Feline crystalluria. Detection and interpretation.

Crystalluria results from oversaturation of urine with crystallogenic substances. However, oversaturation may occur as a result of in vivo and in vitro events. Therefore, care must be used not to overinterpret the significance of crystalluria. Evaluation of urine crystals may aid in (1) detection of disorders predisposing cats to urolith or matrix-crystalline urethral plug formation; (2) estimation of the mineral composition of uroliths or urethral plugs; and (3) evaluation of the effectiveness of medical protocols initiated to dissolve or prevent urolithiasis.