Struvite stones in cat's are mostly formed due to the urinary changes that occur with specific types of bladder infection. Almost always a staphylococcal infection but occasionally a Proteus infection.
It is not uncommon for Struvite crystals to be in normal urine and is usually of no consequence. But when they are present in very large amounts together with a Staph or Proteus bladder infection, crystals can congeal into stones.
Urea is a waste product generated in the metabolism of protein and it is removed from the body via excretion in urine.When urine is infected with bacteria that are able to digest urea, urea is broken down into ammonia.
Ammonia is toxic to the cells of the bladder wall and its presence generates inflammation, although the infection present also generates inflammation as well.
The proteins released in the inflammatory reaction form a matrix which the struvite crystals use to form an actual stone.
The reaction takes place only in an alkaline pH but the presence of ammonia creates just the alkaline pH needed for stone formation.
Bacteria capable of digesting urea are called urease positive bacteria and in most cases we are talking about Staphylococci. In general rule is: No infection, no bladder stone.
I recomend using our Stravite Stone Support Mix. The herbs in my support mix include Uva Ursi, Rosehips, Dandelion,Echinacea, Garlic, Pellitory of the Wall and Equisetum as well as the Bach Flowers Agrimomy, Willow, Mimulus and Rescue Remedy. This mix rebalances the entire urinary system and aids the assistance of stone removal.
