Ultrasonic crushing of bladder stones in a cat

Crushing stones using ultrasound

At the moment, one of the effective methods that has long been tested by doctors is the crushing of kidney stones with ultrasound. This procedure allows you to successfully help a patient whose ultrasound has revealed stones ranging in size from 1.5 to 2 cm. Exposure to ultrasound to crush the stone, called lithotripsy, is currently carried out mainly in two ways:

Contact lithotripsy - a sensor that produces a beam of high-energy ultrasound waves is applied directly to the stone. Most often, this method is used to crush stones in the bladder and ureter. If stones up to 2 cm in size are detected in the pelvis and calyx, this method is also used. The sensor is delivered to the location of the stone in a low-traumatic manner, which reduces treatment time and eliminates the likelihood of complications. Ultrasonic crushing of kidney stones in this way involves removing stone fragments using urethroscopes through the urethra.
Remote lithotripsy involves crushing kidney stones with ultrasound by focusing on the stone, whose location is clearly established using ultrasound, acoustic waves close in frequency to ultrasound. In this case, there is no need to insert instruments into the patient’s body, and stone fragments are excreted independently in the urine, without medical assistance.

What is tartar?

Tartar is a deposit of calcareous nature on teeth. As a rule, these are calcified accumulations of microorganisms, food particles, and mineral salts. The appearance of tartar is associated with those areas of the dental surface of the cat’s teeth that do not bear direct load. It usually forms near the base of the tooth or in its front areas. Congenital malocclusion pathologies also contribute to the formation of tartar: for example, crooked or frequently spaced teeth. Also, excessive accumulation of tartar and inflammation of the gums can be a sign of metabolic diseases - chronic renal and liver failure; autoimmune diseases and some infections (feline immunodeficiency).

First, a whitish-yellowish plaque appears on the cat’s teeth. Such plaque is an accumulation of microorganisms, the soil for it is saliva, food particles, and oral detritus. It appears mainly on canines and premolars and molars, but not so often on incisors. Predisposing factors for the appearance of plaque in cats are feeding on soft food and lack of oral hygiene of the animal.

Tartar appears at the site of dental plaque as a result of its mineralization - the deposition of salts - usually phosphates and calcium carbonates. The source of salts is saliva; sometimes the cause of the formation of tartar is disturbances in the salt metabolism of the cat’s body.

The plaque turns from yellowish-whitish to brown and brown, hardens - it is no longer just plaque, but tartar. Over time, the stone grows, which has very unpleasant consequences. Tartar demineralizes tooth tissue, softens its enamel, and causes detachment of soft gum tissue from the neck of the tooth and the formation of gum pockets. Over time, your cat develops gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (inflammation of the tooth tissue), which can lead to loosening and even tooth loss.

Proper prevention will help reduce the likelihood of tartar in cats: feeding dry food, brushing teeth, and regular preventive examinations of the oral cavity by a doctor. Our specialists can advise you in detail on how to care for your cat’s oral cavity (also read our articles “Skin, coat and teeth care” and “Veterinary dentistry”). However, if a cat has already formed tartar, it needs treatment: removal of tartar, as well as the exclusion of a number of diseases.

Laser crushing of kidney stones

Laser crushing of kidney stones is the next stage in the development of non-surgical methods for treating urolithiasis. It combines endoscopic measures and laser therapy.

Laser crushing of kidney stones is carried out in the following way:

An endoscope is brought to the identified stone;
Having accurately determined the location of the stone, the laser is turned on, which destroys the stone by its action;
The dust formed as a result of laser exposure is eliminated by the body on its own without any difficulties in the urine.

The endoscope used for the procedure is a thin, fiber-optic tube, which, without causing much damage to the patient’s body, is brought to the pelvis through the urethra, bladder and ureter.

Considering the significant development of pharmacology, only a doctor can determine the optimal way to get rid of urolithiasis by choosing drug treatment, crushing with ultrasound or laser.

Crushing kidney stones with a laser: the essence of the method and patient reviews

The appearance of kidney stones is not uncommon and occurs in people of any age.

They are detected by ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder.

The formation of stones in the urinary organs occurs as a result of changes in the composition of urine, which is continuously formed in the kidneys.

