Struvite Crystals What Do Crystals In Cat Urine Look Like

Struvite crystals or just cat crystals for us less technical folk are dreaded by both pets and pet owners.

Struvite crystals what do crystals in cat urine look like.

Struvite specifically is a material that is composed of magnesium ammonium and phosphate. As mentioned many normal cats who do not have urinary disease will have some struvite crystals. 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. 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.

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. The crystals themselves can be perfectly normal but become problematic when they combine to form grit or stones of varying shapes and sizes. Dogs and cats are different in many ways but both seem predisposed to urine crystal formation. If your cat is having urinary issues your veterinarian will first recommend a urinalysis.

Sometimes the chemicals can convert into solids. Struvite crystals are the most common form of mineral crystals that form in a cats urinary tract. 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. An ultrasound and x ray may also be performed.

Struvite crystals are microscopic crystals that are found in the urine of some cats. Crystals in dog urine. Crystals in cat urine vs. Signs of bladder stones typically include frequent urination straining to urinate blood in the urine and urinating outside of the litterbox.

Different types of crystals may develop if your cat isn t eating a proper complete and balanced diet. Crystals in urine test. The difference lies in the kind of crystals that form in dogs or cats and how they can adversely affect these pets. Younger cats can develop crystals in their urine just as easily as older cats so age isn t really a factor.

It is easy to recognize these crystals under a microscope as they have a characteristic coffin box shape. Struvite bladder stones are one of the most common bladder stones in cats. It is the waste that you flush from your body. Also any condition that changes your cat s urine ph such as kidney disease or long term medication use can cause crystals.

Around half of all urinary stones in cats are struvite crystals. The crystals themselves are nearly identical. The urine contains several chemicals. Let s take a closer look at struvite crystals.

Struvite crystals are formed from magnesium ammonium and phosphate. 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.