Feline Pain

Thursday, March 4th, 2010 at 3:29 pm

Information on Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a term that is used to cover many problems of the feline urinary tract, including stones and cystitis. The term feline urologic syndrome (FUS) is an older term which is still sometimes used for this condition. The condition can lead to plugged-penis syndrome also known as blocked cat syndrome.

FLUTD is not a specific diagnosis in and of itself, rather, it represents an array of problems within one body system.

It affects cats of both sexes, but tends to be more dangerous in males because they are more susceptible to blockages due to their longer, narrower urethrae. Urinary tract disorders have a high rate of recurrence, and some cats seem to be more susceptible to urinary problems than others.

Signs of FLUTD include:

Prolonged squatting or straining in or out of the litter box (some owners may confuse this with signs of constipation) and not producing urine or only a small amount

Frequent urination or straining

Pain while urinating (meowing or howling)

Urinating outside of the litter box

Blood in the urine

Frequent licking of the genital area

Vomiting

Depression

It can be treated by following ways:

If dire, life-threatening status, then correction of hydration, electrolyte and metabolic disturbances if possible is attempted. If the bladder has ruptured, then surgery is required.

Obstruction must be relieved. Quite often, cats are anesthetized and a urinary catheter is placed (in the urethra) to dislodge the offending occlusion and to empty the bladder. Sometimes, to maintain patency, the catheter is left in place for several days.

Antibiotics are administered if urinary infection is suspected; fluids are given to "flush" bladder content (diurese), maintain urine flow, hydration and to correct metabolic and electrolyte derangements.

If crystals or urinary tract calculi ("stones") are suspected, based upon physical exam, urinalysis or x-rays, special diets and medications may be perscribed (depending upon the nature of the crystals/stones). However, some types are not amenable to medical dissolution and surgery may be required.

There are several causes of FLUTD in cats:

Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) or unknown cause: This is the most common cause of FLUTD in cats, and is seen in 50 - 65% of cases. Cystitis means "means irritation of the urinary bladder". Even with extensive testing, much of the time a cause of the symptoms cannot be determined.

Urinary Stones (uroliths): Struvite or calcium oxalate are the most common form of urinary stones. Uroliths are seen in 15 - 20% of cases.

Diet: A diet of dry food & fish flavoured foods can both lead to FLUTD.

Cancer: This is seen in less than 1% of cases.

Trauma or anatomical defects of the urethra: This is seen in less than 1% of cases.

Bacterial infection: This is an uncommon cause of FLUTD & is seen in around 1 - 3% of cases.

How Can These Possible Causes Be Sorted Out?

In younger cats, there is a 50% chance that testing will be fruitless. Given this, testing beyond an examination and urinalysis may not be performed unless the syndrome is recurrent.

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Feline Paralysis-hind leg/tail due to a possible bloodclot in spinal area. Looking for any help?

My cat Honeybunz had a sudden paralysis of the hind legs/tail on Nov. 16 (13th b-day Nov. 17). He's had a heart murmur for a few years. Possible blood clot in the spinal cord area. Had no deep pain response in legs, after 3 accupuncture treatments one leg is moving (shaking). After over $1,500, I need any info on what else I can do. Has anyone used herbal, holistic therapy for this?(transfer factor, oils, etc.) Accupuncture was working, but $85 due at the visit-just can't do it. He is my baby, and he is dealing with it, but it has been 3 weeks and I need to do something. I do exercises on his legs, one foot now won't even bend-is completely straight (the one that moves). He is able to sit up, eats-organic can food mixed with vitamins and drinks -water and health drink. Wets and poops-on pee pads. UTI last week-Clavimox fixed it. He can scoot a little by dragging his back end. If you know of anything that may help him, please let me know. We live in the Green Bay, WI area. Thanks!!!

Only you can know when it is time to give your cat his final rest, peace and freedom from physical problems.

I euthanized my 22 and 1/2 year old cat a couple of weeks ago. She had several incidents in the last six months of her life where she lost control of her back legs - they passed and she regained her mobility. I did about seven sessions of acupuncture for her and it did not seem to help with her Arthritis so it was discontinued. Her loss of leg function was probably due to failing kidneys which is common indication of kidney failure.. Since she was always such a good eater I think the criteria in my mind was that when she no longer wanted to eat that would be the time. And the time came.

You are taking such good care of your guy. If he still seems to be happy and is enjoying his food and your love I wouldn't give up on him. It is a very difficult situation to deal with. I have a picture of Cameo on her last day - she went outside as usual to soak up some of the warm sunshine she loved to feel on her body so much.

What happens when we leave the physical body will never be known to us here on earth. I truly hope for Cameo that her "death" is a release to a spirit world that is free from physical limitations and that she is floating around out there somewhere in a wonderful new existence. She will always remain in my thoughts and heart.

Cat with Feline Orofacial Pain Syndrome