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Bladder Stones In A Cat

Bladder stones in a cat are rather common and often are derived from fine, granular struvite crystals. The bladder stone surgery in a cat is very similar to that described in a dog on this page.  In this case a seven year old cat was presented on an emergency basis because of straining to urinate and unsuccessful attempts to empty his bladder.  The veterinarian took an x-ray to see if the size, number and location of calculi could be determined.  On the physical exam it was quite obvious what the problem was but the radiograph assisted the veterinarian in knowing what surgical procedure would be needed to eliminate all the bladder and urethral stones.  The radiograph is below, click on it to see a full sized view...

The bladder and urethra were flushed to be certain no calculi remained anywhere in the lower urinary tract.  The cat was catheterized to allow the bladder to return to its normal size and muscle tone.  After three days the catheter was removed and the lucky cat was able to urinate on his own again.  Special diets to help prevent a reoccurrence of bladder and urethral calculi obstruction should be very successful.  This feline would surely have died an agonizing death from bladder stone obstruction if it were not for prompt veterinary care and surgery. To see this surgery performed in a dog, go here.

There are many other surgeries displayed in ThePetCenter.com.
For a full index of dog and cat surgery procedures, look here. If your dog or cat is sick, call your local veterinarian!