WHAT ARE STRUVITE STONES, AND WHAT ARE THE SIGNS IN A CAT THAT HAS THEM?
Struvite stones are stones located in the urinary tract that contain magnesium, ammonium and phosphate. They may lodge in and block the outflow tract of the bladder, (the urethra). The early signs of inflammation or partial blockage of the urethra may include passage of blood stained urine, frequent urination, and straining to urinate (which can be mistaken for constipation). The cat may spend long periods of time in the litter tray, and may cry in pain while attempting to urinate. A cat showing these signs should be seen by a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible. While stones are important, struvite may also form a sandy deposit of crystals which can contribute to obstruction of the urinary outflow. If the urethral blockage becomes complete, the bladder will fill to excess. This prevents the kidneys from removing metabolic wastes from the body. As these wastes build up the cat may show listlessness, loss of appetite, depression and possibly vomiting. At this stage immediate emergenc
