DM3 Pt4-3 FLUTD

Question 1

What does the term FLUTD describe?

Answer 1

FLUTD describes all the conditions that affect the bladder and urethra in cats.

Question 2

What are common clinical signs of FLUTD?

Answer 2

Dysuria (pain urinating), stranguria (straining), haematuria (blood in urine), pollakiuria (frequent urination), and periuria (inappropriate urination).

Question 3

Why is urethral obstruction an emergency in cats?

Answer 3

It causes severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and acute renal failure, leading to signs like vomiting, anorexia, weakness, and lethargy. Without treatment, cats can die within 72-140 hours.

Question 4

What is the most common cause of FLUTD?

Answer 4

Idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is the most common cause of FLUTD.

Question 5

What are urethral plugs made of, and why are they significant?

Answer 5

Urethral plugs consist of proteins, cells, and crystals, and they can cause urethral obstruction.

Question 6

What is urethral spasm, and how does it relate to FLUTD?

Answer 6

Urethral spasm can cause complete urinary obstruction without urethral plugs or stones. It may occur in cats where catheter insertion is easy despite obstruction.

Question 7

What are the most common types of uroliths in cats?

Answer 7

Struvite (forms in alkaline urine) and calcium oxalate (forms in acidic urine).

Question 8

What should be considered when struvite crystals are found in a cat’s urine?

Answer 8

Struvite crystals can be normal, so care must be taken not to overinterpret their presence.

Question 9

When is bacterial cystitis seen in cats?

Answer 9

Bacterial cystitis is rare but may occur secondary to conditions like urolithiasis, anatomical defects, neoplasia, or after catheterisation, and is more common in older cats with diabetes or renal failure.

Question 10

In which sex is urethral obstruction more common?

Answer 10

Urethral obstruction is more common in male cats.

Question 11

Which age group is more prone to bacterial infections in FLUTD?

Answer 11

Older animals with renal disease or diabetes mellitus are more prone to bacterial infections.

Question 12

Which conditions are more common in older versus younger animals with FLUTD?

Answer 12

Neoplasia is more common in older animals, while anatomical abnormalities are more common in younger animals.

Question 13

What are important aspects of history-taking in FLUTD investigations?

Answer 13

History-taking should focus on potential stress factors, the cat’s lifestyle, diet, and toilet habits.

Question 14

What are key signs of urethral obstruction during physical examination?

Answer 14

Signs include a large tense bladder, discomfort on palpation, and a swollen prepuce or penis.

Question 15

Why is urinalysis important in the work-up of FLUTD?

Answer 15

Urinalysis helps detect haematuria, assess urine specific gravity, and identify potential crystals, RBCs, WBCs, bacteria, and casts.

Question 16

What specific gravity (SG) value is common in cats with Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)?

Answer 16

Cats with FIC often have very concentrated urine with a specific gravity greater than 1.050.

Question 17

What should be done if a urine sample cannot be processed within 24 hours?

Answer 17

The sample should be stored in a pot containing boric acid preservative if it cannot be processed within 24 hours.

Question 18

Why is biochemistry and haematology important in FLUTD investigations?

Answer 18

It is important to assess underlying systemic diseases like renal disease or diabetes mellitus, and to evaluate azotaemia and electrolyte disturbances in obstructed cats.

Question 19

What can ultrasonography reveal in FLUTD?

Answer 19

Ultrasonography provides information on bladder size, wall thickness, regularity, and can help guide cystocentesis.

Question 20

What is the role of contrast radiography in FLUTD investigations?

Answer 20

Double contrast cysto-urethrography assesses bladder and urethral integrity, wall thickness, distensibility, and detects intraluminal or intramural lesions.

Question 21

What advanced diagnostics can help differentiate inflammation and neoplasia in FLUTD?

Answer 21

Bladder suction aspirate and cystoscopy (sometimes with bladder biopsy) can help differentiate inflammation and neoplasia.