Struvite treatment
Struvites are a type of urinary stone and belong to the most common kinds that occur in cats. Chemically, they are a compound made up of phosphate, ammonia, and magnesium. An alkaline pH (>7) contributes to their formation. This type of urinary stone can be completely dissolved using a special diet, and they generally do not require surgery (providing that animal is able to urinate).
In this case, the veterinary diet is the primary treatment. Thanks to the diet’s special formulation, urinary pH can be lowered (urine acidification), which is one of the factors that prevents the formation of further struvites and supports the dissolution of existing stones. The diet also dilutes the crystal-forming substances and promotes water intake. By diluting the urine, RSS (relative supersaturation) of mineral levels can be reached that enable existing struvites to dissolve. The prerequisite for success is a well-constructed diagnosis that clearly defines the type of stone and excludes bacterial infection.
In case of bacterial infection, targeted antibiotic therapy is needed. Regular clinical checks are necessary.
