What is FLUTD

FLUTD is not a single disease, but a term to describe problems that affect the lower urinary tract in cats. Many different conditions can be the potential cause of feline lower urinary tract disease. However the characteristic symptoms for most underlying causes will be the same:

• frequent and unsuccessful attempts at urination
• urination in inappropriate places
• painful urination, abdominal pain
• blood in the urine
• excessive licking of the genital area

 What causes FLUTD

If your cat exhibits any of the symptoms described your veterinarian should be notified immediately. However FLUTD can be frustrating to diagnose and to treat. It is estimated that about 10 % of cats seen by veterinarians have FLUTD related problems. Bladder stones, plugs in the urethra, cancer, neurogenic disorders, viral and bacterial inflammation, anatomic abnormalities and injury, can be the cause. Bacteria and viruses are rarely found to be the source of irritation and in almost half of the cases no specific cause of the disorder can be identified. The most commonly observed cause of FLUTD is the formation of gravel, small stones or crystals called uroliths. These stones irritate the lower urinary tract and may partially or even completely block the flow of urine. This can become a life threatening situation.

Male cats are more at risk for FLUTD which can be related to their physiology. A male cat has a more narrow urethra which makes obstruction more likely. FLUTD can seriously impact the quality of life of affected cats and can be difficult for their owners to handle. Depending on the underlying cause and effectiveness of treatment, recurrence of signs may be common.

 Analysis

If your veterinarian has detected uroliths, analysis of the stones will determine the type of stone your cat is suffering from. There are several types of stones and each is determined by their chemical composition. Some may form initially in the kidney. The most frequent uroliths type of stone found in cats are struvite or calcium oxalate stones.

10-15 years ago more than 80% of feline uroliths were struvite and only 2% of calcium oxalate stones were found. This has changed over time. Data from laboratories show that the frequency of struvite uroliths has clearly decreased and calcium oxalate stones have increased from 2 to 17,5% (Europe) or even 53% (US).

 Dietary Management of struvite or oxalate related FLUTD

Struvite and calcium oxalate are the uroliths that can be influenced most by nutrition. Dietary components have been implicated to be important in the development and management of struvite and calcium oxalate uroliths in cats. The urine composition is crucially affected by the intake of food and liquid. Each type of crystal or stone develops under different or even opposing circumstances, hence requiring two different approaches in the nutritional management of these two disorders. Dietary therapy should always be instituted depending on the analysis of the crystals and/or uroliths. The objective is to arrest further stone formation by correcting or controlling the underlying causes.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

Hesse A. Harnsteinpathogenese und -diagnostik bei Hund und Katze. 2. Waltham- Symposium, Baden-Badener Fortbildungstage, März 1998, bete Verlag Bonn, 10.

The Iams Company is the first to offer two FLUTD diets in the range of Eukanuba Veterinary Diets, specially formulated to nutritionally manage struvite- or calcium oxalate-related FLUTD in cats.

Struvite Urinary Formula is a diet to nutritionally manage struvite related FLUTD Struvite Urinary Formula increases the acidity of your cat’s urine and reduces the mineral concentration in the urine. In an acidic urine (pH between 5.9 and 6.3) struvite crystals are less likely to be formed.

Oxalate Urinary Formula is a diet designed for the nutritional management of calcium-oxalate-related FLUTD in cats. Oxalate Urinary Formula delivers a higher urinary pH and lowers the level of free calcium in the urine. In a more alkaline urine (pH between 6.4 and 6.8) less calcium oxalate will crystallise.

If urinary crystals or stones are diagnosed a change of diet offers the best chance to prevent recurrence. Your veterinarian will tell you which formula in the range of Eukanuba Veterinary Diets may be best for your cat.

Cats are creatures of habit. A disruption of their normal habits may trigger the onset of FLUTD. The cat owner can play a big part in minimising their cat’s stress level by:

Ten years ago, the most frequent type of calculus was still struvite.

Calcium Oxalate tends to be formed in the acidic region.

• not feeding the cat from the table or indulging in too many treats
• providing plenty of fresh, clean water at all times
• feeding the cat at regular times and in the same comfortable location
• keep the cat’s litter box extra clean: cats tend to hold their urine when the litter box is not clean
• try to minimise stress: stress may influence the water and mineral balance of a cat
• have your cat submitted for regular veterinary check-ups