Disorder - Nephrolithiasis

Organ Systems Involved
Urogenital

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Cystinuria; Glomerulonephritis; Polycystic kidney disease; Urolith, KMgP; Urolithiasis; Xanthinuria

Alternative Names
Kidney stones; Renal calculi; Renoliths; Kidney calculi

Presenting Signs

Nephrolithiasis is a condition in which stones (called calculi) form in the kidneys. These calculi may remain in the kidney. They may also pass to the bladder and cause irritation, making an infection more likely. They can become lodged anywhere in the urinary tract, where they can block the flow of urine. This can then make the cat extremely unwell or result in kidney failure and death. Symptoms include blood in the urine, pain when urinating, difficulty urinating, recurring urinary tract infections, abdominal pain and occasionally vomiting.

Cats at Risk

Male cats and desexed cats. Typically affects cats from one to three years old, or older at 11-13 years old.

Breeds Affected
Balinese
Burmese
Persian
Siamese


Treatment

Medical: special diets may be introduced to dissolve stones, depending on the composition. Increased water intake is also encouraged. Surgical: may be required to physically remove stones, or the whole kidney. Other therapies like lithotripsy may be used to break up stones.

PubMed References
Nephrolithiasis

Contributor
Bryn Morgan