<< Return to Your Pet's Health
FELINE LOWER URINARY TRACT SYNDROME
Feline lower urinary tract syndrome is characterized by your animal straining to urinate with or with out pain and there may be some blood noticed in the urine. Bacterial infection, stones or cancer does not cause the signs. In the past it has been called a urinary tract infection but several years of study have revealed that 98% of the cases are culture negative or sterile, having no bacteria involved at all; therefore antibiotics are not needed nor warranted in the treatment of this disease. The disease is most common in males (95%) and is believed to be similar to interstitial cystitis in women. Most cases will resolve on their own within 7 days. The cause is not known yet and because of this we do not have an effective treatment other than time and some preventative measures (please be aware several cures are promoted to work, but the side effects and risks out way the benefits in our opinion.)
This disease can produce a great deal of mucous cellular debris and crystals in the bladder and may result in an obstruction in the urethra of your pet. This is an emergency situation. The key is if any urine at all is coming out, even a few drops shows that the obstruction is not complete or not present and not an emergency. If your cat is producing NO URINE and has a painful or distended abdomen he needs to be see ASAP.
Prevention revolves around controlling the pH of the urine, decreasing the components of crystal formation and increasing water consumption. We recommend starting with Hills c/d canned, and providing a pet drink well for continuous source of fresh water. If you hard water we recommend using bottled water for your pet.
<< Return to Your Pet's Health
