Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
How Stones Are Diagnosed
It is not common to feel stones in a cat's bladder on palpation, because
the stones are relatively small. Stones should be suspected any time a cat
has more than one episode of LUTD or develops a urinary blockage.
Most feline uroliths are visible on regular X rays, if they are large
enough.
To make stones more visible, a special X ray called a pneumocys-
togram is performed. The procedure involves putting a catheter in the
bladder and injecting air as a contrast agent. Ultrasound is also able to
detect small stones and piles of crystalline sand on the bladder floor.
Urine pH, appearance on X ray and blood work can give clues as
to the type of stone present. A definitive identification of the stone is
performed at a lab, where its chemical components are analyzed.
Treating Stones
If the veterinarian is unsure whether the stones will dissolve with a
change in diet, or if you want to get them out and make your cat
Stones
Thickened
bladder
wall
Two large bladder stones and a very thickened bladder wall are revealed in this special X ray,
called a pneumocystogram.
