Abbey came in for an exam because her owner noticed that she had
been
straining when going to the bathroom.
It was noted that she had
passed some blood while trying to urinate.
Dr. Will performed a complete physical exam
and felt that the bladder
was abnormal
when the abdomen was palpated.
A urine sample was
then obtained through cystocentesis.
Her urine appeared cloudy
and greenish-yellow in color.
The sample was tested which
indicated a high protein loss,
a ph of 7 and a specific gravity of
1.030.
Microscopic examination of the urine
showed large amounts
of red blood cells
as well as amorphous crystals.
Radiographs
were then take of Abbey's abdomen.
Radiographs of Abbey's Bladder Before Perscription Diet
DIAGNOSIS:
Upon reveiw of the radiographs multiple large baldder stones
or uroliths were noted.
SOLUTION:
Abbey passed a small bladder stone while urinating.
The stone was sent to the lab for evaluation.
The analysis revealed that is was composed of struvite.
Abbey was started on antibiotics and
given some medication for her pain.
She was also perscribed a special diet to dissolve the stones.
OUTCOME:
After several weeks on the special diet and
antibiotics her stones dissolved.
She is doing much better. Her urine no longer has blood in it
and she seems more comfortable overall.
She will have to remain on a perscription diet for the rest of her life
to prevent the recurrence of bladder stones.
Radiographs of Abbey's Bladder After Two Months On Perscription Diet
COMMENT: If the stones do not dissolve or pass, surgery is necessary.
Persistent bladder stones,
not removed cause chronic urinary infections.
They also pose a risk of urinary obstruction.
Urinary obstruction is a medical emergency that can lead to
acute kidney damage and death.
