Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
This disease is very complex and misunderstood. The term idiopathic is used with this syndrome meaning the cause is not known. There are many thoughts on why cats develop this frustrating disease, but there is no evidence to prove or disprove each hypothesis. A cat will be diagnosed with the condition if they exhibit the classic symptoms of urinary disease, but bacteria or bladder stones can not be identified as the cause. Idiopathic cystitis is a term that is used also to describe this disease.
As noted before, it is very difficult to determine the exact cause of this syndrome. Some doctors feel specific viruses such as the calicivirus play a part. Others feel this is the same disease as interstitial cystitis in humans where the bladder wall absorbs more urine than normal due to decreased glycosaminoglycans. Almost all veterinarians believe that stress is a major factor in this disease. What is definitely known is that bacteria (a urinary tract infection) is not related to this disease.
All cats show extreme discomfort when they urinate. All signs are similar to urinary tract infection signs: blood in urine, straining to urinate, urinating small amounts many times, and crying in the litter box. Most cats will also urinate in inappropriate places, for example the sinks, bathtub, carpet, bed, etc. Some male cats will become blocked and be unable to urinate at all-these pets need to go to the veterinarian immediately!
After it has been determined that the patient does not have a urinary tract infection or urinary stones, a diagnosis of feline lower urinary tract disease may be made. Several therapies may be attempted, but is should be noted that if a patient truly has this disease, most clinical signs will abate within a week. However, the signs will return at unpredictable times. The prescribed therapies will hopefully greatly decrease the number of instances the cat has to suffer through the episodes.Diet change: Changing the diet is a very common mode of treatment and has proven to decrease the clinical signs associated with this disease. The type of diet will depend on the presence of crystals in the urine. These pets need to be on this diet ONLY for life. It is also advisable that the pet is on canned food rather than dry.Reduction of stress: As most veterinarians feel that stress plays a major role, counseling on ways to reduce stress is common. Pinpointing the stressor may be more difficult, but if possible, should be avoided. Feliway plug-ins, cat nip, maintaining a consistent diet, following strict litter box hygiene, and providing a safe place to hide or play are imperative. If the stressor is another cat or person in the household or can not be avoided, there are behavior modifying drugs that may be attempted. Oral medications: There have been miscellaneous drugs attempted to alleviate cat’s discomfort and they may be prescribed. An arthritis medication with glycosaminoglycans, pain medication, and antiinflammatories may all be tried. Some cats respond well and others do not respond at all.Please be aware if your male cat is urinating. They can develop "plugs" in their urinary system that will cause them to be unable to urinate. This is a true medical emergency and will require anesthesia and a urinary catheter. It is always best to visit the veterinary hospital at the first signs of urinary distress.
