Calvin had his bladder stones removed

Calvin just got home from having his bladder stones removed and seems to be doing really well. I do not know what type of stones they were yet as the lab tests have not come in. They told me to feed him his normal food until they know the best course of action.They did sent me home with a few of the stones though. His incision looks great and very clean. They gave me chewable pain medication for him but no antibiotics. I did not recognize an antibiotic shot on the bill either. My vet did the surgery, but was not in the office today I am keeping him in our office for awhile, away from the other cats, while he heals. He usually eats in this room so he feels safe in here. 

Is there anything I am missing? or anything else I should be doing while I wait to hear back from the vet's office?

Thanks in advance

That's great that the surgery went well. I think you're doing the right thing, keeping him comfortable so he can rest and heal. Out of curiousity, which pain med do you have? Antibiotics aren't necessary unless an infection sets in. Sending healing vibes to Calvin.

They gave me 3 days worth of onsior (robenacoxib). The information sheet states that it is a NSAID anti-inflammatory. I will have to start his dose this evening.

I don't want to alarm you, but NSAID use in cats is very controversial. Feline kidneys have a difficult time processing them. Onsior is a newer drug, but Metacam which is also a NSAID is labelled by the FDA for one time use only for cats. I would do some research and maybe ask your vet about a safer pain med for cats like buprenex/buprenorphine.

Oh no of course I am now alarmed. The vet closed at noon today, as Wednesday is there half day. Should I still give him one dose in the evening and call the vet in the morning? Or not give him anything?

Right now Calvin does not appear to be in any pain. He was not blocked before surgery and could urinate so I doubt he had any kidney damage before I discovered him peeing in the house on Monday.

I can tell the biggest problem is going to be keeping him in one room. He is already wanting to get out and roam the house   

I don't know. Onsior is new, so there's not a lot of info. I personally wouldn't give it to my cat, but that's a decision you're going to have to make for Calvin. The studies show that they're very effective for pain and "safe" for the 3 days, but I tend to be a little wary. I just don't want my cat to be a guinea pig for new drugs and find out there's a problem that their studies didn't catch.

My cat has been taking Onsior daily for 4 months now.  He has an inflamed bladder/cystitis that developed into cancer.  The three day prescription for your cat should be fine.  Yes, there is always a concern with NSAID's and their impact on the kidneys.  But the Onsior has been tested within the parameters of your prescription.  The paperwork says it is a very short lived NSAID in the body, but the healing properties target and stay within the inflamed area for 24 hours.  It actually only specifies certain surgeries, and bladder surgery is not mentioned, but my cat is clearly taking the drug beyond its stated purpose and time.

Obviously it's your decision, but I would give him the Onsior this evening.  If you are still concerned, you can call your vet tomorrow.  Buprenex helps with pain, but does not help reduce inflammation from surgery.  The two can be taken simultaneously. 

There is an obvious concern for my cat as he's been taking the meds for so long, and unfortunately his kidney levels have increased.  In our case it's a balancing act between controlling inflammation (and keeping the urine flowing) and not causing too much kidney damage.  I hope your cat heals quickly! 

Oh - If he is having trouble peeing in the process of healing, you might want to ask your vet about Phenoxybenzamine or Prasozan, two of many anti-spasmodic drugs which can help relax the bladder/urethra, to help contract/expel the urine.  Sometimes the irritation can cause the muscles to spasm, which presents with straining in the box. 

Thank you for sharing your story LCat4. I had decided to give Calvin at least the dose tonight and then call the vet in the morning to see if there is any need for concern. I figured that he will at least need something for the pain tonight. If there are any of the warning signs, such as loss of appetite, then I will take him to ER vet hospital.

He has urinated at few times recently and I feel like maybe the meds they gave him at the vet are probably starting to wear off (he is scheduled to start his meds in and hour).  This morning he voided his bladder once and not multiple times in short time like I just watched him do. I'll just have to keep my eye on him until morning. He was getting some out each time but not as much as this morning. They did say that blood in the urine would still happen for a few days.

And also I am so sorry to hear that your cat has been diagnosed with cancer and his suffering from chronic cystitis. It sounds like you are doing everything possible to make him comfortable.

Update: Calvin seems to be doing pretty well. He has had one dose of the onsior, last evening, and still has and appetite and is fairly active for just having surgery. I did call the vet this morning because his stool did look a little constipated, 5 small segments like and inch long instead of one solid piece. He said that it is likely from him not eating while at the vet's office. The vet suggested I move him from 3 wet meals a day to 5 small portions. My vet did say that if he develops a loose stool or shows a decrease in appetite to stop the onsior and call him back.

Dax, our other boy kitty, on the other hand has been kind of depressed without his best friend. So I let him in our office to visit Calvin and they are snuggling 

vball91 said:

I don't know. Onsior is new, so there's not a lot of info. I personally wouldn't give it to my cat, but that's a decision you're going to have to make for Calvin. The studies show that they're very effective for pain and "safe" for the 3 days, but I tend to be a little wary. I just don't want my cat to be a guinea pig for new drugs and find out there's a problem that their studies didn't catch.

Click to expand...

My 13-year old, FHV positive cat was given onsior and had no problems with it. She had just undergone surgery to remove 2 teeth, and last year had an eye removed due to herpes. I would think if your cat is fairly healthy, there should be no problem.

I read the whole package insert and did about 3 hours of research on the computer, and have personal experience with using it.

Update: The lab results came back today.

The stones were 100% struvite. The vet recommended Royal Canin Urinary SO as a long term diet. They of course only carry the dry food. I did have them write me an rx and picked up of couple of the SO cans at pet smart to see if he will eat it. If he will eat the SO then we will probably use it because he is so picky. If not I will have to figure out some other options and talk to my vet. 

Hill's c/d is a similar product to the SO.

Thanks vball91.
Calvin did eat some of the canned SO. He didn't finish his entire meal but he ate a decent portion. Hopefully he will eat the RX for awhile and not reject it. If he does we will try another brand like Hill's.

Hi - 

In response to "Calvin... bladder stones removed" - My cat Sammie had bladder stone removal surgery yesterday. 

I know how hard it is when your pus has bladder stones. As far as the Royal Canin Urinary SO feline, there is a 3 oz can morsels in gravy that is not sold at Petsmart but available from your vet with prescription. Sammie has been eating this for months and loves it. I buy it online (chewy.com) which I found to be the best price. 

The vet had him on Hills d/o which was awful smelling and my pus sometimes threw it up. It was supposed to dissolve the stones but after 1 month with a previous blockage, I switched him back to the Royal Canin Urinary SO feline morsels in gravy. (it is supposed to keep the stones from recurring I believe, not dissolve them). 

It is a difficult time for a cat and owner (mommy) after surgery. We're both tired! 

Good luck.