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My cat was recently diagnosed with stones in her bladder. I was told that these types of stones cannot be eliminated with a special diet (some type of calcification, I can't remember the exact term the vet used) and that she would need a costly surgery to get rid of the stones. She came home with antibiotics. The entire time, she hasn't acted like she doesn't feel well. I only discovered a problem in the beginning because she urinated on some bubble wrap and there was blood in her urine. Would surgery really be necessary? My major concern at the moment is that she doesn't seem to be urinating like she should be. She is no longer spraying blood, I have been keeping a close eye on her. She's not listless nor seems disinterested in food. She doesn't seem to be dehydrated either. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Submitted: 81 days and 20 hours ago via Maybeckvet.

Category: Cat Veterinary

Value: $30

Status: CLOSED

Type of Animal: cat
Gender: female
Age: 5 yrs

Already Tried:
vet has conducted extensive tests including stool, blood & urine. Was sent home with antibiotics.

Posted by Dr. Loretta 81 days and 20 hours ago.

Answer

HI there.

I understand that it does not appear that she would need the surgery since she is not showing the symptoms. The problem is that these stones, calcium oxalate, I presume, are still inside the bladder causing severe irritation and growing. They are probably moving around now so there are no symptoms. They are not blocking her urinary tract and are not rubbing very much on the bladder wall so you do not see the signs.

Trust me, though, the symptoms will reappear with a vengeance and cause your gal very severe pain as they grow and irritate her bladder wall. It is imperative that you have them removed immediately. They will never go away and she has a better risk of handling the surgery well now rather than later when she is more debilitated from the larger stones and more damage to the bladder wall.
After the procedure, she will be placed on a diet that will keep the urine in an acid state so the crystals cannot grow again.

Good Luck!!

81 days and 20 hours ago.

Reply

Do you know if it is a surgery that should really cost around $2,000 to perform though? I understand that everywhere is different and everyone will charge different rates.

Accepted Answer

HI there.

This amount is probably standard but somwhat high. Since you know what is wrong with your gal, shop around to see how much it will cost at other facilities. You might be surprised at the difference in charges. If you were at my clinic, using state of the art surgical facilties, the price would be $700-1000 max and I am in CA.

I hate to see you get taken. Call other places and you may be surprised. It is just like asking about an estimate for a spay. There is no law against shopping for the best price while keeping the surgical procedure quality.

Good Luck!!

Accepts:
Expert:	Dr. Loretta
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	9/2/2009

Cat Veterinarian

25 years experience treating cats in my practice

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