IDIOPATHIC CYSTITIS: LOWER URINARY TRACT DISEASE
SIGNS
FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) will appear as signs of bladder irritation. Your cat will be frequently urinating, straining to urinate, has bladder pain, he or she may excessively lick their genitals, and there is blood in the urine. Sometimes they will urinate outside their litter box, as they seem to prefer cool, smooth surfaces like a tile floor or a bathtub.
CAUSES
The disease is so named (idiopathic) because we don’t really know the underlying cause. There is marked inflammation of the bladder; the bladder lining is thickened, and the result is blood in the urine. Some are related to diet, there may be bacteria/viruses that affect the bladder, the immune system may over-react and attack the lining of the bladder, or it can simply be a response to stress, such as having another cat or not letting your cat go outside. It can be seen in cats of any age, but it is more frequent in middle-aged, overweight cats that get little exercise, use an indoor litter box, and eat a dry food diet.
SOLUTIONS
SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN. If your cat is straining to urinate and not producing any urine, it is imperative to have him examined immediately. He may be blocked with a bladder stone in which case he would need emergency care. It is a good idea to have urine checked for any urinary tract problems; you are then able to use the appropriate remedy knowing what the specific problem is.
AVOID DRY FOOD. All dry foods are dangerously low in water which wreaks havoc on your cat’s urinary tract and puts him at great risk for life-threatening and excruciatingly painful urethral obstructions and possibly cystitis.
GLUCOSAMINE SUPPLEMENTS. Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been recommended for cats with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. They are building blocks of the protective glycosaminoglycan coating of the bladder. Dr Jones Ultimate Feline Health Formula contains these ingredients in effective levels.
FLUID. In all cases of infections or stones, additional fluid intake is mandatory in treatment and preventing recurrence. For cats, I suggest feeding only canned food.
CANNED FOOD. For most cats, ANY type of ‘quality’ canned food will be helpful, NOT just the ‘veterinary’ foods. The high protein produces a slightly acidic urine, and the canned food dramatically increases fluid to flush the bladder.
SUBCU FLUIDS. This is where you are using an IV Fluid bag and Drip Set to place approx 50-100ml of fluids in between your pet's shoulder blades just under the skin. This is often very therapeutic as it flushes inflammatory cells from the bladder, and the stretching of the bladder with fluid provides great pain relief. It's a very easy technique to learn that I show you on my youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp_C_EkMEy4
NATURAL HORMONE. Pheromones in the facial glands convey messages of peace and contentment. Cats will not spray if they are feeling happy. A product called Feliway, available from your veterinarian, contains these facial pheromones. This can be sprayed on your cat and on the areas he has sprayed twice daily for 3-4 weeks.
L-THEANINE
The amino acid in Green Tea, L-theanine has been shown to decrease anxiety, so can also be very helpful for cats with FLUTD. The cat dose is ½ tab (25mg) twice daily
CBD (CANNABIDIOL). This is a great option for FLUTD as it is a natural anti-inflammatory concentrating in the bladder, as well as natural anxiety reduction. Doses of 3 mg/10lbs twice daily of my CBD, Dr Jones' ULTIMATE CBD for Dogs and Cats
ANXIETY RELIEF. Bach Rescue Remedy may make your anxious cat feel calmer and more secure. Place 1 drop twice daily in your cat’s mouth. Try this for 3-4 weeks.
DANDELION. A key diuretic which will draw additional water into the urinary tract. The simple act of flushing the bladder will help in many cases of FLUTD. Dose of tincture is 1/2ml per 10lbs twice daily. You can also consider Parsley and Nettle as other herbal diuretics.
DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is derived from Pine trees as a byproduct of the paper manufacturing industry and was first isolated in the mid-1800s by a Russian chemist. It is also naturally found in garlic as one of the root’s 70+ sulfur compounds.
CYSTITIS - With its ability to penetrate tissues, DMSO shows value in reducing pain and inflammation in FLUTD, and is an approved treatment by the FDA for Cystitis in people. Apply 1 dropperful on the groin twice daily for 14 days, then as needed.
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