Urolithiasis (urolithiasis, ICD) is one of the most common diseases in cats. Almost all animals of this species at the age from 1 to 6 years old are subject to it. Most often, castrated cats and long-haired cat breeds (especially Siberian and Persian) suffer from urolithiasis. To protect your animal from urolithiasis, you need to know the main causes of this disease.
Most often, ICD occurs due to metabolic disorders in animals, which are accompanied by the formation of stones in the bladder or kidneys. Sometimes small stones can get stuck in the animal's urethra. According to statistics, about 70% of overweight cats suffer from ICD.
The main causes of KSD in cats
There is no consensus among veterinary experts about the causes of KSD in cats. However, today it is known for certain what factors can affect the development of insoluble compounds in the kidneys. These factors include:
- the cat's diet (dairy and plant foods are the cause of urine alkalinization, and meat, on the contrary, increases its acidity);
- genetic predisposition (long-haired cat breeds are the most vulnerable in this regard);
- hereditary diseases (for example, enziopathy, which is caused by the absence of enzymes in the cat's body that are responsible for metabolism);
- dysfunction of the digestive tract (entails a change in the acid-base balance, and also provokes the elimination of calcium from the body);
- infectious diseases;
- anatomical features of the urethral canal in males;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- lack of vitamins A and D.
Symptoms of urolithiasis
The symptoms of ICD depend on the location of the stones, their size and shape. As a rule, the disease does not manifest externally until urinary stones block the lumen of the urethral canal. If stones have sharp edges, they can injure the lining of the bladder, causing anxiety in the animal.
The main signs of ICD are pain during urination, the presence of blood in the urine, obstruction of the urethra in males, frequent urination with false urges. The pain can be either permanent or temporary in the form of colic. The body temperature of a cat with ICD usually rises by 1 ° C.
Due to the impossibility of emptying the bladder, urine stagnation occurs. The kidneys of the animal lose their filtration properties. As a result, the cat may experience general weakness, vomiting and loss of appetite.
If you do not take action in time, the death of the animal will follow due to rupture of the bladder or intoxication of the body.
Therefore, if you notice the slightest symptoms of ICD in your pet, immediately seek help from your veterinarian. He will make an accurate diagnosis based on clinical signs and laboratory urine tests, as well as prescribe the necessary course of treatment.
