Successful Treatment of Urolith in a Neutered Persian Cat: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Uroliths or calculi are the formations of stones in the bladder. The formation of stones is influenced by specific metabolic conditions such as nutritional factors (e.g., protein-rich diet), hydration (lack of water), pH modification, low urine volume, hypercalcemia, or hypophosphatemia. In pet medicine, urolithiasis is common, particularly in cats.

Case report: In October 2022, a 2-year-old neutered male Persian cat with a weight of 4 kg was referred to Ardebili Veterinary Pet Clinic (Mashhad, Iran) due to urinating outside the litter box, painful urination, and blood in the urine. A physical examination, ultrasonography, and blood analysis were performed. The physical examination included an assessment of the cat’s body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, mental state, mucous membrane color, capillary refill time, cardiopulmonary auscultation, and abdominal palpation. The cat appeared to be in good general health. No abnormalities were detected during the palpation of the bladder. Ultrasonography was performed using a real-time scanner with a 7.5-10 MHz broadband curvilinear probe, and the kidney parenchyma was examined. During the examination, a urolith with a size of 1 mm was observed. According to history and ultrasonography, and physical examination, the diagnosis was urolithiasis. To treat intermittent bladder pain, a spasmolytic drug (Prazosin) was administered at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg for 7 days. By the second day, the symptoms of pain had subsided.

Additionally, ciprofloxacin at 20 mg/kg was used to combat infections. Fluoxetine at a 1 mg/kg dose was also administered to control inappropriate urination outside the litter box. After 3 days, the owner reported that the pet’s health improved, and most clinical signs disappeared.

Conclusion: Administering appropriate medication (spasmolytic drug, antibiotic, and antidepressant in case of depressed animal and behavioral problems) can alleviate the calculi crystals in a cat’s urinary bladder and prevent future recurrences. In this instance, fluoxetine was discovered to be a successful option for managing pain and solving behavioral problems.