Urinary Tract Blockages and Disease

FLUTD is not a specific disease but rather a term used to describe conditions that affect the urinary bladder and / or urethra of cats.

The clinical signs / symptoms of these conditions are often very similar and it can be impossible to determine the underlying cause without further diagnostics and investigation.

Some examples of these conditions include:

• Inflammation of the bladder / urethra

• Urinary obstructions

• Urinary bladder stones

• Mucosal plugs

• Urinary Tract Infection

Signs / Symptoms of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease may include the following:

• Dysuria (painful or difficulty urinating)

• Frequent trips to the litter box

• Straining to urinate

• Periuria (inappropriate urination - unusual locations / outside of litter box)

• Vocalisation

• Abdominal pain

• Haematuria (Blood in urine)

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Excessive grooming - due to pain / irritation of the bladder and urethra.

FLUTD is an emergency and if left untreated can lead to:

• Bladder rupture or trauma

• Kidney damage

• Permanent urethra damage

• Dangerous electrolyte abnormalities

• Death