Feline Lower Urinary Tract Syndrome Symptoms

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Syndrome (FLUTD) initially may present with symptoms such as frequent urination, urinating inappropriately, small urine output, pink urine, frequent licking of the urethral opening, and even screaming during urination. It usually causes acute renal failure due to posterior renal obstruction within 24 to 48 hours, which can lead to lethargy, loss of appetite, and even vomiting. If urination is not promptly induced, it can result in death.

Causes of Lower Urinary Tract Syndrome

The exact cause of feline lower urinary tract syndrome is unknown, but it is often related to bacterial infections, tumors, trauma, urethral stones, urethral obstruction, aseptic cystitis, and other factors. It also includes secondary inflammations caused by bladder or urethral stones, as well as bladder or urethral tumors and polyps. The syndrome may also be caused by stimulation or fright that leads to spontaneous cystitis in cats.

Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Syndrome

Treatment usually involves urinary catheterization, as the syndrome can cause urine to remain in the bladder and unable to be expelled. Therefore, it is necessary to help the cat urinate through the insertion of a urinary catheter. Intravenous fluid therapy is also given according to the test results to regulate electrolyte disorders and control inflammation. After the cat's indicators return to normal, surgery can be performed to remove the bladder and urethral stones.

Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Diseases

Preventing feline lower urinary tract diseases involves the following aspects: Since cats don't drink much water, it's necessary to place multiple water bowls or provide running water for them to increase their daily water intake. It's also important to feed cats food containing appropriate amounts of calcium to prevent the formation of large amounts of struvite stones, which can block the urethra and cause disease.