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Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) describes a collection of
conditions that can affect the bladder and/or urethra of cats. Unfortunately,
the clinical signs are rarely indicative of a particular disease. While there
are many conditions that can result in signs of FLUTD (see below) the vast
majority of cases are idiopathic (ie we cannot find the cause).
Clinical signs of FLUTD
Cats with FLUTD usually present with signs of difficulty and pain when
urinating, increased frequency of urination, blood in the urine, urination
outside the litter-box, or even complete obstruction to urine outflow. Some cats
show only behavioural change, loss of litter-box training and/or aggression.
The annual incidence of FLUTD in British cats is believed to be around 1 per
cent. While the condition can be seen in cats of any age, it is most frequently
seen in middle-aged, over-weight cats, which take little exercise, use an indoor
litter-box, have restricted access outside and eat a dry diet. Persian cats
appear to be predisposed. FLUTD occurs equally in male and female cats; however,
neutered cats are more susceptible, and the risk of urinary tract obstruction is
greatest in males.
Causes of FLUTD
Causes of non - obstructive FLUTD
Non - obstructive idiopathic cystitis |
65% |
Bladder stones |
15% |
Anatomical defects/cancer/other |
10% |
Behavioral problems |
<10% |
Bacterial infection |
< 2% |
Causes of obstructive FLUTD
Obstructive idiopathic cystitis |
29% |
Urethral plug |
59% |
Bladder stones |
10% |
Bladder stones + bacterial infection |
2% |
1. Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)
In the majority of cases of FLUTD no underlying cause can be found. However,
while research over the last 30 years has failed to find a consistent cause, a
recent hypothesis has suggested that FIC may result from alterations in the
interaction between the nerve supply, the protective (glycosaminoglycan [GAG])
layer that lines the bladder, and the urine (see Figure 1.).
Figure 1. Diagram showing how the nervous system may be able to
induce/exacerbate inflammation in FIC (neurogenic inflammation) |
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It is now known that certain nerves within the bladder can be stimulated,
either by the brain (in response to 'stress'), or by local triggers within the
bladder (eg, inflammation, bladder stones, concentrated urine, infection, etc.).
Regardless of how these nerves are stimulated they release certain
neurotransmitters, which can then act to induce and/or exacerbate local pain and
inflammation. Where inflammation is triggered by the nervous system it is termed
neurogenic inflammation.
A thin layer of protective mucus lines the inside of the bladder. This layer
helps to prevent bacteria and crystals from sticking to the bladder wall. It has
been suggested that defects in this protective layer may result in increased
bladder wall permeability, allowing noxious substances within the urine to cause
inflammation. It has been shown that some cats with FIC have reduced levels of
GAG within this protective layer. While it is not known whether or not the
defect is actually caused by the inflammation, its presence is believed to
exacerbate it.
2. Bladder stones
Bladder stones (uroliths) can vary in their composition, with struvite and
oxalate forms being most common in cats. Over the last few years the pet food
companies have focused on designing diets that help to dissolve struvite stones.
Unfortunately, while this has resulted in a decline in the incidence of struvite
stones there has been an increase in oxalate stones. Unfortunately, oxalate
uroliths are not dissolvable in cat urine, and so must be removed surgically.
3. Urethral plugs
Urethral plugs are of particular importance because they can cause urethral
obstruction. They are composed of varying combinations of a protein matrix
(various proteins and cells from the bladder and blood) and crystalline material
(most typically struvite). The protein matrix is believed to 'leak' from the
bladder wall as a result of inflammation. The cause of this inflammation may be
neurogenic, idiopathic, or secondary to infection, cancer or bladder stones.
Thick protein matrix may cause urethral obstruction without evidence of
crystalluria (crystals in the urine). However, where crystalluria is also
present, the crystals may become trapped within the matrix, and add to the
obstruction. It is therefore the protein matrix that is of primary importance,
rather than the presence of crystals per se.
4. Infectious causes
So far, no bacterial, fungal or viral organisms have been consistently shown
to cause FLUTD. However, it is still possible that an organism that is very
difficult to grow could be involved. Bacterial infection is a very rare cause of
FLUTD. Where it is seen, it is usually secondary to veterinary intervention,
bladder stones, an anatomical defect, or cancer. Older cats, particularly those
with renal failure, have an increased risk of bacterial infection. However,
FLUTD is rarely seen in cats of this age-group.
