Disorder - Cystinuria

Organ Systems Involved
Urogenital

Alternative Names
Cystine urolithiasis; Cystine crystalluria

Presenting Signs

Cystinuria is a very rare condition in cats. Cats with cystinuria accumulate the amino acid cystine in their bladders because their kidneys and intestines are unable to process it and excrete it normally. The result of this accumulation of cystine is the formation of stones in the bladder. Not all cats with cystinuria form bladder stones. The bladder stones can cause affected cats to show signs of blood in their urine and have trouble urinating, or the stones may even cause a complete blockage. This stops them from being able to pass urine at all. Cats with cystinuria can also develop problems with their kidney function, which can result in kidney failure.

Cats at Risk

Adult cats between four months and twelve years of age. The average age of cats diagnosed with cystinuria is 3.5 years.

Breeds Affected
Siamese


Treatment

Surgical and Medical: cats with bladder stones may need surgery to remove them. If they have stones that are blocking their urethra and preventing them from urinating they may need surgery to create a new opening for them to urinate through. Some cats can be treated with medication to help to dissolve the bladder stones. Sometimes special diets may help to prevent the bladder stones from forming.

PubMed References
Cystinuria

Contributor
Kathryn Ingram