Causes

• While no one factor has been proven to be the sole cause of bladder stones, several factors seem to work in combination and can lead to the development of this health problem. Urine that has a pH imbalance and is over saturated with certain minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, may be more prone to creating stones. Bacteria present in the urine can also be a culprit, as can some medications, such as Lasix and Cortisone.
  
  

Symptoms

• Frustratingly enough, most of the symptoms exhibited with bladder stones are also seen with urinary tract infections. In fact, chronic urinary tract infections is a symptom in and of itself. Careful monitoring of your cat's bathroom activities should reveal a problem is occurring, with signs such as blood in the urine and painful urination. If your cat is having problems and is uncomfortable or in pain when trying to use the litter box, a trip to the vet is recommended.
  
  

Risk Factors

• Although any cat is susceptible to developing bladder stones, they tend to occur more often in neutered middle aged males cats. The Burmese, Himalayan and Persian breeds seem particularly at risk, and one theory is that these breeds have an increased calcium level in the bloodstream that genetically predisposes them to the development of the stones. Diets containing higher concentrations of the minerals commonly found in the stones themselves, such as magnesium and calcium, may put your cat at higher risk as well.
  
  

Diagnosis

• It's important to note that the presence of a bladder infection does not automatically mean the presence of bladder stones. Some stones are big enough for the vet to feel through the cat's abdominal wall. However, in the case of smaller stones, urinalysis, ultrasound and radiography are the best ways to not only verify the presence of bladder stones, but to also identify the underlying cause of them to try and prevent recurrence.
  
  

Treatments

• The type of treatment necessary to resolve a bladder stone depends upon the make up of the stone and its size. Stones that are large or already stuck in the urethra can be either broken apart using shock waves, or removed surgically. Smaller stones can either be passed naturally, or dissolved with a vet-prescribed diet. The urinalysis can provide clues for your vet on the make up of the stone, so proper treatment can be determined.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• You can take steps to greatly minimize the chances of your cat having to suffer from future bladder stones. Proper treatment depends upon the chemical make up and cause of your cat's stones, which may be determined after an analysis of the stone and urine. In some cases a diet change can greatly reduce the risk of the formation of future stones, as can a constant supply of fresh, clean water, while long-term medication may be necessary in others.