Struvite/Triple Phosphate Urinary Crystals

Struvite/triple phosphate urinary crystals are a supersaturation of minerals in the urine due to a neutral to alkaline (basic) pH of the urine, increased salt and magnesium in the diet and decreased frequency of urination.  A urinary tract infection can also predispose a pet to getting the crystals.  All dogs and cats have the potential to develop struvite urinary crystals.  We see it most commonly in neutered male cats, but also in dogs.

Symptoms can be unique to each patient:  frequent urination in small amounts, straining to urinate with no success, drinking more water/vomiting, lethargy/no appetite and bloody urine.  If your pet is straining to urinate and unable to, this is a life-threatening situation. Call the clinic as soon as possible.

Diagnosing struvite crystals is accomplished through a urinalysis.  The urine will be spun in a centrifuge and examined under the microscope.  An x-ray may also be needed to determine if there are any larger stones in the bladder or urethra obstructing the urine flow or causing major problems.  If your cat is blocked and unable to urinate, he will be hospitalized, bloodwork ran, a urinalysis, put under general anesthesia and an attempt to thread a catheter into the penis/urethra will be made.  The cat will be observed for 24-48 hours at a minimum to ensure that once the catheter is pulled, he can urinate on his own.  Blockage of the urinary tract can prevent the kidneys from eliminating poisonous wastes from the body.  The bladder becomes very full, because urine cannot be eliminated.  Depression, weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting, pain and eventually death will result if veterinarian attention is not obtained.  Some cats need to be re-catheterized and some males may require surgery (perineal urethrostomy, PU) to open up the penis and enable them to urinate more like a female.  Some pets may develop kidney disease or failure that is irreversible; each animal is an individual.

Treating the crystals has short-term and long-term parts.  In the short term, antibiotics are used because as crystals dissolve, bacteria is frequently released.  A crystal-dissolving diet is fed at least 30 days.  Urinary acidifiers to drop the urine pH into a favorable range to stop crystal formation may also be used.  After it is confirmed that the crystals are dissolved, your pet will need to remain on a prescription diet that maintains the urine pH into optimum range so as to prevent crystal formation and a recurrence.  Some people have tried the grocery store foods that are for "urinary health"; we can not guarantee success with these foods and do not recommend they substitute prescription foods.