Uroliths (bladder stones) often form in the urinary bladder of guinea pigs, but they can also be found in other parts of the urinary system including the kidneys, ureters, and urethra. Certain conditions create a perfect environment for minerals in the urine to solidify and form bladder stones. The presence of bladder stones can cause pain and discomfort. Irritation of the urinary bladder can lead to bloody urine. Cats with bladder stones may also exhibit the following symptoms:

• Straining while trying to urinate but producing little or no urine
• The fur around the rear end and hind legs tends to be wet
• Abdomen appears swollen and painful
• The cat assumes a hunched-up posture with the back arched
• The cat may groom his rear end excessively
• There is loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Excessive grooming around their rear end

Your veterinary clinic Kalamazoo, MI may choose to perform an x-ray examination or ultrasound to confirm the presence of bladder stones.