Laser method for crushing kidney stones

One of the ways to remove stones that have appeared in the kidneys is laser lithotripsy, which combines laser therapy with an endoscopic treatment method. The technique is quite new, it helps to cope with urolithiasis reliably, effectively and almost painlessly.

Lithotripsy is prescribed to patients who:

The therapeutic treatment provided does not relieve chronic pain;
there is chronic obstruction, which increases the risk of renal dysfunction;
the presence of stones in inflamed urinary tracts;
high risk of bilateral obstruction, urosepsis, pyelonephritis.

Before laser lithotripsy, the patient is prescribed drugs to improve microcirculation and vitamin, infusion, and antibacterial agents.

Lithotripsy involves two stages: first, the stones are crushed and then removed from the body.

An endoscope (thin tube) is passed through the urethra, bladder and ureter to the stone. Then they turn on the laser and act on the stone, turning it into dust, which is then excreted from the kidneys with urine.

A micro video camera projects a view of the stone onto the monitor and helps the doctor detect it and then remove it. The procedure lasts no more than an hour (depending on the location of the stone, the qualifications of the specialist and other factors). This method, in comparison with others, has more advantages:

destroys the smallest stones;
leaves no scars;
the risk of debris is low;
the rehabilitation period is minimal;
in one session you can get rid of all stones;
the ability to visually monitor the progress of the procedure increases the efficiency of the process;
you can use the method to neutralize stones of complex composition;
almost no pain.

The laser crushing process occurs under visual control using endoscopic technology. The holmium laser used in laser lithotripsy does not penetrate deeply and does not damage adjacent tissues.

The type of anesthesia during which laser stone crushing is performed depends on the age of the patient, the duration of the operation, and any concomitant pathologies.

During the operation or a few minutes before its completion, the patient is administered antibacterial drugs for prophylactic purposes.

Contraindications

There are few contraindications for crushing stones with a laser, but laser lithotripsy is not recommended for:

the patient's serious condition;
exacerbation of prostatitis;
pregnancy;
coral stones;
impaired blood clotting;
arrhythmias;
narrowed urethra;
kidney cysts;
infectious diseases in the acute stage;
acute pyelonephritis (purulent form).

Treatment of urolithiasis is carried out in various ways.
Both surgical and conservative techniques are used. Modern methods of crushing kidney stones involve minimal invasive intervention or complete abandonment of it. Remote, percutaneous and laser lithotripsy - we will consider each method in detail. What is oxalaturia and how to treat it, you will find out here.

Kidney stones come in different types - oxalate, urate and others. In this topic https://mkb2.ru/klinicheskie-proyavleniya/konkrementy-v-pochkax.html we will consider the causes of nephrolithiasis, as well as methods for diagnosing urolithiasis.

Price of the procedure

How much does laser crushing of kidney stones cost? The price includes examination (including post-operative) and the procedure itself. Depending on the medical institution, the cost of laser lithotripsy varies significantly.

Julia, 36 years old. I developed kidney stones several years ago (discovered on an ultrasound).

As the doctor explained, this is due to the fact that in our area the water contains a lot of insoluble calcium and magnesium salts.

I had laser crushing of kidney stones a year ago, the procedure was successful and now I feel good.

I was thinking about changing my place of residence to avoid re-formation of stones, and to protect my children from this.

Leonid, 48 years old. I had one stone with a diameter of 11 mm, the rest were smaller. I tried for several years to be treated in different ways, but there was little use. I had to resort to laser crushing. The procedure is, of course, expensive, but health is more expensive. The stones were removed the first time, they no longer bother me (two years have passed since the manipulation). The operation lasted about 40 minutes, after 3 days I was able to go to work. There were no complications, I hope that this problem will not arise again.

Elizaveta, 52 years old. I had urolithiasis for almost 6 years. At first the stones didn’t bother me much, but recently the attacks became more frequent and the pain was such that I was ready to do anything. When they offered to remove them (one of them was 13 mm in diameter) with a laser, I was shocked by the price. But after consulting with my family, I decided to agree to the operation. True, it took time to collect the required amount.

The operation ended well; all the stones that had accumulated by that time were removed in one go. The doctor warned that I would have to follow a diet and drink filtered water. I try to follow his recommendations so that the disease does not recur.

