Marty has stones

[Dixieland Dancer]

We have a two year old nueterd male cat. He was just admitted to the vet hospital and will be there at least 3 or 4 days. His symptoms were constant peeing and then eventually blood instead of pee.

The vet said he has a stone that is stuck in his urinary tract. They put a cathater in since he couldn't pee on his own now. This is also suppose to allow the stone to pass.

This is supposedly diet related (to much ash) and is common in male nueterd cats around 2 years of age? Only in rare cases do they have to operate to get the stone to pass. His diet will need to be changed to a low ash product.

My questions: 1.) Has anyone else ever had this happen to their cat or heard of it happening? 2.) When you changed the diet what food did you switch too?

Thanks for helping out with info.

[wolflady]

Hi Dixieland,
I've definitely heard of this happening. Unfortunately it's not uncommon. My Scooter had a severe UTI just recently, but not to the point where he was blocked. He was straining with blood in the urine, and was crying and licking his rear end a lot. After trying antibiotics to clear it up, the vet put him in a prescription cat food that will hopefully clear the problem up and keep it that way. He has to be on it for the rest of his life, but as long as it helps to prevent a recurrance it's worth it even though the food is a little expensive. He's on the Hill's Science Diet for urinary tract. Your vet should be able to give you the prescription for it. So far Scooter seems to have improved :D **hugs** to your poor baby. I know it's so uncomfortable for the poor little kitties! Be sure to let us know how he is doing :)

[4 feline house]

DD-

Yes, this is unfortunately pretty common in cats. It is more likely to occur in males who have been neutered at a young age, or cats who eat inexpensive dry food or food with a high ash content. But any cat can get it. Diet is the best prevention, but some cats are prone no matter their human's and vet's best efforts. Good luck to your little guy, and follow your vet's advice to the letter.

[Dixieland Dancer]

We are able to bring Marty home today. He is able to go in small amounts frequently. The vet is putting him on the Hill's Science prescription diet. We will just have to keep an eye on him for the rest of his life to make sure it doesn't reoccur. Thanks for the info that it is not that uncommon. You always fear that you are the only one who has ever gone through the pain of watching a loved pet suffer.