If your cat has been showing signs of urinary crystals, you may want to know what causes them. Your cat could be suffering from calcium oxalate or struvite crystals. Read this article to find out what causes these crystals, how they develop, and how to prevent them. Also read on to learn about diet and X-rays. Once you know what causes your cat’s crystals, you can begin the process of finding the cause.
Calcium oxalate crystals
Cats can develop urinary stones made of calcium oxalate, a chemical compound found in urine. While two cats in the same household are unlikely to develop this problem, two different cats can. The calcium oxalate in your pet’s urine may be an indication of another underlying health problem. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to help your cat.
Struvite crystals
The presence of struvite crystals in cat urine is a cause for concern. The crystals are often easily dissolved with the help of medications and diet changes. Urine pH is an important factor in determining the formation of struvite stones, so your cat should drink enough water to maintain urinary health. A diet high in magnesium may also increase the risk of struvite stone formation. Water is also important for the health of the urinary system, so make sure that your cat drinks plenty of fresh water every day.
Diet
Regardless of the cause, if you notice that your cat has crystals in their urine, you should consider the diet of your feline friend. The mineral content of their food is a huge factor in the development of these crystals, and your feline friend needs a diet that will provide enough water and minerals to keep their urinary tracts healthy. The following are some tips for keeping your feline friend’s urinary tract healthy.
X-rays
If you notice your cat producing crystals in their urine, you should visit your vet as soon as possible. A vet can diagnose the exact cause of the crystals and treat them accordingly. If your cat has several crystals in their urine, they may need X-rays to determine their location. Your vet can also perform urine culture tests and determine the mineral composition of the stones. Your vet can then prescribe the appropriate medication to prevent more crystals from forming. You will need to monitor your cat’s condition closely and bring it back for more tests.
Ultrasound
When evaluating the urinary bladder in a cat, ultrasound is an excellent diagnostic tool. This imaging modality has several advantages over traditional abdominal ultrasound. In addition to its high sensitivity and low cost, this technique allows clinicians to identify urinary crystals with high resolution. The AFAST technique uses defined acoustic windows and specific probe maneuvers to identify bladder abnormalities. During the exam, the clinician can also evaluate the bladder’s anatomy and determine if there is any obstruction or free fluid. This technology should be the clinician’s first choice, and is intended for use in routine clinical situations and in cases when a diagnosis is required.