Valery, 37 years old. A doctor in the regional center suggested I have an operation to remove stones from my kidneys. But I didn’t want to have surgery, and I went to the regional center because I had read about crushing stones using a laser. True, at that time I did not know that this procedure was so expensive. But I decided to do it anyway. I had all the stones removed the first time (there were many small ones and several large ones), and now I feel good. It is not always possible to follow a diet; drinking bottled water is also not possible. I hope that everything will be fine in the future.

Anatoly, 27 years old. I had kidney stones crushed with a laser two years ago. The procedure seemed scary to me, but it went relatively quickly and quite successfully. These problems don't bother me anymore.

What is nephrectomy and in what cases is such an operation resorted to, read in this material.

Video on the topic

Why is rehabilitation necessary?

If a cat or dog has an unpleasant odor from the mouth, it means that tartar has formed there, which causes inflammation of the gums, loosening of one or more teeth and, as a result, their loss.

Tartar appears due to insufficient oral hygiene. Food accumulates between the teeth, and then over their entire area, and a brown or yellow plaque forms. It subsequently mineralizes.

There are dog breeds that have a genetic predisposition to developing tartar. These are Yorkshire terriers, toy terriers, Chihuahuas and other decorative dog breeds. Thus, even with regular brushing of teeth, there is no absolute guarantee that this disease will not appear in the animal.

There are advanced cases when tartar causes severe pain. Because of this, the pet may lose appetite and refuse to eat.

Animals with diseased teeth experience increased salivation and may subsequently develop ulcers, abscesses, and bleeding gums. A painful oral cavity becomes a source of infection, which can provoke a systemic disease of the entire body.

To avoid this, dental sanitation is used in veterinary practice. The doctor usually prescribes it no more than twice a year. The frequency of the procedure depends primarily on the predisposition of the breed, congenital defects, the age of the pet and the presence of concomitant ailments.

Modern techniques for crushing kidney stones

Types of stone crushing
The use of ultrasound in the process of crushing stones
Using a laser to crush kidney stones

Crystalline deposits in the human body can form at any age. This is due to the fact that the composition of urine changes, and stagnation begins in the renal tissues. To get rid of small stones, you can use various methods of crushing them. The most common method used in medicine is ultrasonic crushing of kidney stones. In addition, crushing of crystalline formations is carried out using other methods.

Types of stone crushing

The process of crushing stones is called lithotropy. Crystals can form in the kidneys, bladder and ureter. There are several main types of this process:

Contact crushing of kidney stones. When using this method, you need to go through all the excretory canals and the ureter, and endoscopic equipment is used.
Non-contact crushing, when there is no need to make an incision and use an endoscope.

The most effective methods for crushing stones are laser therapy and the use of ultrasound.

It is forbidden to crush crystalline formations during pregnancy, if there are problems with blood clotting, if there are cysts, cancer, infectious diseases, if the stones are coral-shaped.

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The use of ultrasound in the process of crushing stones

The ultrasonic method of crushing kidney stones is effective and popular.
In this procedure for treating stones using ultrasound, several sequential actions are carried out. The person must take a supine position on a specially equipped table. At this stage of treatment, the patient will need to be given sedatives and painkillers. To further crush kidney stones, it is necessary to use ultrasound to determine the exact location of the crystals in the kidneys and ureter. In this case, the patient should take such a comfortable position that it is possible to provide a direct wave effect on the stone. A special pillow is applied to the person, which is filled with water. It should be located in the projection of the stone. This is required to successfully crush kidney stones. During the lithotropy procedure, a specially designed device sends waves in turn, which should crush kidney stones. At this time, all actions are displayed on the monitor, which the doctor monitors. You can see the process of stone destruction itself, when it is divided into smaller elements. When small components can pass through all the excretory passages, then it can be considered that crushing kidney stones is sufficient.

Next comes the postoperative period, when the body’s recovery begins and the consequences of this treatment procedure appear. During this period, the following auxiliary drugs are prescribed:

antispasmodics;
NSAIDs as painkillers;
antibiotics, which are used prophylactically to avoid pyelonephritis;
alpha blockers, which help relax the sphincter in the lower parts of the ureter;
diuretic tea, which is necessary to increase diuresis to remove all parts of the stones.

Ultrasound crushing of stones requires the patient to remain in the hospital for several days under strict medical supervision. Then he can be discharged home, but for complete rehabilitation he will still need to take medications and do certain procedures.

