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Calcium oxalate is
rapidly becoming the most common mineral in feline bladder and kidney
stones. In 1984, less than 2% of feline urinary tract stones were
oxalate. By 2003, 47% of cat bladder stones and 66% of cat kidney
stones were composed of these minerals. There is no single cause of
these stones, but large studies of cats that have formed these stones
have allowed us to identify some risk factors.
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Risk Factors for
Oxalate Stones: |
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Dry, acidifying
diet |
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Inadequate
water consumption |
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Indoor cats |
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Middle age or
older |
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Persian cats |
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High blood
calcium |
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High urine
calcium |
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The clinical signs
that may be associated with this condition include painful urination,
blood in the urine, inappropriate urination and restlessness
associated with discomfort. Some cats do not eat well and are
depressed and lethargic. Many of these have calcium oxalate stones in
their kidneys and some will progress to life threatening kidney
failure.
The initial tests that are done to obtain a diagnosis include a
urinalysis, a CBC and blood profile and abdominal imaging (radiographs
or ultrasound). The only effective treatment for bladder stones is
surgical removal. The best treatment for stones in the kidney has yet to
be established.
Calcium oxalate stones tend to reoccur, therefore prevention is very
important. A diet that is high in moisture with reduced quantities of
protein, calcium, and oxalate is indicated for any cat who has had an
oxalate stone. Canned diets are recommended. Several companies have
created diets to help manage these stones. One of these is Science
Diet X/D (oxalate diet) by Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Patients should be reevaluated one to six months after surgery to
monitor response to diet changes. Although diet will not dissolve this
type of stone, it can minimize the growth of additional stones.
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