Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
(FLUTD)
Describes a variety of conditions that affect the
bladder and urethra of cats.
bladder and urethra of cats.
FAQ
What Does FLUTD Really Mean?
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) describes a variety of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra of cats. Cats with FLUTD most often show signs of difficulty and pain when urinating, increased frequency of urination and blood in the urine.
Cats with FLUTD also tend to lick themselves excessively and may urinate outside the litter box, often on cool, smooth surfaces like a tile floor or a bathtub.
While FLUTD can occur at any age, it is usually seen in middle-aged, overweight cats that get little exercise, use an indoor litter box, have little or no outdoor access, or eat a dry diet. Factors such as emotional or environmental stress, multi-cat households and abrupt changes in daily routine may also increase the risk that a cat will develop FLUTD.
Cats with FLUTD also tend to lick themselves excessively and may urinate outside the litter box, often on cool, smooth surfaces like a tile floor or a bathtub.
While FLUTD can occur at any age, it is usually seen in middle-aged, overweight cats that get little exercise, use an indoor litter box, have little or no outdoor access, or eat a dry diet. Factors such as emotional or environmental stress, multi-cat households and abrupt changes in daily routine may also increase the risk that a cat will develop FLUTD.
WHAT are the causes of flutd?
Factors such as emotional or environmental stress, multi-cat households and abrupt changes in daily routine may also increase the risk that a cat will develop FLUTD.
Urolithiasis
One possible cause of FLUTD is the formation of urinary stones (also called uroliths) in the bladder and/or urethra. These are collections of minerals that form in the urinary tract of cats. The most commonly seen uroliths are calcium oxalate and struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate).
Urinary Infection
Infection of your cat’s urinary tract with bacteria, fungi, parasites, or possibly even viruses can cause signs of FLUTD. Although bacterial infections are more common than fungal, parasitic, or viral infections, they are still relatively uncommon in cats.
Other Causes
Diseases such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism (over activity of the thyroid gland) can cause Feline Lower
Urinary Tract Disease in cats. Although they are much less common causes, FLUTD can also be caused by tumors of the urinary tract, congenital abnormalities (birth defects), or injury to the urinary tract or spinal cord.
Urolithiasis
One possible cause of FLUTD is the formation of urinary stones (also called uroliths) in the bladder and/or urethra. These are collections of minerals that form in the urinary tract of cats. The most commonly seen uroliths are calcium oxalate and struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate).
Urinary Infection
Infection of your cat’s urinary tract with bacteria, fungi, parasites, or possibly even viruses can cause signs of FLUTD. Although bacterial infections are more common than fungal, parasitic, or viral infections, they are still relatively uncommon in cats.
Other Causes
Diseases such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism (over activity of the thyroid gland) can cause Feline Lower
Urinary Tract Disease in cats. Although they are much less common causes, FLUTD can also be caused by tumors of the urinary tract, congenital abnormalities (birth defects), or injury to the urinary tract or spinal cord.
WHAT SYMPTOMS WILL MY CAT SHOW?
Major signs of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease include:
Note: Cats with a urethral obstruction (a blockage in the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder and out of the body) will also show these signs, but will pass little or no urine and become increasingly distressed. Urethral obstruction is seen more often in males than female cats due to their longer, narrower urethra. A urethral obstruction is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary treatment.
- Straining to urinate
- Urinating small amounts
- Frequent and/or prolonged attempts to urinate
- Crying out while urinating
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Blood in the urine
Note: Cats with a urethral obstruction (a blockage in the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder and out of the body) will also show these signs, but will pass little or no urine and become increasingly distressed. Urethral obstruction is seen more often in males than female cats due to their longer, narrower urethra. A urethral obstruction is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary treatment.
Urethral Obstruction
The most serious problem associated with urinary function is when a cat's urethra becomes partly or totally blocked. These cats strain to urinate and produce little or no urine. It can appear that the cat is constipated and straining to pass stool, but straining in the litter box is more often a sign of urethral obstruction. Urethral obstruction is a potentially life-threatening condition, caused either by urethral stones, or by urethral plugs (the latter are made of a soft material containing minerals, cells and mucus-like protein).
Cats with urethral obstruction must receive immediate veterinary care. Male cats (neutered or intact) are at greater risk for urethral obstruction than females, because their urethra is longer and narrower. This is a true medical emergency and any cat suspected of suffering from this condition must receive immediate veterinary attention. Once the urethra becomes completely blocked, the kidneys are no longer able to remove toxins from the blood, or maintain a balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. Without treatment, death frequently occurs when these imbalances lead to heart failure — often in less than twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
Treatment of this condition involves dislodging the obstruction, usually accomplished by flushing a sterile solution through a narrow tube placed into the urethra. Once the obstruction is removed, further treatment depends upon the condition of the cat. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are treated with intravenous fluid therapy. Antibiotics may be given to prevent or treat infection and drugs that help restore bladder function are sometimes recommended.
