Ultrastructure of selected struvite-containing urinary calculi from cats

Abstract

Objective: To elucidate the ultrastructural details of struvite-containing urinary calculi from cats.

Design: Specimens studied were inclusive of the range of textures visible during preliminary analysis by use of a stereoscopic dissecting microscope. Textural types, which were used to infer crystal growth conditions, were differentiated with regard to crystal habit, crystal size, growth orientation, and primary porosity.

Sample population: Thirty specimens were selected from a collection of approximately 1,600 feline urinary calculi: 20 of these were composed entirely of struvite, and 10 consisted of struvite and calcium phosphate (apatite).

Procedure: Qualitative and quantitative analyses of specimens included use of plain and polarized light microscopy, x-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy with backscattered electron imagery, x-ray fluorescence scans, and electron probe microanalysis.

Results: Four textural types were recognized among struvite calculi, whereas 2 textural types of struvite-apatite calculi were described.

Conclusions: The presence of minute, well interconnected primary pores in struvite-containing urinary calculi from cats is an important feature, which may promote possible interaction of calculi with changes in urine composition.

Clinical relevance: Primary porosity, which can facilitate interaction between the calculus and changing urine composition, may explain the efficacy of dietary or medicinal manipulations to promote the dissolution of struvite-containing uroliths from this species.