Abstract
Aim:This study aims to describe the clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of urolithiasis of the lower urinary tract and to determine the main risk factors involved in the occurrence of urinary lithiasis in cats in Algeria from 2016 to 2018.Materials and Methods:During the study period, 465 cats were examined and 32 cases of urolithiases were selected and investigated by conducting physical examinations, blood analyses, urinalysis, X-ray radiography, and ultrasonography. Parameters such as breed, age, or sex were studied and reported in a farm return to analyze risk factors involved in the formation of lower urinary urolithiasis.Results:The most clinically relevant symptoms of urolithiasis observed in cats were dysuria, pollakiuria, hematuria, and stranguria. Urinalysis and blood analysis revealed a significant presence of urinary crystals and acute kidney failure in nine cats. The ultrasonography and radiography confirmed the diagnosis of urolithiasis with the incidence of 43.75% and 31.25%, respectively. The lower urinary tract urolithiasis appeared to be more frequent in European and Siamese cats. In addition, cats aged between 4 and 8 years old were the most affected. Male cats (87.50%) were more affected than female cats. Finally, the lower urinary tract urolithiasis was more frequent in cats consuming the commercial pet food, previously castrated, and confined inside the house.Conclusion:Complete clinical assessments, in addition to complementary examinations, are necessary and beneficial in treating the animal and preventing possible complications. Whether the choice of therapy is surgical or treatment with drugs, it is crucial to understand that the elimination of the stone is not an end, but the beginning of a series of investigations. Because of their impact on both the formation and elimination of metabolites, it has been found that factors, such as race, gender, age, diet, and lifestyle, should be considered as potential risk factors for urolithiasis.
Highlights
In veterinary medicine, urinary tract diseases are the most common reasons for seeking an examination in cats and dogs
Whether the choice of therapy is surgical or treatment with drugs, it is crucial to understand that the elimination of the stone is not an end, but the beginning of a series of investigations. Because of their impact on both the formation and elimination of metabolites, it has been found that factors, such as race, gender, age, diet, and lifestyle, should be considered as potential risk factors for urolithiasis
A total of 32 cats presented to the Department of Canine Medicine and General Surgery suffering from urolithiasis based on their medical history of abdominal distension and urinary disorders and vomiting (30 and 12 cats; 93.75%, and 37.5%, respectively)
Summary
Urinary tract diseases are the most common reasons for seeking an examination in cats and dogs. Urolithiasis refers to the development of stones in the kidney, bladder, and/or urethra [1]. These stones, known as calculi or uroliths, are either mineral or organic in nature. Specific metabolic conditions (e.g., nutritional factors [a protein-rich diet], hydration [lack of water], pH [pH modification], urine volume [low urine volume], hypercalcemia, or hypophosphatemia) influence their formation. In domestic carnivores such as cats, uroliths are mainly localized in the lower urinary tract [2]. The previous research has confirmed that the majority of stones in the cat are found in the lower urinary tract [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
