Feline Calcium Phosphate

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General Information

Calcium phosphate uroliths (hydroxyapatite, brushite, whitlockite, and octacalcium phosphate) are uncommon in cats. Common conditions associated with these minerals include hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, and dystrophic and ectopic mineralization of vital tissues (i.e. blood clots, urothelium, etc.). Calcium phosphate uroliths (hydroxyapatite, brushite, whitlockite, and octacalcium phosphate) are uncommon in cats. Common conditions associated with these minerals include hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, and dystrophic and ectopic mineralization of vital tissues (i.e. blood clots, urothelium, etc.).

Diagnostic

Calcium phosphate uroliths include apatite, brushite, and octacalcium phosphate. • Serum calcium. Investigate causes for hypercalcemia, when present.

Medical

• Correct hypercalcemia based on cause (e.g. food change, prednisone, parathyroid removal, etc.). • Hydrochlorothiazide with highly recurrent stones (1mg/kg q12-24 hr).

Nutritional

• Mildly reduced protein/sodium foods that do not overly acidify urine (e.g. c/d multicare diets, others). If needed, Feed canned therapeutic foods or add water to achieve a urine specific gravity ≤1.030.

Monitoring

Urinalysis every 3 to 6 months to adjust pH to 6.5 to 7.5, and urine specific gravity to 1.030 or lower. Medical imaging every 6 to 12 months to detect recurrent stones when small to permit their easy removal without surgery.

Disclaimer

We advise reviewing manufacturer's literature regarding selected therapeutic foods to determine indications and contraindications. For pets with multiple health concerns,we suggest that the selection of diet should take into consideration all health needs of the pet.

Link to Full Recommendation PDF

Feline Calcium Phosphate
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