Monday, November 16, 2009

Question: Feline Urinary Issues Pt 3

Dr. Schaeberle,

My cat continues to have urinary issues and problems, why?

Thanks,
Heather

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Dear Heather,

In the past two articles I discussed the complexity of feline bladder disease. To review, the cause of feline bladder inflammation includes infection, bladder stones, irritating crystals in the bladder and rarely cancer. But in over 50% of cats we never really know the exact causes of bladder inflammation (termed feline idiopathic
cystitis). Today we’ll discuss the treatment and prevention.

A urinalysis is our best test to determine a probable cause. Once we know what is causing the inflammation then we can discuss treatments. For an acute painful
bladder inflammation with an unknown origin, I will give fluids under the skin to help dilute the urine, antibiotics just in case we have infection and a special diet. I recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet C/D, the food is a magnesium restricted diet that retards crystal and stone formation. Over time the prescription diet creates a healthy urine pH.

Depending on the severity of feline bladder disease other treatments can include surgery, pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs. Anti-anxiety medications may be used when the suspected cause is behavioral.

So how can we prevent urinary disease in cats? The most important thing you can do is to encourage as much fluid intake as possible. For cats with chronic problems, offer a wet cat food 2 to 3 times daily and add extra water to the food. Always offer cool fresh water daily and try a pet fountain that constantly moves water, as some cats enjoy drinking moving water.

As mentioned above, there are prescription foods formulated to help with urinary issues in cats. An exam and urinalysis is a great place to start when you suspect your pet is having a urinary problem. Please visit myshilohvet.com, go to Resources, and explore feline lower urinary tract disease.

There are only 3 hospitals in the York Area accredited by the AAHA. The Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in Dover, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital East in Manchester and
Patton Veterinary Hospital in Red Lion.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

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