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Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are common problems of pet health. Treating and preventing them are important aspects of quality pet care. This disease is also known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). It affects the bladder (not the kidneys), resulting in the production of tiny crystals and blood urine. The cat often urinates much more frequently than normal, usually with the passage of only a few drops of urine. This is often confused with constipation. This disease will cause many cats to urinate in places other than the litter box, often on hard surfaces such as tile floors, countertops, sinks, and bathtubs. They should not be punished for doing so.
CAUSES
We are not completely sure of the cause of this problem. Bacterial infections are the most common cause of cystitis in dogs and humans, but most cats with cystitis do not have bacteria in their urine. Early neutering of male cats and feeding of dry cat food have been proposed as potential causes, but these have been disproved as initiating factors. It is true, however, that many dry foods may aggravate the problem after it begins.
A herpes virus has been incriminated and someday may be proven to be the cause. Despite extensive research, the cause remains elusive.
SIGNS
Most cats with cystitis exhibit blood in the urine and discomfort in urinating. The discomfort is usually mild but can become much worse if it is not treated. Female cats may develop ½ inch diameter stones in the bladder that must usually be surgically removed. Male cats may develop enough crystals in the urethra (the narrow tube carrying urine out of the body) to cause an obstruction. This obstruction prevents elimination of urine from the bladder. If the obstruction is not relieved within 48 hours, most cats will die from kidney failure and the retention of toxins that were not removed by the kidneys. Because the urethra is relatively larger in the female cat, the emergency posed by complete obstruction is almost always limited to male cats.
Each cat with cystitis is treated according to the changes in the urine (pH, crystals, blood, etc.), the type of crystals present, the presenting clinical signs (straining, increased frequency, etc.), and the presence or absence of a bladder stone or urethral obstruction.
If neither a bladder stone nor urethral obstruction is present, proper medication will generally relieve the discomfort. A urinalysis is necessary to determine the proper medication. A special diet, explained below, will help to dissolve some of the crystals in the urine and hasten recovery.
If the cat has an obstruction of the urethra, a catheter is passed into the bladder while he is under a short-acting anesthetic. The catheter is frequently left in place for about 24 hours. The cat is discharged from the hospital when it appears unlikely that obstruction will reoccur, usually 1-2 days later. If he is experiencing kidney failure and toxemia, intravenous fluids and additional hospitalization are needed.
Many cats have a recurrence of cystitis. This is one reason that a virus is suspected as the cause. It is also the reason that a proper diet should be fed in the future.
SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN. If your cat is straining to urinate and not producing any urine, it is imperative to have him examined immediately. He may be blocked with a bladder stone in which case he would need emergency care. It is a good idea to have urine checked for any urinary tract problems; you are then able to use the appropriate remedy knowing what the specific problem is. HERBAL RELIEF. Specific herbs are helpful in dissolving bladder stones and acidifying the urine. These are Hydrangea, Stone Root, Gravel Root and Corn Silk.STRUVITE STONES. In most cases of bladder stones and bladder infections the goal is to acidify the urine; this prevents the recurrence of the most common bladder stone, struvite. Diets higher in protein are more acidifying; specific veterinary diets are designed for acidification. A higher protein homemade diet is also suitable. Use all the prior remedies to accomplish acidification.OXALATE STONES. In a small percentage of animals the type of bladder stone is called calcium oxalate, which forms in acidic urine. If this is your pet's problem, then the goal is to make the urine more alkaline. This is performed by lowering protein levels, and by adding a supplement, potassium citrate.
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