Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
FLUTD - an acronym that strikes fear into many cat owners' hearts! Also known as feline idiopathic cystitis, this is a common condition whereby cats develop bladder inflammation, often caused by stress.
Sometimes this inflammation can include crystals and debris, which can accumulate to form sludge along the urinary tract. This can potentially cause a nasty blockage along a male cat's very narrow urethra- often requiring emergency surgery to relieve it.
What to look out for at home:
FLUTD is often mistaken for constipation as affected cats will be straining non-productively in the litter tray.
Increased frequency of urination, usually with only small amounts passed.
Bloody or smelly urine
Vocalisation or discomfort
In more severe cases where the obstruction is progressing, cats will develop lethargy, vomiting and inappetence.
Often affected animals will hide or disappear from their usual spots.
Completely obstructed cats WILL die within 72 hours if owners do not seek urgent veterinary treatment.
Treatment of FLUTD:
Treatment is multifaceted and depends on how severe the presentation is:
Non-obstructed: we use a variety of analgesic options as well as prescription diets and sometimes medications to minimise the chance of recurrence.
Obstructed: these life-threatening cases require much more intensive management. As well as the above treatment, these cats need immediate blood and urine tests, as well as a general anaesthetic to relieve the obstruction. We then place an indwelling urinary catheter- these need to stay in place for several days whilst the inflammation subsides and the patient remains hydrated on IV fluids to correct any electrolyte abnormalities.
WHAT YOUR CAT WANTS YOU TO KNOW
When it's urinating inappropriately:
I'm stressed and don't like where this litter tray is placed- please move it somewhere quieter!
I don't like sharing with my kitty siblings- can you please get at least one for each of us and in different rooms?
I don't like the kind of litter in the tray, please try a different one for me!
Please clean my tray more regularly- I hate using a tray when it smells bad.
The most important- I'm feeling sick and can't urinate properly! Please take me to the vet ASAP!
The symptoms of FLUTD can be controlled but it is not a curable disease, and there is a risk that cats can re-obstruct at any time. If you ever notice any suspicious symptoms please bring your cat in ASAP, as if caught early the condition may not progress to full obstruction!