DM3 Pt4-4 Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) Flashcards
What is the most common cause of Lower Urinary Tract Disease (LUTD) in cats?
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) is the most common cause of LUTD in cats.
Which cats are at higher risk for FIC?
Middle-aged, overweight cats with a sedentary lifestyle, restricted outdoor access, use of indoor litter trays, dry diets, and those living in multi-cat households are at higher risk.
Which sex is at greater risk of obstruction in FIC cases?
Males are at greater risk of obstruction in FIC cases, although it occurs in both sexes.
What can trigger FIC episodes?
Stressors such as changes in routine, environment, or the addition of new family members or pets can trigger FIC episodes.
What is the typical duration of clinical signs in FIC?
Clinical signs are usually episodic and self-limiting, resolving within a few days.
What are the causes of FIC?
The causes of FIC are not fully understood but involve a combination of genetics, environment, and changes in bladder sensitivity.
How does neurogenic inflammation contribute to FIC?
Neurogenic inflammation involves alterations in bladder neurons, the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer, and compounds within the urine.
How does stress affect FIC cats?
FIC cats have an uncoupled hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to an inappropriate stress response with increased catecholamine concentration but reduced cortisol response and adrenal volume.
What role do urethral plugs play in FIC?
Urethral plugs, composed of a protein colloid matrix from bladder wall inflammation, may combine with crystals and cause obstruction in FIC.
What systems interact in FIC?
FIC results from complex interactions between the urinary tract, endocrine system, and nervous system.
Is FIC considered a simple or multifactorial disease?
FIC is considered a multifactorial disease.
What are common stress triggers for cats with FIC?
Environmental changes, litter tray stress, and multicat household conflicts.
What are the key genetic and physiological factors in cats susceptible to FIC?
Altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) response to stress, along with early life experiences.
What are two common risk factors that increase the likelihood of FIC in cats?
Obesity and inactivity.
How does highly concentrated urine affect cats with FIC?
It contains substances that can irritate the bladder lining, contributing to FIC symptoms.
What bladder abnormalities are associated with FIC?
Exposure of nerve endings in the bladder lining, leading to neurogenic inflammation.
What is the relationship between stress and the development of FIC in cats?
Stress, especially related to environmental changes and household conflicts, can exacerbate FIC in susceptible cats.
How does the HPA axis affect cats with FIC?
An altered HPA axis leads to an inappropriate response to stress, increasing susceptibility to FIC.
What is the main aspect of managing FIC?
Identifying and reducing stressors.
Why is identifying stressors important in managing FIC?
FIC is often associated with stress, and identifying and managing these stressors is crucial for treatment.
What are some common stressors that may affect cats with FIC?
Conflict with other cats, inadequate litter tray provision, changes in environment or diet, and owner stress.
What is one method to reduce the symptoms of FIC related to stress?
Using feline pheromone products like Feliway™ as adjunctive therapy.
Why is increasing water intake important for cats with FIC?
It encourages the production of more dilute urine, which helps reduce bladder irritation.
What are ways to increase a cat’s water intake?
Feeding wet diets, adding water to food, changing water frequently, using different types of bowls, offering broths, and using a pet water fountain.
Why is it important to discuss water intake strategies with cat owners?
Owners may not know how to successfully increase water intake, so discussing strategies can help ensure successful implementation.
What can be done to encourage normal urination in cats with FIC?
Increasing outdoor access, providing more litter trays, trying different types of litter, and frequently cleaning litter trays.
Why is weight reduction important in managing FIC for overweight cats?
Reducing food intake and encouraging exercise can help prevent and manage FIC symptoms.
What medication can be used to replace the GAG layer in the bladder?
Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) supplements, though evidence for their use is lacking.
What types of medications are used to reduce discomfort in FIC?
Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs like meloxicam and buprenorphine.
When should NSAIDs be avoided in FIC treatment?
NSAIDs should be avoided in cats with reduced renal function.
What medications are used to treat urethral spasm in FIC?
Smooth muscle antispasmodics like Prazosin or phenoxybenzamine, and sometimes a combination with skeletal antispasmodic like dantrolene.
How are urethral plugs treated in FIC?
By reducing the protein matrix and treating FIC, focusing on reducing crystalluria and managing alkaline urine with care to avoid complications.
