Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Cat Lovers - Deadly FUS - Info all Cat Owners should read!
The Home Vet Website ^ | 1/5/1998 | Dr. Jeff

Posted on 02/24/2003 7:31:25 AM PST by Tunehead54

Cat lovers please go over this - my cat (4 years old)went from healthy to near death in less than 24 hours! We noticed (he's an outside cat) he didn't show for dinner - unusual. When I found him under a shed I thought he was dead and even got my wife to hold the light as all I could see is his tail and hips. When I dragged him out he was "out of it" but breathing! Bang out the door ... off to the vet.

Apparently neutered males are more susceptible to this. Please bump this because I'm not going to put it in Breaking News even though it was news to us. Ping any cat friends please.

Only $500 for an overnight stay at an emergency vet place plus over the weekend at our regular vet - I'm expecting another $400 minimum.

Sure wish our vet had mentioned a diet when we had our guy neutered. Whatever the "correct" cat food costs its go to be cheaper than this weekend's festivities.

Probably most important is feeding your cat properly. Shouldn't be all dry food and most brands have a special variety for urinary tract health. I'll know more when I get back from the pet store.

Thanks for listening,

Charlie

BTW the article is just one of many but my wife thought it was a good summary of the problem.


Feline Cystitis [or Feline Urologic Syndrome, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease]

Contents

What Is Feline Cystitis?

What Causes Feline Cystitis?

Are Bloody Urine and Straining to Urinate the Main Problems?

How Is Cystitis Treated?

How Long Is Treatment Continued?

Can Cystitis Occur Again?

Are There Ways to Prevent Recurrence?

What Complications May Occur Due to an Obstructed Urethra?

My Male Cat Has Had Several Urethral Obstructions. Can This Be Prevented?

Copyright ©1996 HomeVet

What Is Feline Cystitis?

The term "cystitis" literally means irritation of the urinary bladder. Although this term is rather general, there is a common form of cystitis that occurs in male and female cats. This disease is also known as Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). It affects the bladder (not the kidneys), resulting in the production of tiny crystals and bloody urine. The cat often urinates much more frequently than normal, usually with the passage of only a few drops of urine. This can be confused with constipation. Many cats will urinate in places other than the litter box due to the irritation of the bladder wall, Hard cool surfaces such as tile floors, counter tops, sinks, and bathtubs are often used. They should not be punished for doing so.

Return to menu.

What Causes Feline Cystitis?

We are not completely sure of the cause of this problem. Bacterial infections are the most common cause of cystitis in dogs and humans, but most cats with cystitis do not have bacteria in their urine. Neutering of male cats has been proposed as a potential cause, but this has been disproved as an initiating factor. Dry foods may not initiate, but will aggravate the problem after it begins. This is because of the higher mineral content (ash) and lower water content of dry foods. A herpes virus has also been incriminated. Despite extensive research, the cause remains elusive.

Return to menu.

Are Bloody Urine and Straining to Urinate the Main Problems?

Most cats with cystitis exhibit blood in the urine and discomfort in urinating. The discomfort is usually mild but can become much worse if it is not treated. Some cats may develop stones in the bladder which can be surgically removed, or dissolved with a special diet. Male cats may develop enough crystals in the urethra (the narrow tube carrying urine out of the body) to cause an obstruction. This obstruction prevents elimination of urine from the bladder. If the obstruction is not relieved within 48 hours, most cats will die from kidney failure and the retention of toxins that were not removed by the kidneys. Because the urethra is relatively larger in the female cat, the emergency posed by complete obstruction is almost always found in male cats.

Return to menu.

How Is Cystitis Treated?

Each cat with cystitis is treated according to the changes in the urine (pH, crystals, bacteria, blood, etc.), the type of crystals present, the presenting clinical signs (straining, increased frequency, etc.), and the presence or absence of a bladder stone or urethral obstruction. The first line of treatment is always to increase water consumption, decrease minerals in the diet and decrease stress. This is accomplished by eliminating dry food, and mixing water in with the canned food (which is preferably a food which promotes an acidic urine pH) If neither a bladder stone nor urethral obstruction is present, proper medication will generally relieve the discomfort. A urinalysis is necessary to determine the proper medication. A special diet will help to dissolve crystals in the urine and hasten recovery. If the cat has an obstruction of the urethra, a catheter is passed into the bladder while he is under a short-acting anesthetic. The catheter is frequently left in place for about 24 hours. The cat is discharged from the hospital when it appears unlikely that obstruction will reoccur, usually 1-2 days later. If he is experiencing kidney failure and toxemia, intravenous fluids and additional hospitalization are needed.