After crushing kidney stones, the patient may experience the following symptoms:

slight increase in body temperature;
small blood clots in the urine;
the presence of small dense lumps in the urine;
frequent urination;
colic in the kidneys.

This method also has its drawbacks. If the crystals have grown to two or more centimeters, then ultrasound should not be used. This method will not work in cases where it is determined that the crystals have too high a density, so you will have to crush the kidney stones several times.

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Using a laser to crush kidney stones

Laser crushing of stones is not yet as well-known a method as the use of ultrasound.
However, its popularity is growing every year. This method uses endoscopy and laser therapy together. First you need to insert the endoscope. This is a small tube. It passes through the urethral canals and ureter, and then enters the kidney itself, where the stones are located. Now the laser starts working, affecting the formed crystals, breaking them. Then the fragments will come out during urination. Laser crushing of kidney stones has a number of advantages compared to other methods:

this method is applied even if the crystalline deposits are very dense and have a complex structure;
only one procedure is required;
this type of therapy does not require anesthesia;
no marks remain on the body after such an operation;
even if the crystals are very small, the laser will crush them;
a complication such as fragments will not bother the patient.

During the laser procedure, the doctor observes every action through a special monitor, so this method is safe for the patient, because It will be impossible to harm the internal organ and nearby tissues.

The only disadvantage of such methods is that not every doctor knows how to crush stones using laser and ultrasound.

How to brush your teeth at home

Complex tartar in cats cannot be removed at home! This is practically impossible, because... It is very difficult to keep a cat in a position comfortable for brushing. You should not even try to mechanically scrape deposits from the teeth - this is fraught with emotional and painful shock to the animal, as well as injuries to the mouth.

There are various auxiliary remedies for stones on the teeth of cats that can be used independently, but only as a preventive measure or if the process has not started and the stones do not look like “cobblestones”:

Gels and sprays. They have different tastes that are pleasant to Murka, are easy to apply, but in terms of effectiveness they are more suitable for preventive measures than for therapeutic ones. Strong stone is not removed; only plaque is removed. The only advantage is that you don’t need to additionally brush the cat’s teeth; you just need to apply it and the gels/sprays begin to “work” themselves. There are special gels that soften already fossilized plaque, but after applying the product it must be brushed off almost immediately with a toothbrush - the stone itself will not dissolve and disappear.
Special wipes for stone removal. The napkin is wrapped around the finger and the teeth treatment procedure is carried out. They won’t help with advanced cases, only at the initial stage, when the plaque is about to begin to transform into a hard fossil. This is an inconvenient method if the cat is not accustomed to the procedure - it will not allow anything to be shoved into its mouth.
Anti-tartar toothpaste for cats is a good way to clean up the cat's mouth, but it requires a number of procedures, including the need to purchase a special brush and actually brush the teeth. It copes well with the first “pebbles” if you get used to it and teach the cat not to twitch or struggle during the procedure.
Special food or treats. Some industrial food manufacturers produce a line of treats or foods that are given to Murka from time to time, and the chewing process removes tartar from the surface of the teeth. They also serve more as a preventative measure, because They cannot cope with very large deposits.
“Chew” toys – have special surfaces coated with abrasive. In the process of playing with them, the tooth enamel is cleansed of stone. It is good to use when soft plaque is just beginning to form into limescale.

Crushing stones and removing them through surgery

The formation of special deposits (stones, concretions) in the kidney tissue is a common occurrence today. Drug therapy and herbal medicine do not always give the desired results in the treatment of kidney stones.

Several decades ago, tumors in the kidneys were removed only by open, abdominal surgical operations. They were often accompanied by serious complications in their work and left noticeable and long-lasting postoperative scars.

New developments in modern medicine, using advanced equipment and effective methods and technologies of interventions, make it possible to crush a wide variety of kidney stones. According to various mechanisms of influence on stones, 2 main methods of intervention are currently known - using laser and ultrasound.

Crushing stones with a laser - advantages of the technique

Today, crushing kidney stones with a laser (laser lithotripsy) is the latest development, the most progressive and revolutionary method of combating kidney stones. The technique makes it possible to optimally fragment and effectively crush both small (microlites), low-density kidney stones, and stones with a complex shape, relatively large sizes, and high natural density.

