Treating Kidney Stones In Cats: Effective Home Remedies

Kidney stones in cats, also known as nephroliths, are clusters of crystals or stones that form in the kidneys or urinary tract. While they are not common, they have become increasingly prevalent in cats since the 1980s. The condition is more likely to affect male cats and certain breeds, such as domestic shorthairs, longhairs, Persians, and Siamese. The formation of kidney stones is often asymptomatic and may only be detected during diagnostic testing for other medical issues. However, if left untreated, kidney stones can lead to serious complications, including life-threatening urinary blockages. Treatment options include medication, dietary changes, and in severe cases, surgical or procedural interventions.

Medication and prescription diets to dissolve kidney stones

Medication and dietary changes can be used to dissolve kidney stones in cats. The type of medication and diet prescribed will depend on the chemical makeup of the kidney stone.

If your cat has been diagnosed with kidney stones, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to dissolve the stones. This could include methionine and ammonium chloride to reduce urine pH or potassium citrate to raise it. Medication may also be given to reduce pain levels while treatment for the kidney stones occurs.

In addition to medication, your veterinarian will recommend dietary changes to help dissolve kidney stones. The specific dietary changes will depend on the type of kidney stones your cat has. For struvite stones, your cat should be fed a diet that is low in phosphorus and magnesium and promotes the formation of acidic urine. A urinary pH of between 6.2 and 6.4 is ideal for struvite stones. For calcium oxalate stones, it is recommended to avoid foods and supplements that are high in calcium and oxalates, and to maintain a urinary pH of higher than 6.2. To prevent the return of urate stones, it is recommended to reduce dietary purine levels by feeding your cat foods that are not overly high in protein and ensuring that the protein that is present is of the highest quality. A urinary pH of 6.6 or higher is recommended for urate stones.

Increasing your cat's water intake can also help to dissolve kidney stones. This can be done by feeding canned food only and even mixing a little extra water into your cat's food. Dilute urine helps to keep minerals in solution, rather than forming stones.

Antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections

Antibiotics are a crucial component of treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats. While UTIs are uncommon in young cats, older cats are more susceptible to infection, with approximately two-thirds of older cats with UTIs also experiencing some form of chronic kidney disease. The bacteria responsible for UTIs typically originate from the gastrointestinal tract or the lower urinary/reproductive tract.

Veterinarians diagnose UTIs by collecting a urine sample through a procedure called cystocentesis, which involves extracting urine directly from the bladder with a fine needle to prevent contamination. A culture-and-sensitivity test is then performed to isolate and study the bacteria, aiding in the determination of the most suitable antibiotics for treatment.

The specific antibiotics chosen depend on the type of bacteria present and the characteristics of the infection. For uncomplicated UTIs, which occur in healthy cats with normal urinary tract anatomy and function, recommended antibiotics include amoxicillin, cephalosporins, and trimethoprim-sulfonamide. On the other hand, complicated UTIs, which arise in cats with functional or anatomical abnormalities of the urinary tract or risk factors for persistent or recurrent infections, may be treated with antibiotics such as amoxicillin, fluoroquinolones, or trimethoprim-sulfonamide.

The duration of antibiotic therapy also varies depending on the nature of the UTI. For uncomplicated UTIs, the recommended treatment duration is typically 7 days or fewer, while for complicated UTIs, it may extend up to 4 weeks.

It is important to note that UTIs in cats can be challenging to cure, especially when they involve the kidneys (pyelonephritis) or the prostate (prostatitis). Additionally, creating an appropriate antibiotic prescription can be difficult for cats with kidney disease due to reduced drug clearance.

Pain medication to reduce pain levels

Pain medication is an important aspect of treating kidney stones in cats, as it helps reduce their pain levels while other treatments are administered. While kidney stones do not typically cause the same degree of pain and discomfort in cats as they do in humans, they can still result in painful conditions such as kidney colic, which is signalled by abdominal pain, lethargy, malaise, and even vomiting.

If a cat is experiencing kidney stones, they may be given pain medication to help manage their pain levels. This can be particularly important if the kidney stones are causing a blockage or obstruction in the urinary tract, which can be extremely painful and even life-threatening. Pain medication can help reduce the cat's discomfort and improve their quality of life while the underlying condition is being treated.

The type and dosage of pain medication will depend on the individual cat's needs and should be determined by a veterinarian. It is important to note that pain medication is just one part of the treatment plan for kidney stones in cats. Other treatments, such as dietary changes, increased water intake, antibiotics, and, in severe cases, surgery or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), may also be necessary to address the underlying cause and prevent future occurrences.

It is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your cat, as they can consider the unique circumstances of your cat's health and the type of kidney stones they are experiencing.

Intravenous fluids for dehydrated cats

Dehydration is a common issue for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to their increased urination, which may be compounded by the cat not eating or drinking enough. Intravenous (IV) fluids are a form of fluid therapy that can be used to treat cats that are severely dehydrated.

IV fluids are typically only used in a hospital setting and are reserved for acute situations, such as when a cat is "crashing" or experiencing a severe health crisis. In the case of CKD, IV fluids are often used when a cat is severely dehydrated, which can be a sign of CKD and is known as "crashing".

The process of administering IV fluids begins with the vet shaving and cleaning the area around the chosen vein. They will then insert a catheter using a hypodermic needle and tape it in place. The drip is then connected to a bag of fluid, typically a saline solution, which is elevated above the cat so that it can drain via gravity. Fluid pumps are often used to control the rate of fluid administration.

IV fluids are used to rehydrate cats and flush out their kidneys, correcting severe dehydration and any resulting electrolyte imbalances, as well as removing toxins from the blood. This process is known as diuresis and can also be used to treat acute kidney insults such as infections or kidney stones.

Most CKD cats need to stay on IV fluids for 2-4 days. The first 2-4 hours are used to rehydrate the cat, known as the replacement phase, followed by the maintenance phase to stabilise the cat. IV fluids should be reduced gradually rather than stopped suddenly to give the cat's kidneys time to adapt.

While IV fluid therapy can be lifesaving, it is not always benign and can be stressful and expensive. Therefore, it should only be used when necessary, such as in cases of severe dehydration or acute kidney issues.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to remove kidney stones

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive procedure that is often the first option for veterinarians to treat kidney stones in cats. It is a safe and effective method that does not require surgery or hospitalisation, reducing recovery time.

ESWL uses high-energy shock waves to break up kidney stones into tiny pieces, allowing them to pass out of the body through the urinary tract. This procedure can be performed without making any incisions, as the shock waves can be targeted at the kidney stones from outside the body. The shock waves are aimed at the stones with the help of X-rays or ultrasounds, which also help in pinpointing the stone's location.

During the procedure, the cat will be placed on a padded table on top of a water-filled cushion. The veterinarian will then use X-rays or ultrasounds to locate the kidney stone and aim the shock waves precisely at it. Thousands of shock waves are then released at the stone, breaking it into many smaller pieces. The entire procedure usually takes about an hour, depending on the size and number of kidney stones.

After the procedure, the cat may experience some side effects such as soreness near the treatment area and blood in their urine. These symptoms typically subside within a few days. It may take several days to weeks for the cat to completely pass all the stone fragments. It is important to encourage the cat to drink plenty of water during this time to help move the stone fragments through the body and reduce the risk of constipation.

While ESWL is a safe and effective treatment for kidney stones in cats, it may not be suitable for all cases. The success of the procedure depends on factors such as the size, location, and composition of the kidney stone. Additionally, certain pre-existing conditions, such as chronic infection, may make ESWL less effective.

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