Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
each veterinarian will have their own approach to the problem, but my
rule is that if a cat obstructs three times, he needs a procedure called a
perineal urethrotomy.
We call perineal urethrotomy surgery our “kitty sex-change opera-
tion” because afterward, the urinary tract and genitalia look more like
those of a female than a male. Males are more prone to obstruct because
of their narrow, twisting urethra that ends at their penis. Females have a
short, wide urethra that ends in the vulva. Cats who have perineal ure-
throtomies lose their penis, and are given a new opening from which
to urinate.
This surgery successfully opens up the urethra, but it is not without
risk. If it is not performed carefully, or if there is trauma or excessive
scarring, a cat may not be able to control his urination and dribbling
will occur. Scarring can also cause another obstruction. The shortened
urethra may increase the likelihood of bacteria entering the urinary
tract.
STONES IN THE SYSTEM
Stones can form throughout the urinary tract, but are most often seen
in the bladder. The medical term for stones of the urinary tract is
uroliths . Kidney stones are the second-most frequent type of urolith, but
unless they block the ureter, they are usually left alone.
When dissolved minerals are present in high concentrations in the
urine, they can reach a saturation point and begin to precipitate out of
the urine as crystals. Bladder stones are formed this way—which is sim-
ilar to the way rock candy is formed. Some crystals stick together to
form a small center, then other crystals join on and make a stone.
Struvite is the name used to describe magnesium ammonium phos-
phate crystals or stones. High levels of magnesium, combined with a
high urine pH, create an environment that enables struvite to precipi-
tate in the urine.
Calcium oxalate, ammonium and urate stones can also develop in
cats when certain metabolic conditions exist. Each type of stone
requires different conditions to form. Some can be controlled by diet,
but others can be difficult to prevent.
Struvite stones are the only type that can be dissolved by feeding a
special prescription diet, which is only available through veterinarians.
After a stone-dissolving diet is fed for about two months, a preventive
diet is fed to prevent recurrence. To monitor the response to diet, fol-
low up X rays of the bladder are needed.
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