DM3 Pt4-4 Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)

Question 1

What is the most common cause of Lower Urinary Tract Disease (LUTD) in cats?

Answer 1

Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) is the most common cause of LUTD in cats.

Question 2

Which cats are at higher risk for FIC?

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Which sex is at greater risk of obstruction in FIC cases?

Answer 3

Males are at greater risk of obstruction in FIC cases, although it occurs in both sexes.

Question 4

What can trigger FIC episodes?

Answer 4

Stressors such as changes in routine, environment, or the addition of new family members or pets can trigger FIC episodes.

Question 5

What is the typical duration of clinical signs in FIC?

Answer 5

Clinical signs are usually episodic and self-limiting, resolving within a few days.

Question 6

What are the causes of FIC?

Answer 6

The causes of FIC are not fully understood but involve a combination of genetics, environment, and changes in bladder sensitivity.

Question 7

How does neurogenic inflammation contribute to FIC?

Answer 7

Neurogenic inflammation involves alterations in bladder neurons, the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer, and compounds within the urine.

Question 8

How does stress affect FIC cats?

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

What role do urethral plugs play in FIC?

Answer 9

Urethral plugs, composed of a protein colloid matrix from bladder wall inflammation, may combine with crystals and cause obstruction in FIC.

Question 10

What systems interact in FIC?

Answer 10

FIC results from complex interactions between the urinary tract, endocrine system, and nervous system.

Question 11

Is FIC considered a simple or multifactorial disease?

Answer 11

FIC is considered a multifactorial disease.

Question 12

What are common stress triggers for cats with FIC?

Answer 12

Environmental changes, litter tray stress, and multicat household conflicts.

Question 13

What are the key genetic and physiological factors in cats susceptible to FIC?

Answer 13

Altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) response to stress, along with early life experiences.

Question 14

What are two common risk factors that increase the likelihood of FIC in cats?

Answer 14

Obesity and inactivity.

Question 15

How does highly concentrated urine affect cats with FIC?

Answer 15

It contains substances that can irritate the bladder lining, contributing to FIC symptoms.

Question 16

What bladder abnormalities are associated with FIC?

Answer 16

Exposure of nerve endings in the bladder lining, leading to neurogenic inflammation.

Question 17

What is the relationship between stress and the development of FIC in cats?

Answer 17

Stress, especially related to environmental changes and household conflicts, can exacerbate FIC in susceptible cats.

Question 18

How does the HPA axis affect cats with FIC?

Answer 18

An altered HPA axis leads to an inappropriate response to stress, increasing susceptibility to FIC.

Question 19

What is the main aspect of managing FIC?

Answer 19

Identifying and reducing stressors.

Question 20

Why is identifying stressors important in managing FIC?

Answer 20

FIC is often associated with stress, and identifying and managing these stressors is crucial for treatment.

Question 21

What are some common stressors that may affect cats with FIC?

Answer 21

Conflict with other cats, inadequate litter tray provision, changes in environment or diet, and owner stress.

Question 22

What is one method to reduce the symptoms of FIC related to stress?

Answer 22

Using feline pheromone products like Feliway™ as adjunctive therapy.

Question 23

Why is increasing water intake important for cats with FIC?

Answer 23

It encourages the production of more dilute urine, which helps reduce bladder irritation.

Question 24

What are ways to increase a cat’s water intake?

Answer 24

Feeding wet diets, adding water to food, changing water frequently, using different types of bowls, offering broths, and using a pet water fountain.

Question 25

Why is it important to discuss water intake strategies with cat owners?

Answer 25

Owners may not know how to successfully increase water intake, so discussing strategies can help ensure successful implementation.

Question 26

What can be done to encourage normal urination in cats with FIC?

Answer 26

Increasing outdoor access, providing more litter trays, trying different types of litter, and frequently cleaning litter trays.

Question 27

Why is weight reduction important in managing FIC for overweight cats?

Answer 27

Reducing food intake and encouraging exercise can help prevent and manage FIC symptoms.

Question 28

What medication can be used to replace the GAG layer in the bladder?

Answer 28

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) supplements, though evidence for their use is lacking.

Question 29

What types of medications are used to reduce discomfort in FIC?

Answer 29

Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs like meloxicam and buprenorphine.

Question 30

When should NSAIDs be avoided in FIC treatment?

Answer 30

NSAIDs should be avoided in cats with reduced renal function.

Question 31

What medications are used to treat urethral spasm in FIC?

Answer 31

Smooth muscle antispasmodics like Prazosin or phenoxybenzamine, and sometimes a combination with skeletal antispasmodic like dantrolene.

Question 32

How are urethral plugs treated in FIC?

Answer 32

By reducing the protein matrix and treating FIC, focusing on reducing crystalluria and managing alkaline urine with care to avoid complications.