February 2000
TagAlong is a 15 year old female Domestic Shorthair who presented for recurrent dysuria (straining to urinate) and hematuria (blood in the urine). The owner had returned from a business trip to find TagAlong depressed and dehydrated. Radiographs taken revealed 3-4 bladder stones.
The irregular surface of the stones mechanically irritate the lining of the bladder causing the bladder lining to bleed. This can cause pain and discomfort. Large stones may cause a partial obstruction at the point where the urine leaves the bladder and enters the urethra (neck of the bladder). Smaller stones may actually make it into the urethra and lodge there causing an obstruction. Complete urinary blockage is a medical emergency.