FLUTD
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
Written
by Scott Cox
As
I was thinking about what topic to write on this month, I
became aware I tend to focus on dogs. I know my ultimate boss
(my cat) would have something to say about this oversight.
I imagine all of you with a cat in your family can understand
the unique traits cats have. They are very dignified and reserved,
so not likely to complain outwardly, but they have ways of
showing their disapproval. I would bet most of us are actually
trained very well by our cats. The subtlety to which they
take over the house is uncanny. Some of you have probably
already heard the following statement in some form and I know
it hit home when I first read it in a veterinary practice
poster: Thousands of years ago people thought cats to be gods...The
cats have not forgotten this. Anyway, I thought it would earn
me some points with my ultimate boss if I shared some information
unique to cats.
Feline
Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) refers to a number of
conditions that affect the bladder and urethra of cats. This
is a very frustrating disease process for cats, cat caregivers
and veterinarians. Cats affected by FLUTD will most often
show signs of difficulty and pain when urinating, increased
frequency of urination and blood in the urine. Affected cats
may also lick themselves excessively and may urinate in inappropriate
locations - bathtubs, beds, and floors.
Signs
can come on at any age. Usual suspects are middle-aged, overweight
cats that get little exercise. Other common factors are using
an indoor litter box, little or no outdoor access and eating
a dry diet. "Scaredy cats" also seem to be overrepresented
as well, and emotional and environmental stress can trigger
the disease.
FLUTD
can be frustrating to diagnose and has many causes. Based
on your cat's signs, your veterinarian will do physical exam
and most likely run a urinalysis. If the cause is still not
identified, tests such as blood work, x-rays and additional
urine tests may be recommended.
The
most common causes of FLUTD are Urinary Stones, Urethral Obstruction
and Feline Idiopathic Cystitis.
Urinary
Stones are composed of minerals that form in the urinary tract
and are diagnosed by x-rays or ultrasound. A diet change may
be helpful to dissolve stones or prevent new stones, and some
cats will require bladder surgery to remove the stones.
Urethral
Obstruction is the most serious problem associated with FLUTD
and is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by
urinary stones or urethral plugs. Male cats are the highest
risk due to a narrower and longer urethra. Urethral Obstruction
is a true medical emergency and immediate veterinary attention
is needed. Without treatment a cat will die within 24-48 hours.
If your cat is straining to urinate or not urinating, veterinary
care is recommended immediately. Treatment is removing the
obstruction and hospitalization to correct dehydration and
any metabolic imbalances. A surgery may be recommended for
cats with recurring or non-resolving signs. The surgery can
have some side effects and is considered a last resort.
The
most common cause of FLUTD is Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC).
The disease is not well understood and may involve other body
systems as well. Stress and diet changes can increase the
risk of FIC. Cats with FIC tend to have recurrences and can
be chronic. The current goal of treatment is to reduce the
severity and frequency of the episodes. This is the most frustrating
cause for the cat, caregiver and veterinarian.
My
sister has a middle-aged cat that experienced some of these
symptoms including the urinary stones and sudden urination
in a few beds. She thought it was behavioral as she had just
had a baby and wondered if the cat was jealous. After several
tests, antibiotics, fluids and a hospital stay, the cat unexpectedly
passed the stones on his own before surgery. Ironically, this
sudden behavior and symptoms also coincided with a new clumping
kitty litter that my sister started using in his litter box.
She immediately changed back to his regular, non-clumping
kitty litter and he has never had another urinary problem
or accident in the wrong place. It is easy to see how people
could mistake this serious problem as a behavioral issue.
Most
cats recover from FLUTD and only some of the cats will have
the condition recur. To help reduce the chances of recurrence:
feed small frequent meals, consult your veterinarian regarding
the best diet, provide clean fresh water, provide one more
litter box than you have cats in the house, keep the litter
boxes in quiet and safe areas, keep litter boxes clean and
minimize major changes to the environment and routine.
