Feline Flash Notes - FLUTD

Question 1

what is the classic case presentation of a cat with feline lower urinary tract disease?

Answer 1

straining often, vocalization, & painful

small amounts of urine voided with drops of blood/bloody urine - may be inside or outside the litterbox

+/- obstruction

Question 2

what are the 2 main scenarios in which cats present with FLUTD?

Answer 2

1. not obstructed - small, contracted bladder, +/- difficult to palpate/empty/painful
2. obstructed - life threatening medical emergency!!!! males more often affected than female!

Question 3

what is the common signalment of cats affected by FLUTD?

Answer 3

males = females

2-6 years old

neutered males!!

Question 4

what is the most common cause of FLUTD?

Answer 4

cystitis followed by urolithiasis

Question 5

when approaching a cat with suspected FLUTD, what must be determined?

Answer 5

have to find the underlying cause!!! the treatment for one cause may be contraindicated for another

Question 6

how is FLUTD diagnosed?

Answer 6

diagnosis of exclusion!!!! often based on history, physical exam, & UA especially at first presentation

Question 7

how is FLUTD treated?

Answer 7

many cats will be better within 5-10 days regardless of treatment!!!

relieve the obstruction if indicated & correct the electrolytes

Question 8

how are cats with FLUTD managed?

Answer 8

management of feeding, water, litter, & environment

environment enrichment

increased the water content of food (canned food diet)

encourage drinking water - fresh water & multiple bowls

1 litter box per cat!!

Question 9

what analgesics are used for cats with FLUTD?

Answer 9

NSAIDS - onsior, meloxicam

opioids - buprenorphine

Question 10

if analgesics are not enough for treating a cat with FLUTD, what else can be added?

Answer 10

feline facial pheromones

glycosaminoglycan - helps some cats with idiopathic cystitis

behavior modifying drugs (tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, clomipramine)

Question 11

what is the prognosis of FLUTD?

Answer 11

good to excellent with diligent therapy, but can be a lifelong issue for some cats

Question 12

T/F: in cats with FLUTD, recurrence is common & the risk of obstruction increases with multiple episodes

Answer 12

true

Question 13

how is FLUTD prevented?

Answer 13

ALL indoor cats need environment enrichment - often sufficient to suppress clinical signs

Question 14

what are 4 management recommendations that you can give for an indoor cat with unobstructed FLUTD?

Answer 14

1. environmental enrichment!!!
2. increased water in the diet, so canned food
3. encourage drinking - fresh water & multiple bowls
4. at least 1 litter box + 1 per cat