Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease Flashcards
What are the clinical signs of FLUTD?
Straining
Haematuria
Pollakiuria
Periuria
What is FLUTD caused by?
Urolithiasis
UTI
Neoplasia
Idiopathic
What are the 3 most common causes of FLUTD in cats >10yo?
Bacterial
Urolith + bacterial
Trauma
What are the three most common causes of FLUTD in cats <10yo?
Idiopathic
Uroliths
Plugs
What should be the first step in diagnosing a cause of FLUTD?
UA
- SG
- Dipstick
- Sediment
What conditions predispose cats to UTIs?
CKD Hyperthryoidism DM Urolithiasis Bladder neoplasia
What diagnostic tests should be done in an older cat with no UTI but FLUTD?
Imaging of LUT - rule out urolithiasis and neoplasia - Idiopathic
Why shouldn’t AB be used to treat idiopathic FLUTD in younger cats?
Clinical signs are episodic and spontaneously resolve
What are the risk factors for FLUTD?
Persians Obesity Young Neutered Dry food diet Stress
Which infectious agent may be associated with FLUTD?
Viruses
Why doesn’t crystalluria cause FLUTD along? How can it contribute to the development of FLUTD?
Crystal cannot directly damage the urethra or bladder mucosa
+ can develop into urethral plug
+ can develop in uroliths
+ combined with inflam and urethral spasm –> urethral blockage
What is the only treatment that has been shown to reduce the risk of repeated FLUTD episodes of clinical signs?
Canned food diet
How can we increase the urine output in a FLUTD cat?
Flavoured drinking water
Water fountains/running taps
Canned food, add water to feed
How should the environment be managed in a FLUTD cat?
Don't punish the cat! Canned food, increase water intake Unscented clumping litter Improved litter box management Environmental enrichment Increased interaction with owner Identify and resolve any causes
What is Cystease? Is it an effective treatment option?
N-acetyl glucoasmine (GAG precursor) used to treat FLUTD.
Trial has shown no significant benefit but anecdotal evidence
