What will happen if you don't treat urolithiasis in a cat? - briefly
If left untreated, feline urolithiasis can lead to severe complications such as urinary tract obstruction and even kidney failure, which can be life-threatening for the cat. Prompt veterinary intervention is crucial to prevent these serious health issues.
What will happen if you don't treat urolithiasis in a cat? - in detail
If urolithiasis, or the formation of bladder stones, is left untreated in a cat, several serious health complications can arise. Bladder stones are typically composed of minerals such as calcium oxalate, struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate), or uric acid, and their presence can cause significant discomfort and potential life-threatening issues.
One of the most immediate concerns is obstruction. If a stone blocks the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, it can lead to an inability to urinate. This condition, known as urethral obstruction, is a medical emergency. Male cats are particularly prone to this complication due to their longer and narrower urethra. If left untreated, the bladder will become distended and potentially rupture, leading to severe abdominal pain, systemic infection (sepsis), and even death within 24-72 hours.
Even if obstruction does not occur, the presence of bladder stones can cause chronic inflammation and irritation of the bladder lining, a condition known as cystitis. This inflammation can lead to frequent urination, bloody urine (hematuria), straining to urinate, and discomfort when trying to urinate. Over time, this chronic irritation can result in changes to the bladder wall, potentially leading to more serious conditions such as bladder cancer.
Additionally, the presence of stones can alter the pH of the urine, creating an environment favorable for bacterial growth and infection. This can result in a condition known as a urinary tract infection (UTI), which if left untreated, can spread to the kidneys, causing a potentially life-threatening condition called pyelonephritis. Kidney damage from chronic UTIs or pyelonephritis can lead to permanent loss of kidney function and potentially renal failure.
Moreover, some types of bladder stones are associated with underlying metabolic disorders, such as hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels) in the case of calcium oxalate stones or portosystemic shunts in the case of ammonium urate stones. These conditions require specific management and can lead to systemic issues if not addressed.
In summary, untreated urolithiasis in cats can result in a range of complications from obstruction and infection to potentially life-threatening conditions such as sepsis or renal failure. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these serious health outcomes.