• SYSTEM(S) EFFECTED:
    		•  Urinary
  • CAUSE(S):
    		• Multiple
  • DIAGNOSTICS:
    		• Moderate
  • TREATMENT:
    		• Pain meds, antibiotics, increase water, reduce stress

General Description

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) was formerly known as feline urologic syndrome (FUS), and is now more commonly known as Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC).  Feline lower urinary tract disease is an infection that leads to problems within the bladder and urethra. FLUTD is the most common reason for hospital visits in felines, and the vast majority of cats have had encounters with FLUTD and there is a high probability of reoccurrence in a cat’s lifetime.  If left untreated, FLUTD can lead to acute renal failure.

Source and Cause

Unfortunately the cause is most often unknown. High risk factors include indoor, middle-aged, and over weight cats. Bacterial, fungal, viral infection, bladder stones, or crystals can also be contributing factors. Other sources of infection can include poor diet, inadequate water intake, urinary pH, stress, or high mineral intake. Sometimes pet owner confuse the possible signs of FLUTD with behavioral problems. That is why it is important for pet owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of FLUTD.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Strain or inability to urinate
  • Anxiety
  • Vocalization during urinating attempts
  • Frequent bathroom trips with little urine
  • Blood in urine
  • Painful abdomen
  • Excessive licking of the genitalia
  • Urination outside of the litter box most often on cool surfaces

Diagnosis & Tests

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam.  Your veterinarian will most likely do the following:

  • Urinalysis - This test involves collection of a urine sample. If your pet is blocked or will not urinate over time, your veterinarian may have to obtain the sample via cystocentesis, or by putting a needle through the abdomen into the bladder. The urine will then be examined visually, chemically, and microscopically for abnormalities. Your veterinarian will look for red blood cells, crystal formation within the bladder, and abnormal pH or chemical values in the urine.
  • CBC/Chemistry Panel - These blood tests will evaluate various internal organ functions, including the heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, metabolism, and electrolyte balance. The CBC (Complete blood count) is a measure the amount and different kinds of red and white blood cells are present in the body. Blood screening can also further analysis if the urinalysis is completed with little or no results.
  • Radiographs - This may be done to determine if kidney  or bladder stones have formed.

Treatment & Management

Effective treatment involve three main factors: reduce stress, provide pain relief, and promoting increased water intake.  

Reduce stress

  • Provide a stable routine.

  • Feed in a quiet area of the house.

  • Place litter boxe(s) in private locations, use large litter boxes with clumpable litter.  It is also highly  recommended to have one more litter box than the number of cats in the household (eg., if you have two cats, have three litter boxes).

  • Provide sufficient space for the cat. The more room the better. Also think vertically - most cats like to be up high.
  • More often than not, your vet will advise a new diet for your feline friend and this can include incorporating wet food and increasing water intake.
  •  Water is the most important element in a feline’s diet and a pet fountain, such as the Drinkwell® Pet Fountains, encourage cats to drink more water which is the best preventative of FLUTD. Water also dilutes minerals that could potently turn into obstructions. Without proper treatment FLUTD can develop into acute renal failure, which is essentially failure of the kidney. Male cats are at higher risk to develop a life threatening obstruction caused by FLUTD. 

 

 


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Written by: PetsMD Veterinary Editorial Staff