Question:
My 6 year old Tabby was diagnosed this week with FLUTD. I have read that this disease is fatal if not treated. Is that correct? Besides medication, is there anything I can do for her?
A: FLUTD (or feline lower urinary tract disease) is not fatal and there are a few things recommended to keep your cat happy, healthy, and free of clinical signs.
FLUTD is common. It is basically inflammation of the bladder and urethra for an unknown cause. Treatments for this disease are a round of antibiotics initially and a diet change. The antibiotics seems to calm the bladder wall and reduce any clinical signs. A diet change to the Science Diet c/d Multicare is recommended. This diet is made specifically for cats with FLUTD. It helps maintain a neutral pH to the urine to prevent the formation of crystals, as well as causing the cat to drink more water, thus flushing the bladder and kidneys more frequently. This diet is recommended for life.\
If the clinical signs persist with the new diet and antibiotics, I would recommend revisiting your veterinarian for further diagnostics, such as x rays and ultrasound to rule out the presence of a bladder stone or tumor.
~Dr. Page Wages
Oberlin Animal Hospital
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