Laser intervention allows not only to crush stones located in hard-to-reach places, but also to perform this procedure without any special complications. The undoubted advantages of this crushing method also include:

minimal pain and risk of damage to adjacent tissues and organs;
virtual absence of post-traumatic scar;
low risk of residual stone fragments in the kidneys;
constant visual recording of performed actions;
possible final fragmentation of a kidney stone in one procedure;
short rehabilitation period after destruction of stones;
rapid relief of pain and inflammation, improvement of fluid outflow;
rare occurrence of relapse and the appearance of new stones.

Laser lithotripsy technique

Immediately before making the final decision to crush existing kidney stones or not, you should undergo all the necessary diagnostic procedures. They will allow you to determine the exact location of the stones, their sizes, and chemical composition.

The crushing of kidney stones using a laser combines the simultaneous use of two types of equipment - an endoscope and a laser. and is carried out in several stages.

Stage 1. Preparatory preoperative therapeutic measures, including taking vitamin, infusion, improving microcirculation and antibacterial drugs.

Stage 2. Stone crushing operation. After anesthesia, an endoscope (a thin tube with an optical system at the end) with a laser located inside it is inserted through the external opening of the urethra. Along the physiological urinary tract (urethra, bladder, ureter), the laser-endoscope system is brought to the renal pelvis and inserted there.

A special micro-video camera helps detect stones and transmit their image to a monitor for visual inspection. After finding their location, the doctor turns on the laser attachment, which completely destroys the stones and turns them into sand. To completely remove and wash out the stone destroyed as a result of crushing, a special liquid is pumped into the ureter with a special pump, which washes out the remaining sand. It is possible to insert an endoscope directly into the renal pelvis, through a small puncture from the lower back or abdomen.

Stage 3. A fairly short rehabilitation period, during which it is necessary to use drugs with a litholytic effect (trinephron, cystenal, cystone), antibacterial (fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins), antispasmodic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesil), diuretic herbal preparations (horsetail , St. John's wort, rue, birch leaves).

Features of ultrasound technique

Crushing kidney stones with ultrasound (ultrasound lithotripsy) can be performed using both contact and remote techniques.
Before the intervention, special painkillers are administered for spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia. For a remote procedure, ultrasonic equipment (lithotripters) operating on the shock wave principle of crushing is used. In this case, the kidney stones are exposed to short-duration shock waves (up to 3500), which break them into small fragments. The number of shock waves depends on the chemical composition of the kidney stones. After the operation is completed, the stones are removed naturally. This technique allows you to crush small kidney stones in 1-2 sessions.

Upon completion of the destruction operation, drug treatment is prescribed to help remove remnants of stones and prevent possible complications in the kidneys. Drinking diuretics in combination with plenty of water is prescribed.

To crush kidney stones by contact, you need to record their location using ultrasound, and then insert a nephroscope or urethroscope through a small puncture. Crushed stones are removed using a special stent installed in the kidney or urethra for 3-7 days.

Crushing of kidney stones will be carried out until the removed stones reach a size that allows their free, unhindered and painless removal through the ureters along with urine flow.

Ultrasound lithotripsy allows you to crush stones with a simple configuration and sizes no more than 2.5 mm in diameter.

Attention! A contraindication to the use of this method of crushing should be the so-called coral stones located in the calyceal part of the kidney.

General contraindications for laser and ultrasound lithotripsy

It is important to remember that the operation of crushing kidney stones has a number of contraindications that make it impossible:

acute inflammatory processes and abnormalities in the kidneys (kidney carbuncle, chronic or purulent pyelonephritis);
prostate diseases during exacerbation;
high degree of obesity;
violation of blood clotting parameters;
pregnancy period;
serious cardiac and pulmonary pathologies;
any disease in a state of exacerbation.

Laser and ultrasound lithotripsy are non-invasive treatment methods that can crush a wide variety of kidney stones and effectively combat renal urolithiasis. It should not be forgotten that the issue of choosing a method for crushing stones should be decided by a highly specialized specialist. In each individual case, the selection of a treatment method depends on concomitant diseases, the location of the stones and their number, the physiological characteristics of the patient, and his financial capabilities.

Unfortunately, stones localized in the renal pelvis or bladder (urolithiasis) are common. Anyone can be susceptible to the disease. The risk group includes older people and children.

