Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Lower urinary tract diseases are a common problem in cats all over the world. The symptoms are for example dysuria, pollakuria, stranguria, periuria and hematuria. In approximately two thirds of these cats the underlying cause is not known and the disease is therefore called feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). We need to know more about the disease to get a consistently effective treatment and prevention.

A retrospective study was performed in 50 cats with symptoms of FIC and where other causes of inflammation were ruled out. Data like breed, age, sex, body weight, feeding, therapy and therapeutic results were collected, also if it was an indoor or outdoor cat, duration of the symptoms, if there was any stress and if the cat was living with another cat. Data was collected from medicine records and 43 cases where followed-up by interviews of the cat owners on telephone.

Results showed that 74 % of the cats were males. Possible stress factors were found in the history and may be a predisposing factor to FIC in 64,6 % of the cats. Some other important factors seemed to be type of food and water intake.

Treatment is symptomatic and there are many alternatives available, but few controlled clinical studies have been done. The cat needs to have a calm environment to reduce stress. It is also important to increase the water intake and feed the cat with a food of good quality, that does not increase energy intake and prevents crystal formation. If the cat has severe symptoms, anti-inflammatory treatment like NSAID can bee used. If the cat has constantly recurring symptoms, drugs like glycosaminoglycans, Amitriptylin (Saroten) or Clomipraminhydrochlorid (Clomicalm) can bee tried.