Return to menu.

How Long Is Treatment Continued?

Following initial treatment, you will be asked to return the cat in 7-10 days for a recheck of the urine. This is very important because some cats will appear to feel much better, but the urine is still bloody or contains crystals. If medication is stopped based on how the cat appears to feel, treatment may terminated prematurely and a relapse will probably occur.

Return to menu.

Can Cystitis Occur Again?

After one episode of cystitis, a cat is predisposed to recurrence. This is due to both systemic and environmental factors. This is the primary reason that an appropriate diet should be fed in the future.

Return to menu.

Are There Ways to Prevent Recurrence?

Two things should be done to help prevent recurrence.

1. The most common type of crystals present in the urine are called struvite. These are dissolvable in acidic urine. Therefore, acidification of your cat's urine can be a significant means of prevention. It has been shown that environmental stress can produce the opposite of acidic (alkaline) urine. This is why cases of feline cystitis are associated with stress, e.g. travel, new pets, new people etc. Several special foods are available which acidify the urine. However, if your cat's crystals are not struvite, acidification may actually make recurrence more likely. Therefore, if at all possible, the crystals in the urine should be analyzed for their composition. This is the most important step in preventing future problems..

2. Restrict the cat's intake of dry cat food. Though dry foods do not cause cystitis, several studies have shown that the cat's total fluid intake is decreased when dry diets are fed. When the fluid intake is decreased, the urine is more concentrated with minerals and other materials that can cause future episodes of cystitis. Canned foods can result in increased fluid intake and more dilute urine. However, we know that many cats do not like canned food and that there are several distinct advantages to feeding dry food. Therefore, if there have been only a few infrequent episodes of cystitis, these other factors may be more important..

Return to menu.

What Complications May Occur Due to an Obstructed Urethra?

The most common complication of a urethral obstruction is bladder atony. Atony means that the muscles of the bladder wall are unable to contract to push out urine. This occurs when they are stretched to an extreme degree. Not all cats with obstructions develop atony. If this occurs, longer hospitalization is necessary. The muscles will nearly always rebound and become functional again, but this may take several days to over a week. Another complication that occurs occasionally is kidney damage. Although feline cystitis does not directly affect the kidneys, if the bladder becomes extremely enlarged, urine may backup into the kidneys and create enough pressure to temporarily or permanently damage them. If this occurs, prolonged hospitalization will be necessary to treat the kidney damage. However, with aggressive treatment, most cats will recover their normal kidney function. It should be noted that both complications, bladder atony and kidney damage, are the direct result of the bladder becoming extremely enlarged. Both problems may be prevented by prompt recognition of the problem and prompt medical care.

Return to menu.

My Male Cat Has Had Several Urethral Obstructions. Can This Be Prevented?

Male cats that have more than one urethral obstruction can benefit from a surgical procedure called a perineal urethrostomy. The purpose of this is to remove the narrow part of the urethra that is the typical site of the obstruction. Although this prevents future obstructions, some of these cats will still have an occasional recurrence of cystitis, though usually not as severe. This surgical procedure is also performed if the urethral obstruction is so severe that normal urine flow cannot be reestablished or if there are permanent strictures that develop in the urethra. Surgically changing the cat's urethra makes him more prone to bacterial infections in the bladder and bladder stones. Therefore, this surgery is only recommended if other means of prevention or treatment are not successful. However, the complications associated with the surgery are not life-threatening like urethral obstructions, so the surgery generally offers a significant benefit for the cat that really needs it.

Please note: The information provided here is meant to supplement that provided by your veterinarian. Nothing can replace a complete history and physical examination performed by your veterinarian. - Dr. Jeff


I greatly value your feedback. Please let me know what you think of this site and what you would like to see on it. drjeff@homevet.com

Return to top of page.

