catheterization may not be necessary. You can administer amoxicillin suspension to your cat twice a day, approximately half a packet each time, mixed with its food or using a syringe to administer it directly into the mouth.
3. Diet: Cats with noncompletely blocked urolithiasis should drink plenty of water and can switch to specialized cat food formulated to prevent urinary system diseases.
4. Recovery Care: Feeding lactase can boost the cat's appetite, and honey water can help alleviate constipation caused by longterm antibiotic use.
Urinary system diseases in cats can be somewhat preventable, so it's important for owners to pay close attention to their cat's bathroom habits to ensure timely treatment in case of problems. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to consult an online veterinary expert.