Epidemiologic evaluation of feline urolithiasis in Thailand from 2010 to 2017

Abstract

This cross-sectional study describes the epidemiological data of feline urolithiasis in Thailand. Information on 923 feline uroliths submitted from Thailand to the Minnesota Urolith Center between January 2010 and December 2017 was evaluated. The frequency of urolith types, the relationships between urolith type and breeds and sex, were analyzed. Calcium oxalate was the most common urolith (49.5%) and was commonly found in male cats (OR = 1.81; 95%CI: 1.39, 2.36) with a mean age of 6.3±3.2 years. Struvite was the second most common urolith (38%), more frequently found in females (OR = 1.46; 95%CI: 1.11, 1.91) with a mean age of 5.1±3.1 years. Persians were significantly associated with the formation of CaOx urolith (OR = 1.65; 95%CI: 1.21, 2.21). Urate, cystine, calcium phosphate, and silica urolith were less common. Compound urolith was found in 7.6% of which 3 compound uroliths contained suture material as a nidus. During the study period, the proportion of CaOx urolith significantly increased from 35% in 2010 to 54% in 2017 (p < 0.01). The proportion of struvite urolith decreased from 54% in 2010 to 28% in 2017 (p < 0.01). The result of this study can be used for predicting the mineral composition of urolith and assist veterinarians to select diagnostic tests and to initiate therapy prior to urolith removal.