Feline Urologic Syndrome

                    ------------------------

                     (urinary obstruction)



                      General Information



Urine produced in a healthy urinary tract contains a great deal

of dissolved minerals.  In cats with feline urologic syndrome

(FUS), mineral crystals collect in the urinary tract,

especially the bladder and its outflow tract (urethra).  The

accumulating crystals irritate the lining of the urinary tract

and may clump together to form stones in the bladder or obstruct

the outflow or urine.  Obstructions are relatively common in male

cats and may be fatal if not treated promptly.



Signs of FUS include excessive licking of the genitalia,

frequent voiding of small amounts of urine, urinating in unusual

locations, blood in the urine, straining or evidence of pain

during urination and unproductive attempts to urinate.  Total

urinary obstruction results in depression, lack of appetite,

vomiting and eventually coma and death.



Despite intense study, no single cause for FUS has been

discovered.  We are, however, aware of several factors that may

lead to FUS.  These factors include bacterial and viral

infections, diet, obesity, reduced physical activity, low

water consumption and prolonged urine retention.  Surgical

neutering does not cause FUS.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  FUS is an emergency, and prompt treatment is essential.

    Many cats require hospitalization for treatment. Treatment

    is designed to relieve the obstruction, flush the crystalline

    material from the urinary tract, treat any infections,

    correct any fluid imbalances and institute preventive dietary

    therapy.  Despite treatment, some cats die from irreversible

    kidney damage.



2.  While most cats respond to prompt treatment, the obstruction

    recurs in some cats within a few days or weeks.  In some male

    cats with recurring disease, surgical enlargement of the

    urinary tract opening (perineal urethrostomy) is desirable.



3.  Give all medication as directed.  Call the doctor if you

    cannot give the medication.



4.  Dietary control is essential to treatment and prevention of

    FUS.  Diets designed to treat or prevent FUS contain minimum

    mineral levels and cause increased water consumption and

    production of an acidic urine.  Acidic urine tends to prevent

    formation of mineral crystals.



    Feed your cat as follows:





5.  Special instructions:





        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your cat strains and/or cries when urinating.



    * Your cat frequently passes small volumes of urine.



    * Your cat has blood in the urine or urinates in odd places.



    * Your cat refuses to eat, seems depressed or vomits.