Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease: Comprehensive Guide
Causes of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD):
1. The primary cause of FLUTD is often the magnesium found in dry cat food, which, combined with alkaline urine, can lead to the formation of struvite crystals.
2. Feeding dry food, coupled with insufficient water intake, can result in concentrated urine, making it easier for crystals or particles to form and grow in the bladder and urethra, potentially causing blockages.
3. Infections caused by pathogens can also trigger FLUTD.
4. Factors such as excessive weight, lack of exercise, and urinary acidification or alkalinization, as well as being in a state of stress, can act as triggers for the disease.
5. Certain congenital conditions, such as phimosis and urethral stenosis, and neurological issues like urethral spasm and bladder atony, can also contribute to FLUTD.
Symptoms of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease:
The main clinical symptoms include frequent urination, difficulty urinating, pain during urination, blood in the urine, and abnormal urination patterns.
Treatment for Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease:
The primary focus is on clearing the urethra. Immediate measures include intravenous fluid therapy to replenish fluids, balance the body's acidbase and electrolyte levels, correct kidney failure and uremia, and for infected cases, administer antibiotics to combat infection.
Prevention of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease:
1. Provide clean, fresh water, ideally distilled water, and frequently change it. Avoid filling the water bowl with too much water at once; instead, offer small amounts to encourage the cat to drink it all before refilling.
2. Regularly clean the litter box to prevent excessive urine buildup in the sand.
3. Encourage regular exercise or playtime to maintain a healthy weight, and consider feeding urinary tractspecific prescription food.
4. Minimize the cat's stress response.
For more information on feline lower urinary tract disease, you can watch "Common Urinary Tract Diseases in Cats and How to Prevent Them" for a comprehensive guide.
