Urolithiasis designates the presence of calculi or uroliths in the urinary passages. Minerals predominate in plugs. Several factors are important in precipitating disease and in predisposing to calculus formation. Predisposing factors are a preceding infection, reduced water intake, diet-induced changes of urine pH and inborn errors of metabolism. This obstructive disease of the urethra occurs quite often in male, intact cats.
Urethral obstruction induces post-renal azotemia, dysuria and hematuria.
Secondary bacterial infection causes severe hemorrhagic, transmural cystitis. Rupture and uroperitoneum may ensue. Primary inflammation of the lower urinary tract mainly affects the urinary bladder. There are acute or chronic forms of inflammation. Stranguria, pollakiuria, and hematuria are good indicators for cystitis.