Risk factors associated with feline urolithiasis

Abstract

Urinary tract diseases are among the main reasons for consultation in veterinary clinics and hospitals. It affects animals of any age, breed and gender. Among the diseases that affect this system, urolithiasis is the second largest cause of clinical signs compatible with feline urinary tract disease. The term urolithiasis refers to the presence of uroliths in any region of the urinary tract, but it is more commonly seen in the bladder and urethra. Uroliths are classified based on the type of mineral present in their composition, therefore, quantitative and qualitative analyzes are important for a better therapeutic approach. The animals may suffer from the disease and be asymptomatic, or show nonspecific clinical signs, making the diagnosis difficult. The disease should not be seen as a single problem, but as a consequence of various disorders. As dietary, metabolic, genetic and infectious causes, as well as factors that potentiate the chance of development of uroliths such as breed, age, sex, age range, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, geographic region and climate. Thus, the knowledge of the factors that influence the formation of uroliths, as well as the understanding of the pathophysiology, are key elements for better alternatives of therapy and prevention. The recognition of these factors helps to identify susceptible populations, minimizing exposure and increasing the protection factors, which facilitates the diagnosis and treatment of patients with urolithiasis. The objective of this paper is to present the main risk factors involved in the formation of urinary lithiasis in felines.

Case Report: Application and Limitations of a Plant-Based Diet Formulated for a Cat With Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

“…In cases with urolithiasis, additional nutritional interventions are indicated. Considering that struvite crystals are composed of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate, high dietary levels of these nutrients are considered to be causative (1,29). Additionally, other minerals that may affect urinary excretion of phosphorus, such as calcium and chloride may also contribute toward struvite crystalluria.…”

“…Concentration of precursors is a component of struvite crystalluria. The presence of ammonia and a pH > 6.0 are required for precipitation to occur, as high urinary pH reduces the solubility of phosphorus and magnesium in the urine, allowing the ammonia to bind the minerals leading to precipitation as struvite crystals (29,31). Manipulation of the urinary pH to maintain a slightly acidic (pH < 6.5) environment thus increases solubility of struvite, reducing crystal precipitation (30,32).…”

Lower urinary tract lithiasis of cats in Algeria: Clinical and epidemiologic features

“…All feline breeds can be affected by lithiasis [1]. Appel's et al [25] study identified significant associations between breed and uroliths composition.…”

“…Several authors report that the proportion of urolithiasis is higher in cats consuming only dry food [27,30]. Food is a leading factor in the onset of urinary stones in the cat: Diet content influences urinary pH, which may increase the risk of lithiasis formation [1,4,26]. According to Bartges et a l. [31], food was essential in the prevention of urinary lithiasis.…”

“…In veterinary medicine, 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, also known as calculi or uroliths, are either mineral or organic in nature.…”