Overview
This lecture discusses the three most common causes of blood in a cat's urine: urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and feline idiopathic cystitis, including their diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- UTIs are caused by bacteria infecting the bladder, leading to inflammation and blood in urine.
- Diagnosis is done via urinalysis (UA) to detect bacteria and other abnormalities.
- A urine culture identifies the exact bacteria and helps select the best antibiotic for treatment.
- Treating UTIs involves targeting the bacterial infection with appropriate medication.
Bladder Stones
- Bladder stones are hard deposits in the bladder causing irritation, bleeding, and sometimes infection.
- Diagnosed using x-rays (most stones are visible) or ultrasound (detects stones not seen on x-ray).
- Treatment may include surgery to remove stones, anti-inflammatory and pain medications, and antibiotics if infection is present.
- Post-surgery, most cases are resolved, and diet changes may help prevent recurrence.
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) / Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
- FIC is bladder inflammation without bacteria or stones; cause is unknown (idiopathic).
- Symptoms include blood in urine, straining, and pain; often linked to stress.
- Diagnosed by excluding infection and stones through negative cultures and imaging.
- Treatment focuses on relieving inflammation and pain, sometimes using glucosamine, relaxation aids, and especially dietary changes.
- Prescription diets help dilute urine and promote bladder health, reducing recurrence.
Importance of Diet in Prevention and Treatment
- Diet changes are crucial for managing and preventing recurrence of all three conditions, especially FIC and bladder stones.
- Prescription diets (e.g., from Purina, Science Diet, Royal Canin) are recommended to improve urine dilution and bladder health.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Urinalysis (UA) — a test of urine to check for bacteria, crystals, and other abnormalities.
- Urine Culture — a lab process to grow and identify bacteria from urine.
- Bladder Stones — mineral deposits forming stones inside the bladder.
- Idiopathic — of unknown cause.
- Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) — bladder inflammation in cats with no identifiable cause.
- FLUTD — Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease; includes various bladder and urethra problems in cats.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review potential dietary adjustments with your veterinarian for cats with urinary issues.
- Discuss prescription urinary diets for prevention and management of recurrence.
- Follow veterinarian recommendations for diagnostic tests (UA, culture, imaging) if blood is seen in your cat's urine.