Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diease (FLUTD), also called Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS), is one of the most common causes of cat emergencies and reasons for feline hospitalization. FLUTD is caused by inflammation of the lower urinary tract secondary to bladder and urethral stones or secondary to a proteinaceous material. Affected cats that have yet to become obstructed present with: difficulty urinating resulting in frequent attempts to urinate, urinating small amounts, urinating outside the litterbox, vocalization while urinating, and blood in the urine. Obstructed cats, that is cats whose urinary tract has become blocked, also make frequent attempts to urinate but are unable to do so, pace, vocalize, hide, lick their genitalia, and display anxiety. If the obstruction is not corrected, metabolic changes occur in particular electrolyte imbalances which lead to inappetance, vomiting, dehydration, depression, weakness, collapse, panting, and/or sudden death. Unobstructed cats are at a significant danger from becoming obstructed leading to the more life-threatening consequences.
The goal of treatment is to relieve any obstruction, correct any metabolic abnormalities such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, and to reduce inflammation in the urinary tract. If stones are the underlying problem they can either be treated medically or surgically depending on the type of stone present. Since the exact cause of non-stone related FLUTD is unknown, specific therapy is not possible. Thus, if no stones are present, then a variety of symptomatic therapies including anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, tranquilizers, and antispasmotic medications are indicated for use. Most unobstructed cats will resolve the symptoms in 5-7 days.
FLUTD is equally prevalent in male and female cats, but male cats are more likely to obstruct, and, thus, present with the more serious form of the condition. Overweight cats appear to be predisposed to developing FLUTD as do indoor cats. This predisposition, however, may merely be a reflection of the greater proportion of indoor and overwieght cats among the pet population. Most FLUTD occurs in cats 2-6 years of age although there are reports of cases in kittens and older cats. Approximately 50% of affected cats will have a recurrence within 12 months. Mortality from FLUTD ranges from 10% to 30% depending on the research source. Most fatalities are associated with the metabolic, in particular, the electrolyte, changes that occur in obstructed cats. Euthanasia because of recurrent epiodes and chronic renal failure secondary to FLUTD are the next two most commom reasons for death associated with FLUTD.
FLUTD is a common problem. Cats should be monitored for signs and presented to a veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent obstruction from occuring. Prevention for stone-associated FLUTD involves dietary management to prevent stone formation. In general, keeping a clean litterbox, encouraging fluid intake, and keeping cats at a proper weight may help prevent occurrence.