5. Unifying hypothesis
The different causes of FLUTD may occur individually, or in various
interacting combinations (Figure 2). For example, the formation of urethral
plugs may result from concurrent, but not necessarily related, disorders, ie the
simultaneous occurrence of urinary tract inflammation and crystalluria. While
obstruction most typically results from the formation of urethral plugs, it may
also be caused by the passage of small bladder stones, or from pain-induced
urethral spasm. Although, inflammation without crystalluria can result in
obstruction with protein matrix, it more typically causes bloodstained urine and
signs of pain when urinating. While crystalluria is often clinically silent, if
persistent, it may predispose to the development of bladder stones, and these,
in turn can lead to urethral obstruction, and bladder inflammation.
Figure 2. Flow diagram illustrating how interaction between urinary
tract inflammation and urine crystals can lead to different clinical
presentations.
* Urinary tract inflammation may be neurogenic (triggered via the
nervous system), idiopathic (cause unknown), or secondary to infection,
cancer or bladder stones. |
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Diagnosis
Diagnosis of FIC is made by exclusion of all other causes of FLUTD. A
practical, step-wise, approach is used. It often includes taking blood samples
to rule out systemic disease, followed by collection of a urine sample. The
urine will be assessed for its concentration (specific gravity), and for the
presence of crystals, protein, red and white blood cells, and bacteria
(infection). Taking abdominal radiographs, performing contrast bladder studies,
and/or ultrasound examination of the bladder may then be performed.
If no physical cause can be found it may be thought to be a purely behavioral
problem. However, if the cat is not currently showing signs of FLUTD repeating
the investigation when the cat is showing signs may reveal more obvious disease.
It is interesting to note that many cats which are believed to have a purely
behavioral problem have a history of FLUTD at some time in their past.
Management of FIC
Most cases of non-obstructive FLUTD are self-limiting; usually resolving
within five to 10 days. However, most affected cats have episodes of clinical
signs, which recur with variable frequency. The recurrent episodes generally
tend to decrease in frequency and severity over time. Despite the likelihood of
spontaneous resolution, treatment is recommended for a number of reasons:
- FIC is very painful and distressing to the cat.
- Cats with FIC may self-traumatise their perineal region (the area below
their tail).
- Cats with FIC may stop eating.
- Male cats with FIC are at risk of developing urethral obstruction, which
can be fatal.
- Cats with FIC may develop behavioural changes, become aggressive to their
owners or other cats within the household, or may lose their litter-box
training.
- Having a cat with FIC is very distressing to the owner.
Unfortunately, few treatments for FLUTD have been investigated by
well-controlled experimental studies. Most recommendations are therefore based
on uncontrolled clinical observations and personal opinion. Also, since FLUTD is
usually self-limiting, many treatments may appear to be effective, when they
actually have no positive effect. All treatments should therefore be considered
with appropriate caution.
As more drugs are tried, the list of those that are either unhelpful, or even
harmful, is growing. Of those treatments that have been critically assessed
corticosteroids and certain antibiotics have been shown to have no beneficial
effect, except in those rare cases where bacterial infection is present and
antibiotics are actually required.
The list of medications and interventions that have been considered for the
treatment of FLUTD is far too extensive to be included in this article. The
author has therefore chosen to describe her current approach to the management
of FIC, which is aimed at addressing the factors that are believed to under the
disease; i.e. the nature of the nerve supply into the bladder, the content of
the urine, and the protective GAG layer.
First line of treatment:
1. Reduce stress
Stress plays a key role in FIC; it has been identified as a 'flare factor'
that can precipitate a recurrence of clinical signs. Identified stressors
include abrupt changes in diet, environment, weather, overcrowding, owner
stress, or the addition to the household of new pets or people. Stress
associated with urination can be particularly significant, eg an unsuitable
position or content of the litter box, competition for the litter box,
aggressive behaviour by other cats while the cat is trying to use the litter box
or when urinating outside, etc.
