Teaching Topic - Feline Urinary Issues

Urinary issues are one of the most common reasons for veterinary visits among our feline patients.  Inappropriate urination is the most common behavioral reason for relinquishment of cats to shelters.  Because of these facts, this article will strive to discuss the top four common urinary issues, signs to watch for, and preventative strategies.  

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are caused by bacteria in the bladder.  The bacteria cause the lining inside the bladder to get inflamed.  If left untreated the infection can spread up to the kidneys.  Most common signs of a UTI include frequent small bouts of urination, urinating outside the litterbox, blood in the urine, straining to urinate, and/or pain on urination.  

Uroliths are stones that form in the bladder.  They can look like sand, smooth river rocks, or rough jagged rocks.  These form in the bladder due to a pH imbalance.  When these are present, they rub along the lining of the bladder and cause inflammation.  Signs are similar to that of a UTI.  

The kitty pictured above, Link, has Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) which occurs when there is inflammation in the bladder and urethra but there is no inciting cause (ex. infection or stones).  Research has not discovered a reason for this occurrence other than it does tend to be a genetic trait.   Signs are similar to that of a UTI.

Urethral blockage occurs when a stone, blood clot or inflammation in the urethra blocks urine from leaving the bladder.  The male urethra is about 0.5 mm wide (or 1/2 the width of a straight pin), so it doesn’t take much to cause a problem.  This becomes an emergency within HOURS.  If urine can not leave the bladder, it quickly starts to back up into the kidneys and will cause kidney failure in 12-24 hours.  This is more common in male cats.  Patients will try to urinate frequently and no urine will come out.  Some cats will sit in the litterbox and yowl loudly because of pain.  Pets will quickly become more lethargic (tired), be painful even to light touch of the stomach, and some may start vomiting.  If these signs are occurring, your pet needs to be examined immediately.  

Clinical signs can be fairly similar with the top four feline urinary issues listed above.  Because of this, an exam and further diagnostics (urinalysis, x-rays, ultrasound) are usually needed to figure out the underlying cause.  

Preventative strategies are individually tailored to each patient.  However, there are some things you can do to keep the urinary tract healthy.  Always have fresh water available.  Some cats like to drink from cups around the house, a fountain, or the sink.  (Cats in the wild usually drink away from their food.)  Some studies have proven a decrease in kidney disease (not urinary) with cats that drink primarily distilled water.  Clinically, though, we do see a decrease in urinary problems with the use of distilled water.  Some cats enjoy canned food mixed with water to encourage drinking.  Cats that are at an ideal weight are less likely to have urinary issues.  Cats that have less stress and that are environmentally stimulated also have fewer urinary problems.  (check out https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats)

If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call us at the office, 319-277-1883.

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