Stones are formed for various reasons: consumption of hard water, bad food, genetic predisposition, chronic damage to the urinary system, etc. Modern medicine offers an intervention method such as crushing kidney stones.

Ultrasound removal of tartar in dogs and cats in Moscow: how it is carried out, price and other questions

How do you prepare an animal for professional teeth cleaning with a scaler?

Before each procedure, a veterinary dentist examines the pet’s oral cavity.
This not only allows you to evaluate the condition of your dog or cat's teeth and gums, but also gives you the opportunity to ask your veterinarian any questions you have about caring for your pet's oral cavity at home. Before the procedure, blood tests must be taken to identify possible health problems that cannot be seen during the examination. Tests will also help determine whether your cat or dog can be given anesthesia.

The next stage is anesthesia (anesthesia). This procedure often worries animal owners. In fact, if the normal condition of the animal is determined before this procedure (examination, tests, and, if necessary, examination by a cardiologist), then this procedure is safe.

In addition to general anesthesia, your veterinary dentist will use local anesthesia in your dog or cat's mouth. This allows you to reduce the dose of general anesthesia. The overall safety of the procedure increases, and your pet will wake up faster.

Under general anesthesia, teeth cleaning with a scaler will be painless for your pet!

What is included in professional teeth cleaning at our veterinary center?

A complete assessment of the condition of the teeth and oral cavity, which, if necessary, may include x-rays. X-rays are needed to identify common causes of pain such as broken teeth and their roots, periodontal disease, abscesses or affected teeth.
Complete cleaning below the gum line. It is under this that periodontal diseases develop. Cleaning these places is impossible without general anesthesia for the animal! It is in this place that bacteria multiply and it is from here that tartar in dogs and cats begins to grow.
Professional removal of tartar and teeth polishing. During the procedure, stones and plaque will be removed from the teeth, and then the teeth will be polished, which will prevent the further development of plaque and tartar.

After recovery from anesthesia, almost all cats and dogs can immediately go home and, if no additional procedures were performed, will immediately be able to eat and completely return to normal life. Your veterinarian will tell you what procedures were performed and how to care for your pet's mouth between ultrasonic dental cleanings.

How much does it cost to clean a dog's or cat's teeth with a scaler?

The total cost consists of the teeth cleaning procedure itself, tests and the cost of anesthesia, which depends on the type and weight of the pet. Prices for veterinary dentist services.

Before brushing your teeth with a scaler. Look for red, inflamed gums, plaque, and tartar

Some time after brushing: significantly better gum condition and clean teeth

The Constellation Veterinary Center sees veterinary doctors and dentists, has its own veterinary laboratory, and has veterinary digital x-rays. The operations are carried out under the supervision of a veterinary anesthesiologist. If your cat or dog has dental problems, we can help. Find out more about the direction of veterinary dentistry at our veterinary center

Diagnosis and choice of treatment method

Before starting therapeutic measures, a person must undergo a range of studies. The patient is prescribed diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound and x-rays. The doctor, based on the data obtained, determines the exact location of the stones, their chemical composition and size.

To implement a more accurate diagnosis and assessment of the patient’s condition, an additional set of measures may be prescribed:

Fluorography.
ECG – electrocardiogram.
Blood test for sugar, biochemistry.
CT scan.

Depending on the results of the examination, ultrasound or laser crushing of kidney stones may be suggested. Such manipulations are recognized as the most effective and safe, and they are included in the treatment plan in modern medical centers. Surgical intervention, which involves access to stones through an incision in the lumbar or abdominal area, is practically not used. The only exceptions are emergency cases.

Indications for the procedure

Ignoring tartar leads to the development of an inflammatory process with the formation of pus, affecting the bone tissue. At an advanced stage, the disease is fatal.

Veterinarians recommend ultrasonic cleaning if dark plaque or sandy, brown or black deposits called tartar appear on the teeth. Hard projections can be located under the gums of dogs and cats and will require an oral probe to detect them. But you can suspect a stone and bring your cat to the veterinarian for cleaning based on the following characteristic signs:

strong stench from the mouth;
inflammatory process in the gums;
formation of ulcers in the mouth;
increased production of saliva;
loosening or loss of teeth;
pain when chewing food;
refusal of food;
bleeding from the gums;
caries;
darkening of the enamel.