It is essential to reduce the level of stress to which the cat may be
exposed. Providing a safe, clean area in which the cat can urinate, reducing
overcrowding or bullying, and reassuring the cat as much as possible may achieve
this.
2. Alter the content of the urine
Altering the diet is the easiest way to modify the urine. Previously, much
interest has been placed on changing the acidity, magnesium, and calcium content
of the urine. However, it is now believed that the single most important factor
is the rate of water turnover. The aim is therefore to increase water turnover
and dilute any noxious components within the urine. Rather than altering the
content of a dry diet, it makes much more sense to simply feed a wet one! Where
significant struvite crystalluria and/or struvite bladder stones are present,
feeding an acidified wet diet may be useful.
Dietary recommendations:
- Change diet to canned food or moisten dry food.
- Supply free access to water and encourage cat to drink.
- Do not feed acidified diet if urine is acid and struvite uroliths are not
a problem.
- Long-term use of highly acidified diets can be very harmful.
3. Repair the protective GAG layer
In theory, therapy to replace the GAG layer should be beneficial. It relies
on the assumption that GAG supplements gain access to the bladder and attach to
the defective bladder lining. GAGs may also be of benefit because of analgesic
('pain killing') and anti-inflammatory properties. However, while these
compounds have shown some positive responses in humans with interstitial
cystitis, controlled studies in cats are currently lacking. From human studies,
it appears that there are differences in the relative efficiency of different
GAGs to produce positive effects, and the same is likely to be true in cats.
While controlled studies have not yet been performed, the author has been
using GAG supplementation, and has generally been pleased with the response.
Supplements can be given by mouth or subcutaneous injection.
Supplementation can begin with a higher dose at the time of initial
presentation and then be reduced to a maintenance level. For those cats where
oral supplementation is not possible, and repeated visits to the veterinary
practice cause distress, injectable 'Cartrophen' can be dispensed for
home-medicating (in a similar fashion to that usually used for insulin).
Observant owners may notice that some cats show mild signs before the onset
of an episode of FIC. The duration of these signs may vary from a few days to a
few hours. Signs may include increased grooming of the hind-end, or inter-cat
aggression initiated by the FIC sufferer. These signs may relate to increasing
pain. The instigation of treatment at this point, or increasing the dose of
medication at this time, may help to reduce the severity and duration of the
episode, or prevent it from occurring altogether. This approach can also be used
if a stressful episode is anticipated, (e.g. a visit to the vet, a stay in a
cattery, builders in the home, etc.)
Pentosan Polysulphate ('Cartrophen'; Arthropharm Limited) is given by
subcutaneous injection.
N-Acetyl Glucosamine is a precursor for GAG. It can
be given as 'Cystease' (distributed by Ceva).
Side effects of GAG
supplementation: Prolonged bleeding times, nausea, and diarrhoea. Possibly,
insulin resistance.
Second line of treatment:
1. Relief of urethral spasm
Where urethral spasm has been shown to be causing a problem specific
spasmolytic drugs may be beneficial. They act by causing relaxation of the
muscles within the urethra.
2. Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (eg Amitriptyline) have been used in some very
severe or chronic cases of FLUTD. They have been found to be beneficial in the
treatment of humans with interstitial cystitis, and in a number of cats with
FIC, however, they should always be used with caution. They act as
anti-depressant, and also have direct affects on the bladder where they can
increase bladder capacity, and have anti-inflammatory, and 'pain killing'
properties.
3. Analgesia ('pain killers')
While some 'pain killers' may reduce the severity of the pain, they are
rarely sufficient to significantly reduce the clinical signs of FLUTD.
Treatment summary
It is important to note that all current treatments for FLUTD are merely
palliative! The best results are gained by instigating a number of changes, ie
reducing stress, feeding a wet diet, replacing GAGs and, if necessary, relieving
urethral spasm or giving tricyclic antidepressants. In the majority of cases
this, when tailored to the individual cat, will reduce or prevent further
clinical signs.
Lend by:
Feline Advisory Bureau
Registered Charity No: 254641
'Taeselbury', High Street, Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6LD, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)870 742 2278
e-mail: information@fabcats.org