Prevention of Calcium Oxalate Bladder Stones in Cats
Calcium oxalate bladder stones are formed in the urinary bladder, due to changes in the urine pH (acid-base balance), as well as the presence of excess protein, calcium, and other minerals. These stones may be related to the type of food your pet has been eating, but some animals are simply more prone to stone formation than others and there really is no underlying cause. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for calcium oxalate bladder stones recur. In order to minimize recurrence (and therefore subsequent surgeries), you will need to be especially diligent in following these recommendations
- Diet change. An alkalizing diet is fed as these stones form in acidic urine. The following diet is recommended:
Do not add table food or other treats without checking first with your veterinarian.
- Increase water consumption. This can be accomplished by feeding canned food, watering down the dry food, or adding a small amount of flavoring, such as bouillon or clam juice, to the water. The goal is to increase urine output and thereby flush crystals and minerals that may predispose to calcium oxalate stones, out of the bladder.
- Bring a urine sample in regularly (starting one month after surgery and every three months thereafter) so that we may assess the urine and ensure that the diet changes and other preventative measures are adequate.
- Radiograph regularly (starting three months after surgery). This enables your vet to identify bladder and kidney stones. If detected early enough (ie when the stones are small), it may be possible to remove them by non-surgical means.
If at any point you notice clinical signs associated with a bladder infection or bladder stones (blood in the urine, straining to urinate, urinating more frequently or outside the litter box), immediately contact your veterinarian.