Return to Pet Care Medical Information

Last modified at 7:42 PM on 1/5/98.

| About Dr. Jeff | Home Page | Medical Information Center | Bookstore | Pet Prose | Ask Dr. Jeff | Message Board | Site Search |Diet Supplements




TOPICS: Announcements; Culture/Society; Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: catlist; disease; felinecystitis; flowerurinarytract; furologicsyndrome; fus
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 201-212 next last
To: Tunehead54
One of our male cats was straining while we lived in Japan so we spend a few hundred dollars getting him checked out. He and the oldest female cat we have now both get the Hill's Science Diet cat food for cats with urinary problems. The other three cats we have (all siblings) don't seem to have this problem, though sometimes the cats eat each other's food. It was easy enough to notice something was wrong for an indoor cat (he was acting strange). You were lucky that you found your kitty in time.
41 posted on 02/24/2003 8:37:05 AM PST by Question_Assumptions (``)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Ronin
Kitty Ping.
42 posted on 02/24/2003 8:37:39 AM PST by Question_Assumptions (``)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 41 | View Replies]

To: mg39; Tunehead54
We feed our cats only the best foods out there, mostly Nutro, but also Purina Pro Plan. Supermarket cat food is garbage -- mostly "byproducts," which is a euphemism for eyes, tumors, rancid parts, and anything else people would not eat. Add in the preservatives and other chemicals they use to make this junk palatable, and it's basically poison for your cat.

Years ago, with my first cat, I had no idea about any of this. This was a female cat, and she didn't develop urinary problems, but had other ailments from eating the wrong foods.

At that point, the vet told me that she should be on better foods than the kind you buy at the grocery store. Loving that cat as much as I did, I was appalled that vets don't tell people about how awful that food is.

I asked her why she didn't instruct pet owners to feed their animals better food, rather than waiting till illness strikes, and her answer was completely unacceptable to me, that most people aren't going to spend the money anyway, so why bother telling them about it!

It was a long time ago, and I've learned now not to depend on others to educate me about such things, but I'll never forget how my poor old cat had to suffer because I didn't know about the right foods to feed her.

43 posted on 02/24/2003 8:39:01 AM PST by texasbluebell
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: Tunehead54
I am the owner of 4 cats, 1 female & 3 younger males. The youngest male an 8 year old has had feline cystitis twice. He was close to dying last spring. My first acknowledge that something was wrong was the first day he wouldn't eat his portion of the small can of food. He did not give any other signs that something was wrong. He was at the vets for almost a week & I know how expensive it was to save him. Sometimes I wish my cats could talk & tell me when they don't feel good so I can prevent them suffering in the future. I have changed their food to mostly the kind for kidney problems (both dry & canned). When I take them in for shots next month I think I will have him rechecked just in case. Thanks for the reminder.
44 posted on 02/24/2003 8:39:13 AM PST by jrcats
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Nephi
Thanks.
45 posted on 02/24/2003 8:39:19 AM PST by George W. Bush
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 38 | View Replies]

To: George W. Bush
But my points are valid and, I believe, more people should look at these matters from a broader perspective and realize that certain choices made for individuals have consequences for the species.

You sound like a watermelon.

Just admit that your comment was callous and shut up.

46 posted on 02/24/2003 8:41:02 AM PST by Nephi (Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]

To: Tunehead54
We give are cat food suppliments. He spends everyday feeling the need, the need to need. He is a happy, healthly ruler of the house named, Roosevelt (Teddy that is).
47 posted on 02/24/2003 8:44:10 AM PST by bmwcyle (Semper Gumby - Always Flexable)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: depenzz
Ah, I forgot, I wanted to add, I never OWNED a cat, they just seem to tolerate me, they keep me around for their convenience. lol
48 posted on 02/24/2003 8:45:42 AM PST by depenzz
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 40 | View Replies]

To: texasbluebell
I asked her why she didn't instruct pet owners to feed their animals better food, rather than waiting till illness strikes, and her answer was completely unacceptable to me, that most people aren't going to spend the money anyway, so why bother telling them about it!


Time to change vets? Compared to vet bills it sounds like paying for quality food might be a whole lot cheaper! Rintense says she's paid around $4000 for one male cat!
49 posted on 02/24/2003 8:46:19 AM PST by Tunehead54 (Support our President! Support our Military! Support the USA!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 43 | View Replies]

To: Tunehead54
Eukanuba for my rottweiler, and he lived to be 12.

Same for my two year old feline.
50 posted on 02/24/2003 8:46:49 AM PST by mabelkitty
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: Lee Heggy
I had a cat that went through that condition. The vet cateterised him and later I got him on a low-ash dietary cat food. He rallied and lived to be 24 yr's old.