Contraindications and possible complications

Carrying out diagnostic measures allows us to exclude the presence of other pathological conditions of the patient. Thus, when identifying cystic formations on the kidneys, cancerous tumors, coral-type stones, the technique is not used.

Without fail, the patient is cured of any acute infectious diseases. Also, crushing kidney stones with a laser cannot be implemented when blood clotting disorders are detected (deviation from the norm towards an increase) and in pregnant women.

Doctors note that complications may include the development of a renal hematoma, exacerbation of pyelonephritis, and the formation of a so-called stone path, which can lead to relapse. Seeking professional medical help will help avoid these problems. It is important that the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced doctor.

The treatment session is carried out on an outpatient basis. Before a patient undergoes crushing of kidney stones with a laser (the price of treatment will increase slightly), he undergoes a number of preparatory procedures. In particular, the intestines are cleared of feces and gas, which determines the normal course of treatment.

Brushing teeth for cats and kittens

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Brushing cats' teeth

Cats, like people, can have dental problems.
The main cause of dental problems is plaque that forms on the lower and upper canines, as well as in the molar area. The stone often spreads from the base of the tooth to its surface, completely covering the canine. Tartar provokes the development of an unpleasant odor from the pet’s mouth and other, more dangerous diseases - caries, gum inflammation and periodontitis. A sick animal has difficulty chewing food, loses its appetite and is greatly reduced in activity. Chronic diseases may cause your cat's teeth to fall out. First the fangs disappear, followed by the rest of the teeth.

Prevention

Stone formation in cats is easier to prevent than to treat. Preventive procedures boil down to regular visits to the veterinarian. You should contact a specialist immediately after diagnosing an unpleasant odor from the mouth.

From an early age, pets are taught to brush their teeth. A cat accustomed from childhood to brushing its teeth will not resist. If problems begin in an adult cat, then buy toothpaste with the smell of fish or meat for your pet. It is best to brush your cat's teeth with a soft or semi-soft brush. Hard bristles can damage your cat's mouth and then you will have to treat your pet at the dentist.

In addition, preventive measures often use special food that contains ingredients that prevent the formation of stones in cats. It is not necessary to feed your pet with special food every day. To prevent the formation of stones in the paste, it is enough to add special food to the cat 1 or 2 times a week.

Practice has shown that the cat still needs to be taken to the veterinarian for an examination every six months. A visit to the veterinarian is the best prevention.

Tartar removal

This procedure is stressful for cats, so the “operation” is performed under general anesthesia. Veterinary clinics use modern ultrasonic devices to destroy tartar. After removal, tartar does not form for several years.

In addition, stone removal in cats is also possible using another, more “traditional” method - using forceps or polishing with dental paste. This procedure is usually performed to remove small accumulations of stone in the mouth. This procedure is practiced in provincial veterinary hospitals; in large cities, veterinary hospitals have long switched to modern equipment.

Distinctive features of laser exposure

The crushing of kidney stones with a laser is carried out in cases where ultrasound is ineffective, that is, the problem is in an advanced state. It is this technique that is necessary to combat large formations.

During the treatment session, the patient is given a pinpoint incision. It can be localized in the bladder area or on the lower back. A special tip of the device is inserted through the resulting hole. The device turns on and acts on the pathological formation, which is either completely destroyed or turns into dust. Subsequently, all substances are eliminated naturally through urination.

The advantages of the laser procedure are revealed as follows:

Highly effective on stones of any size.
There are no post-operative traces left on the patient's body.
The action of the beam is indicated for the destruction of complex rocks.
Complete recovery can be achieved after one procedure.
The patient is not put under anesthesia.
Quickly eliminate pain, relieve inflammation, improve urine flow.

Laser therapy is not performed when acute prostatitis is detected in men, with purulent pyelonephritis, or with a person’s general serious condition.

48-72 hours after treatment, a person can return to work, and after 14 days he is considered completely healthy.

What does dental sanitation include?

Your pet may need some anesthesia before treatment begins. It will allow the veterinarian to carry out a full-fledged high-quality procedure. With anesthesia you can avoid many negative factors:

extreme stress, which in some cases can even lead to cardiac arrest;
accidental wounds to the gums;
rigid fixation of the animal on the veterinary table.

