Management of feline idiopathic cystitis: nursing interventions
Abstract
In recent years, the treatment of feline idiopathic cystitis has moved from a drug-based approach to a holistic approach, incorporating the use of behavioural, environmental and dietary therapies. As a result, the veterinary nurse (RVN) has a bigger role in the management of this condition by preventing recurrence. In order to provide the most effective and up-to-date interventions, it is necessary for the RVN to analyze recent research to update knowledge and techniques, particularly as treatment of this condition is constantly evolving. This, along with the use of individualized nursing care plans, should enable the RVN to provide effective holistic nursing care.
Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a condition affecting predominantly indoor cats of unknown aetiology; with defining clinical signs of haematuria, dysuria, pollakiuria, stranguria and periuria. It occurs in 65% of cats with lower urinary tract signs (Kruger and Osborne, 2009). Possible causes include abnormal bladder sensory neurons and abnormalities in the permeability of bladder epithelium (Elliott and Grauer, 2007). Treatment of this condition involves dietary changes, drug therapy, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer supplementation and environmental changes. Despite this, recurrence occurs in approximately fifty percent of FIC cases within the first year (Elliott and Grauer, 2007). Over the last 40 years more than 70 treatments have been used in treating FIC, but only a small fraction of these have been fully evaluated (Kruger and Osborne, 2009). This has resulted in multiple recommendations for the management of FIC, many of which were opinion based.
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