Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
Feline lower urinary tract disease or FLUTD describes the following group of symptoms:
bloody urine
straining to urinate
urinating in unusual places
licking the urinary opening
To effectively treat FLUTD we need to know what is causing these symptoms.
What are the Possible Causes?
Infection
Bladder stones
Urethral blockage
Environment
A very low percentage may have cancer
Sometimes we can't pinpoint the exact cause (idiopathic cystitis)
To determine the cause, we need to do some tests. A urine Culture and urine analysis will most likely be required.
Sometimes an x-ray or ultrasound will be required if bladder stones or a blockage is suspected.
It is important to note that lower urinary symptoms in male cats can indicate a urinary blockage that is an emergency. If you're not sure your cat is able to express urine, assume it could be an emergency and you should call us immediately on 2915 3999.