Modern veterinary clinics use a light form of anesthesia. If necessary, the patient is also given anesthesia.

To minimize the risk of anesthesia, you need to carry out some examinations and consult with doctors:

Healthy pets from 1 to 4 years old need to undergo a clinical blood test and be examined by an anesthesiologist.
Healthy pets aged 5 years and older must have a biochemical blood test and be examined by a cardiologist.
Due to the use of muscle relaxation, cats must undergo cardiac screening before dental cleaning.

When starting sanitization, the veterinarian carries out the following procedures:

examination of the oral cavity;
tooth extraction if it cannot be treated - only in agreement with the pet owner;
removal of plaque and tartar on teeth using an ultrasonic scaler
brushing your teeth with a special toothpaste.

Features of ultrasonic exposure

Crushing kidney stones with ultrasound is indicated if the size of the pathological formations does not exceed 2 cm. During the treatment session, the patient receives anesthesia and does not experience pain.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

The person lies on the operating table and is put under anesthesia.
The doctor determines the exact location of the stone.
The patient is placed in a position that provides precise ultrasound exposure.
A special bubble filled with water is installed in the projection of the pathological formation. The equipment creates targeted shock waves that disrupt the structure of the stones.
Control is carried out using monitors that display the condition of the stones.
The operation stops when the stone has disintegrated and small particles have formed that can freely pass through the urethra and ureter.

The patient is prescribed a plan of therapeutic measures, the purpose of which is to facilitate the release of the remaining elements. These are various antibiotics, antispasmodics, painkillers and diuretic teas.

After completing the treatment session, the person is under medical supervision (24-48 hours), followed by discharge. The doctor prescribes special recommendations related to diet, drinking and taking medications.

Modern methods of sanitation

The main procedure for sanitation is cleaning the teeth from tartar. Previously, veterinarians had to use exclusively mechanical cleaning methods using special equipment. It was rough on the tooth and could damage the enamel if handled carelessly.

Modern methods are more gentle, effective and practically painless for animals. Ultrasonic equipment is now used to remove tartar. It is compact and has many convenient attachments.

With the help of such a device, the tooth is exposed to ultrasound and a stream of water - they are able to destroy the densest layer of tartar. All that remains is a healthy, snow-white tooth.

The ultrasound procedure will take on average 20-30 minutes, in advanced cases of the disease - 1.5 hours.

Patient ratings

Now it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the reviews that the crushing of kidney stones has earned among people who have suffered from urolithiasis.

Most patients note that fighting tumors in the renal pelvis using a laser beam is the most painless method of therapy. Lithotrepsia (the official name of the procedure) is performed only once, helping to forget about severe pain and giving recovery.

People get rid of very large stones, the diameter of which exceeds 12 mm. However, among the reviews there are complaints about the very high cost of a treatment session. Such therapy may be too expensive for people with low incomes.

Doctors complement positive assessments with their recommendations. A person who has suffered from urolithiasis should radically reconsider their lifestyle so that the disease cannot return again. A properly organized diet and correct drinking regimen (exclusively clean filtered water) are required.

No less positive assessments are made regarding ultrasonic exposure. Patients note that the treatment session helps get rid of several formations at once. In addition, anesthesia (most often epidural anesthesia) makes the effect as comfortable as possible, which is very important for patients in the older and younger age groups.

What happens after kidney stones are crushed?

Immediately after treatment procedures, the patient is examined. During the first day, the patient may experience frequent urination, which is quite normal. Bloody inclusions may be observed in the urine, which is due to the natural release of stone residues. Such symptoms should disappear after 72 hours, otherwise you should visit a doctor.

During the passage of fragments through the urinary tract, attacks of renal colic may develop. They do not cause as much pain as before, but a person can take an antispasmodic to relieve unpleasant symptoms. In rare cases, an increase in temperature occurs.

Cost of treatment

If kidney stones are crushed with a laser, the price of a treatment session will be at least 27-30 thousand rubles. The total cost depends on the general condition of the body and the size of the pathological elements.

Crushing kidney stones (price ranges from 15 to 40 thousand rubles) using ultrasound is slightly cheaper, but also entails serious financial costs. Expensive treatment is carried out in private clinics, while public medical institutions offer services at a lower cost.