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Struvite Danger in Cats
Cats, and especially male cats, can be particularly prone to urethral obstructions from struvite plugs. Because the urethra is the tube that drains the bladder, obstruction can be very serious, and fatal if not treated. Symptoms include repeated attempts to urinate with only a few drops, on no urine passing (in the litter box, on porcelain surfaces, or anywhere), often every few minutes (some owners mistakenly think the cat is constipated). As the pain increases, these poor cats will begin to vocalize and howl quite forlornly. At the first sign of obstruction, they need immediate Veterinary attention.
Causes of this obstruction are usually struvite particles (tiny pieces of magnesium ammonium phosphate bladder stones), and sometimes urethral plugs made of minerals, cells, protein, and cellular debris. Fortunately, advances in feline nutrition have led many manufacturers to produce foods that encourage an acidic urine, thus reducing the struvite problems in our cat population.
Male cats that have had prior, repeated bouts with cystitis (bladder inflammation/infection) are much more prone to urethral obstruction. And unfortunately, the symptoms are quite similar in the early stages. So again, any time your cat appears to have difficulty urinating, seek Veternary help immediately.
Treatments include removing the obstruction (under sedation or anesthesia), antibiotics, special diets, and occasionally surgery to remove larger stones or obstructions.
Cornell has produced a very good informative article. Go to this link and scan down the page to "Urethral Obstruction"
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