For cats who continue to experience urethral obstruction despite medical treatment, there is a surgical procedure called a Perineal Urethrostomy. Since side effects of this surgery can include bleeding, narrowing at the surgical site, urinary incontinence and a greater incidence of urinary tract infection, it is usually considered only as a last resort.
Cats with urethral obstruction must receive immediate veterinary care. Male cats (neutered or intact) are at greater risk for urethral obstruction than females, because their urethra is longer and narrower. This is a true medical emergency and any cat suspected of suffering from this condition must receive immediate veterinary attention. Once the urethra becomes completely blocked, the kidneys are no longer able to remove toxins from the blood, or maintain a balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. Without treatment, death frequently occurs when these imbalances lead to heart failure — often in less than twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
Treatment of this condition involves dislodging the obstruction, usually accomplished by flushing a sterile solution through a narrow tube placed into the urethra. Once the obstruction is removed, further treatment depends upon the condition of the cat. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are treated with intravenous fluid therapy. Antibiotics may be given to prevent or treat infection and drugs that help restore bladder function are sometimes recommended.
For cats who continue to experience urethral obstruction despite medical treatment, there is a surgical procedure called a Perineal Urethrostomy. Since side effects of this surgery can include bleeding, narrowing at the surgical site, urinary incontinence and a greater incidence of urinary tract infection, it is usually considered only as a last resort.
DIAGNOSIS
Because FLUTD has many causes, it can be difficult to diagnose. Based on your cat's symptoms, your veterinarian will do a physical examination. Most likely they will run a urinalysis assessing urine pH concentration, presence of crystals, bleeding, inflammation and infection. If the cause is still not identified, tests such as urine culture, x-rays, blood work and additional urine tests may be recommended.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
If you notice any of the symptoms of FLUTD, you should consult your veterinarian immediately!
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
There is no universal treatment for FLUTD. Each case has to be investigated to determine the underlying cause and then the treatment has to be tailored to the individual cat. Sometimes despite appropriate tests and treatment, clinical signs may still recur, requiring further therapy and diagnostic testing.
Depending on the underlying cause for FLUTD, the clinical signs may never, or only occasionally, reoccur. However, recurrence is more common with FIC (Feline Idiopathic Cystitis). To help reduce the chances of recurrence:
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
- Bacterial infections of the lower urinary tract usually respond well to antibiotic therapy.
- If a cat develops a blocked urethra, emergency treatment is required to remove the blockage. Usually the cat will be given a short-acting general anesthetic and the urethra will be flushed, or catheterized. Urethral obstruction occurs almost exclusively in male cats. Other treatment options may be recommended based on your cat’s specific blockage.
- If bladder stones or uroliths are present, they will have to be removed. Depending on their type, they may be able to be dissolved by using a special diet, or dietary additive, or they may require surgical removal. In some cases, this can be determined by the results of a urinalysis.
There is no universal treatment for FLUTD. Each case has to be investigated to determine the underlying cause and then the treatment has to be tailored to the individual cat. Sometimes despite appropriate tests and treatment, clinical signs may still recur, requiring further therapy and diagnostic testing.
Depending on the underlying cause for FLUTD, the clinical signs may never, or only occasionally, reoccur. However, recurrence is more common with FIC (Feline Idiopathic Cystitis). To help reduce the chances of recurrence:
- Pay close attention to your cats habits.
- Feed small meals on a frequent basis.
- Consult with your veterinarian about the best diet for your cat. Many commercial diets are acceptable, but some urinary conditions respond better to specialized diets. Canned food may be preferred.
- Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
- Provide an adequate number of litter boxes (usually one more than the number of cats in the household) with the type of litter that the cat(s) prefer.
- Keep litter boxes in quiet, safe areas of the house.
- Keep litter boxes clean – they should be scooped at least twice a day and the litter changed weekly (or more often as needed).
- Minimize major changes in routine.
- Reduce stress.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease is a harmful condition in cats. It can cause pain and discomfort
and if left untreated can cause death. It is very important for cat owners to pay close attention
to their cat(s) habits. Recognizing any changes in normal routines can help save your cat's life.
The average age of a cat can be between 7-14 years (depending on breed and conditions).
Anything we can do as responsible pet owners can help prolong their life and give them
the best quality of life possible.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW:
AVMA.org
Todaysveterinarypractice.com
Vet.cornell.edu
Pets.webmd.com
Medvetforpets.com
National Center for Biotechnology Information
and if left untreated can cause death. It is very important for cat owners to pay close attention
to their cat(s) habits. Recognizing any changes in normal routines can help save your cat's life.
The average age of a cat can be between 7-14 years (depending on breed and conditions).
Anything we can do as responsible pet owners can help prolong their life and give them
the best quality of life possible.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW:
AVMA.org
Todaysveterinarypractice.com
Vet.cornell.edu
Pets.webmd.com
Medvetforpets.com
National Center for Biotechnology Information
