Symptoms of Cat Urinary Stones in Male Cats: What to Lo

Section 1: Symptoms of Urinary Stones in Male Cats

In cases where the urethra is not completely blocked, the affected cat typically exhibits symptoms such as frequent urination, prolonged urination time, and small amounts of urine per trip. As the condition worsens, hematuria (blood in the urine) may occur. During a physical examination, the bladder is found to be free of urine, and despite the physical symptoms, the cat's spirits and appetite remain relatively good.

When the urethra is completely blocked, the cat will show frequent attempts to urinate without any urine being released. This can lead to urethral pain, prompting the cat to frequently lick its genital area to alleviate discomfort. As the condition progresses, the inability to expel urine leads to urine accumulation in the bladder, causing the abdomen to swell like a pear. Occasionally, sandlike stones or small amounts of blood may be observed at the urethral opening.

Section 2: Treatment Methods for Urinary Stones in Male Cats

The overall treatment approach focuses on clearing urinary stones, preventing secondary urethral infections, treating symptoms, and enhancing postoperative or medication care.

1. For cats with incomplete urethral blockage, the primary treatment involves antibacterial and antiinflammatory measures. Medications are used to dissolve the formed stones and prevent recurrence. Antibiotics, such as kanamycin, are used to prevent and control bacterial infections.

2. To increase urine volume and reduce the content of salts in the urine, which helps prevent sedimentation and serves as a flushing mechanism, diuretics, such as furosemide or lasix, or oral hydrochlorothiazide tablets can be administered. It is important to supplement potassium to avoid hypokalemia when taking these medications.

3. In cases of complete urethral blockage, the key treatments are to clear the urethra, facilitate urination, and restore fluid balance. For cats with nonexcretable obstructive bladder urine, needle aspiration for urination followed by surgical stone removal is recommended. Postoperative, antibiotics and diuretics are typically prescribed.

Urinary tract diseases in cats are generally diagnosed through imaging techniques such as ultrasound, which can confirm the presence of stones. In severe cases, immediate surgical removal is advised. Subsequent treatment should be tailored based on the composition of the removed stones.

Many cats do not drink enough water, which is a significant cause of stones. Therefore, it is important to ensure that cats drink plenty of water and avoid feeding them highsodium foods. This helps maintain regular urination frequency and prevent urine concentration from becoming too high, leading to crystallization within the body.

Dr. Oxygen Pet Tips: For more information on urinary stones in pets, click here to read "What to Do If Your Dog Has Urinary Stones."