Effective Treatments for Feline Lower Urinary Tract Dis
At veterinary clinics, we often encounter such conditions, but why are cats particularly prone to them? The reason lies in the urinary system's metabolism, which can easily lead to urinary tract diseases due to a lack of water. Cats, naturally, are not fond of drinking water, and scientific research suggests this is because their ancestors originated from the desert, thus developing this habit.
Symptoms
When should you consider the possibility of feline lower urinary tract disease? Let's first examine the symptoms that may indicate its presence.
Common symptoms include hematuria (be sure to check the color of the litter as you clean it), polyuria (the litter box can provide clues), and painful yowls during urination (cats may meow or cry out in distress as they urinate). In some cases, especially in male cats, complete urinary tract obstruction can occur, leading to serious complications such as postrenal azotemia and acute kidney failure if not treated promptly.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When suspecting a urinary tract issue, it's crucial to conduct urine analysis immediately. Experienced veterinarians can identify stones, thickened bladder walls, or other masses through abdominal palpation. Further investigation for stones can be aided by ultrasound and Xrays.
After confirming and removing the stones, it's essential to analyze their composition to determine the cause of their formation and to implement comprehensive preventive measures to minimize recurrence. Typically, about 47% of stones are struvite/phosphate ammonium magnesium, 40% are calcium oxalate, and 76% of urethral plugs consist of inflammatory crystals, with 16% being matrix, 4% mixed, 2% calcium phosphate, and 1.4% calcium oxalate.
Prevention
Understanding the issue is key to prevention.
In summary, the focus is on ensuring that cats consume more water. If your cat is not a fan of drinking water, first assess whether the water bowl is too dirty or noisy. It's best to place the bowl where your cat usually rests. Regarding feeding, you can offer highmoisture food or add extra water to their meals, such as soaking freezedried food or serving wet canned food. Additionally, you can cater to your cat's preferences, such as a liking for running water, by providing a source of water that appeals to them, such as a water fountain or adding glucose to the water.
By increasing moisture in their diet and ensuring access to water, your cat is less likely to develop lower urinary tract disease. Let's hope that in the future, we see fewer cases of this disease and that our little companions remain healthy and happy.
