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Nephrolithiasis

Condition Overview:

Nephrolithiasis is the condition marked by the presence of renal calculi or kidney stones. One function of the urinary system is the removal of body wastes in liquid form. Some mineral wastes are only slightly soluble and may form crystals. If the transit time of crystal movement through the urinary system is prolonged, crystals may interact and grow intostones. Several types of stones can affect cats and dogs. Each type of stone isoften associated with its own specific cause. General causes include:

•   Underlying urinary tract infections or infection within the kidney
  
•   Genetic defects
  
•   Dietary factors or supplements
  
•   Administration of certain medications
  
•   Concurrent or underlying conditions or illness
  Overall, nephroliths are slightly more common in the male cat and are generally seen in the middle-aged animal, although can be seen in any age. There are different breed predilections for each type of calculi. In cats, nephroliths are seen most commonly in the domestic shorthair.
  Urine retention and the formation of concentrated urine may predispose to calculi.

Stones less than 5 mm in size usually will pass spontaneously, with diclofenac usually proving effective pain management. However the majority of stones greater than 6 mm will require some form of intervention, especially so if the stone is stuck causing obstruction and infection of the urinary tract.
In many cases non-invasive Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy may be used. Otherwise some form of invasive procedure is required; with approaches including retrograde ureteral, percutaneous nephrolithotomy or open surgery, and using laser, ultrasonic and mechanical (pneumatic, shock-wave) forms of energy to fragmentstones. Kidney stones can be caused by a build up of uric acid,calcium, or phosphate in your urine. If you have gout, you may be more likely tohave kidney stones. You may get kidney stones if you do not drink enough water.