Thanks for the optimistic news!
51 posted on 02/24/2003 8:48:32 AM PST by Tunehead54 (Support our President! Support our Military! Support the USA!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: depenzz
Oh yea, they get the occasional people food meal also.

I've tried all the dried foods. My old kitty only does well with Chef's Blend and doesn't really like others very well. Other brands, even fancier ones, give her digestive problems and result in an unsatisfactory stool.

She also gets a substantial meal of hamburger every other day on alternating weeks and still hunts a bit for herself. Being a fierce elderly hunter, she needs the red meat for grooming and general health. She is also fond of macaroni and cheese but I limite that. I think she likes the taste and the shine it gives her fur. But she doesn't like other cheesy foods.

I have a friend whose neutered female cat absolutely refuses any people food (steak, chicken, whatever) and will eat only one brand of very cheap cat food even when offered the priciest foods but she is healthy.

It's important to be aware of foods and find the right one for your cat.
52 posted on 02/24/2003 8:48:45 AM PST by George W. Bush
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 40 | View Replies]

To: George W. Bush
People in the West frequently spend (or cause to be spent) hundreds of thousands of dollars saving a very sick child, when that same money could save the lives of hundreds or even thousands of children in the third world. Emotional bonds are powerful, and IMHO this is how it should be.
53 posted on 02/24/2003 8:48:50 AM PST by GovernmentShrinker
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: ravingnutter
Thanks for the food tips - adding to the list!



54 posted on 02/24/2003 8:50:36 AM PST by Tunehead54 (Support our President! Support our Military! Support the USA!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: Tunehead54
We went thru' this twice in one month with our male cat -- first time it cleared up (gave us anti-biotics but didn't think it was an infection), for the second he was cathed and kept overnight, he had a complete blockage -- we paid about $700 all together, both times he had problems were on weekends and we had to go to the "emergency vet" -- he still has had slight bouts of the problem, his brother seems okay. Vet says some cats just seem to produce more crystals or have smaller openings -- we did change to Iams and give canned food occasionally. This cat also does not like to drink from a bowl -- he will drink from a dripping faucet -- I now leave the faucet drip for a while in the morning (after he supervises my tooth-brushing) and we also a bought a "fountain" for the cats (he isn't overly fond of this but he will drink from it) -- with an outdoor cat you'll probably have a hard time monitoring his "peeing" -- I can get my kitty to pee just by cleaning out the litter box in front of him -- so it's easier to keep track of troubles
55 posted on 02/24/2003 8:51:21 AM PST by twyn1 (God Bless America !)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: *cat_list
http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/bump-list
56 posted on 02/24/2003 8:52:30 AM PST by Free the USA (Stooge for the Rich)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 54 | View Replies]

To: GovernmentShrinker
I'm not telling anyone what they should do with a particular pet, their health, their quality of life, and the pet species in general. I'm offering what I consider to be a broader perspective on the love of pets. I kind of expected it wouldn't be very popular.
57 posted on 02/24/2003 8:52:43 AM PST by George W. Bush
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 53 | View Replies]

To: George W. Bush
You a vet?

I am a fictional character in a novel, but I was simply advising you to think about the meaning of the word "compassion."

58 posted on 02/24/2003 8:53:24 AM PST by Dr. Scarpetta
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: rintense
If the blockages are all in or near the location you describe, the fairly common and highly effective cure is perineal urethrostomy. It's not something you'd want to do for a human, but the cat won't mind and will be happier and live longer. Beats repeated hospitalizations to treat blockages.
59 posted on 02/24/2003 8:56:01 AM PST by GovernmentShrinker
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: twyn1
Oh -- I forgot to add -- if your cat is overweight, that tends to make this problem worse -- alltho' Rocky has a big frame (stands almost twice the size of my female cat), he weighs over 18 pounds (too much) -- unfortunately the Iams seems to be adding weight to him -- we leave the dry food out all day (mostly for the smallest cat who only picks at food and gets shoved away by the bigger boys when they see her eating), but we may have to start limiting it if he continues to gain, it's a sticky problem, because weight-control food can make FUS worse
60 posted on 02/24/2003 8:57:35 AM PST by twyn1 (God Bless America !)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 201-212 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson