Struvite Crystals What Do Crystals In Cat Urine Look Like

Crystals in urine test.

Struvite crystals what do crystals in cat urine look like. In some cats struvite bladder stones form as a result of a urinary tract infection. The difference lies in the kind of crystals that form in dogs or cats and how they can adversely affect these pets. The crystals themselves are nearly identical. 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.

Crystals in dog urine. Also any condition that changes your cat s urine ph such as kidney disease or long term medication use can cause crystals. Signs of bladder stones typically include frequent urination straining to urinate blood in the urine and urinating outside of the litterbox. 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 in the urine test can measure the amount size and the chemical composition of the urine crystals. Sometimes the chemicals can convert into solids. Different types of crystals may develop if your cat isn t eating a proper complete and balanced diet. It is easy to recognize these crystals under a microscope as they have a characteristic coffin box shape.

Struvite specifically is a material that is composed of magnesium ammonium and phosphate. Younger cats can develop crystals in their urine just as easily as older cats so age isn t really a factor. Struvite crystals are microscopic crystals that are found in the urine of some cats. Struvite crystals are the most common form of mineral crystals that form in a cats urinary tract.

As mentioned many normal cats who do not have urinary disease will have some struvite crystals. So it looks like crystals. Struvite bladder stones are one of the most common bladder stones in cats. 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.

Around half of all urinary stones in cats are struvite crystals. Struvite crystals are formed from magnesium ammonium and phosphate. Crystals in cat urine vs. If your cat is having urinary issues your veterinarian will first recommend a urinalysis.

Struvite crystals or just cat crystals for us less technical folk are dreaded by both pets and pet owners. Struvite crystals and stones are typically treated conservatively. Dogs and cats are different in many ways but both seem predisposed to urine crystal formation. A sterile urine sample allows the veterinarian to look at the urine without any contamination from the cat s urethra or genitals.

Let s take a closer look at struvite crystals. The urine contains several chemicals. It is the waste that you flush from your body.