Struvite Crystals What Do Crystals In Cat Urine Look Like

The crystals themselves are nearly identical.

Struvite crystals what do crystals in cat urine look like.

Crystals in urine test. Crystals in dog urine. Struvite specifically is a material that is composed of magnesium ammonium and phosphate. The crystals themselves can be perfectly normal but become problematic when they combine to form grit or stones of varying shapes and sizes.

When cat crystals form it becomes almost impossible for your cat to urinate despite the persistent urge to do so and frequently we might add. These tests will help identify any abnormalities in the bladder kidneys or urinary tract and look for the presence of any larger stones that could pose a medical emergency. Struvite crystals or just cat crystals for us less technical folk are dreaded by both pets and pet owners. Struvite crystals are microscopic crystals that are found in the urine of some cats.

Sometimes the chemicals can convert into solids. It is the waste that you flush from your body. An ultrasound and x ray may also be performed. Also any condition that changes your cat s urine ph such as kidney disease or long term medication use can cause crystals.

The urine contains several chemicals. Any underlying infection would need to be treated with a course of antibiotics which have been based on culture and sensitivity and the urine should be re analysed when the course is finished to ensure the infection has been eliminated and is not grumbling on. Crystals in cat urine vs. The difference lies in the kind of crystals that form in dogs or cats and how they can adversely affect these pets.

Signs of bladder stones typically include frequent urination straining to urinate blood in the urine and urinating outside of the litterbox. Struvite crystals and stones are typically treated conservatively. A sterile urine sample allows the veterinarian to look at the urine without any contamination from the cat s urethra or genitals. Struvite crystals are the most common form of mineral crystals that form in a cats urinary tract.

If your cat is having urinary issues your veterinarian will first recommend a urinalysis. Struvite crystals are formed from magnesium ammonium and phosphate. It is easy to recognize these crystals under a microscope as they have a characteristic coffin box shape. The crystals in the urine test can measure the amount size and the chemical composition of the urine crystals.

Around half of all urinary stones in cats are struvite crystals. You may be alerted to this problem when you see your cat straining to urinate urinating outside the litter box urinating frequently has an increased thirst and or has cloudy or. Struvite bladder stones are one of the most common bladder stones in cats. In some cats struvite bladder stones form as a result of a urinary tract infection.

Dogs and cats are different in many ways but both seem predisposed to urine crystal formation. Let s take a closer look at struvite crystals. Younger cats can develop crystals in their urine just as easily as older cats so age isn t really a factor.