Small animal clinical nutrition - lower urinary tract diseases Flashcards
LUTD
lower urinary tract disease
includes both urolithiasis and idiopathic cystitis as well as bacterial infections of the LUT
MOST COMMON CAUSE OF LUTD IN CATS OF AGE UNDER 10 YEARS
idiopathic cystitis
Describe idiopathic cystitis in cats.
- Symptoms of LUTD resolve spontaneously in 3-7 days.
- No obvious cause
- No specific treatment but:
- Pain management, spasmolytic and supportive treatment
- Glycosaminoglycans (N-acetyl glucosamine vs glucosamine
hydrochloride e.g. product Cystaid) - For prevention: enrichment of environment, decrease stress etc.
- In cases of stress, L-tryptophan, hydrolyzed milk protein: casein or alpha-casozepine by mouth.
- +Pheromone based solutions
- Sufficient water intake
Mechanism of action why Glycosaminoglycans (“GAGs”) such as N-acetyl glucosamine help support urinary tract health? (3)
e.g. product Cystaid
GAGs are key components of the bladder’s mucosal lining, forming a protective layer that shields the underlying bladder wall from harmful substances like bacteria, toxins, and crystals.
GAGs prevent the adhesion of harmful bacteria (such as E. coli) to the bladder wall.
By maintaining the integrity of the bladder lining, GAGs help minimize inflammation, irritation, and damage to the bladder wall, which is often seen in conditions like feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC).
Mechanism of action why L-tryptophan helps support urinary tract health? (2)
e.g. product Calmex
through its role in reducing stress and anxiety
L-tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and reduce stress. Higher serotonin levels promote relaxation and decrease anxiety.
Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased bladder muscle tension and decreased urine flow. L-tryptophan, by promoting relaxation, helps alleviate this tension and normalize bladder function.
Mechanism of action why hydrolyzed milk protein: casein or alpha-casozepine helps support urinary tract health? (1)
e.g. product Zylkene, RC Fe Calm
Hydrolyzed milk proteins such as Alpha-casozepine, a peptide derived from casein, has calming properties similar to the neurotransmitter GABA. It interacts with GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety without causing sedation.
HOW TO MAKE CAT TO INCREASE WATER INTAKE? (6)
ENSURE, THAT THE DRINKING WATER FOR PETS IS ALWAYS FRESH
WATER TO EVERY ROOM
DIFFERENT VESSELS IN DIFFERENT PLACES AND LEVALS
CAT FOUNTAIN OR FAUCET CONTANTLY OPENED SLIGHTLY
FLAVORED WATER?
PREFER CANNED FOOD TO DRY FOOD
Uroliths form from
crystals that precipitate in the urinary tract.
DIFFERENT MINERALS ARE INVOLVED:
Ca-OXALATE
CYSTINE
AMMONIUM URATE
STRUVITES
MIXED
SILICA
Soluble or insoluble urolith: struvites.
soluble, treat by dissolution
or non-surgical (urohydropropulsion) or surgical removal
Soluble or insoluble urolith: oxalates
insoluble, non-surgical or surgical removal
Soluble or insoluble urolith: phosphates
insoluble, non-surgical or surgical removal
Soluble or insoluble urolith: urates
insoluble, non-surgical or surgical removal
Soluble or insoluble urolith: cystine
soluble, treat by dissolution
or non-surgical (urohydropropulsion) or surgical removal
Struvite urolithiasis is formed when urine is saturated with (3)
magnesium, ammonium and phosphate salts.
(Remember Struvite stones are made of magnesium-ammonium-phosphorus)
Struvite stones are mostly a result of infections particularly those caused by urease-producing bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus or Proteus species).
struvite crystals thrive in alkaline environments >7.0 pH.
Struvites typical to what age group of cats?
more common in cats age 1-8 years
Struvite urolithiasis may occur in dogs with…?
urease-producing bacterial infection
(e.g., Staphylococcus or Proteus species).
These bacteria produce urease, an enzyme that breaks down urea into ammonia, leading to an increase in urine pH and higher concentrations of ammonia and phosphate.
Struvite urolithiasis in cats is characterized as…?
sterile struvites (without bacterial involvement)
Struvite stones can be dissolved by
feeding the right acidifying diet in cats for 2-4 weeks, for dogs for 2-3 months.
Risk factors predisposing to struvite urolithiasis. (4)
- Alkaline urine; struvite crystals thrive in alkaline environments.
- High concentrations of magnesium, ammonium and phosphates.
- One large meal per day (frequent little meals facilitate the production of more acidic urine and reduce the risk of struvite in cats)
- Bacterial pollution