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"Len", a 7 year-old spayed female Persian cat, was presented on several occasions for blood in the urine, frequent urination and straining to urinate. Initially, a urinalysis was run and the cat was treated with antibiotics for what appeared to be a simple case of bladder infection (cystitis). When the symptoms failed to subside, a different antibiotic was tried, but it became evident that there was some other underlying problem. "Len" was scheduled into the hospital for the day for further urinalyses, urine cultures, abdominal radiographs and possible radiographic contrast studies.

The abdominal radiographs revealed a number of small radiodense objects (arrow) in the vicinity of the urinary bladder. These were cystic calculi or bladder stones which had formed over time. Bladder stones sometimes form in response to chronic bladder infections. "Len" was prepared for surgery and an operation called a cystotomy was performed and the stones were removed.

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"Len" was released from the hospital the day after surgery. Oral antibiotics were sent home. The bladder stones were sent to an outside laboratory for analysis. The results of the analysis determine which type of special diet "Len" will need to be on in order to prevent the formation of more bladder stones.