Urinalysis in prevention, monitoring and diagnosis

Urinary tract issues may result from a number of different aetiologies including infection, neoplasia, urolithiasis, neurological disorders, anatomic abnormalities and inflammatory conditions. The name feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) may not be wholly representative of the condition. The role that stress has on the urinary system is starting to become more fully understood. Of the feline patients seen in first-opinion practice, approximately 7% present with urinary disorders (Buffington et al, 2004). With increases in the prevalence of risk factors such as obesity, there is potential for the presentation of more cases.

Urine is a composite of a complex solution of both organic and inorganic ions. Crystals can grow and form when an imbalance occurs in this complex solution. There are several factors that can cause these imbalances. Diet, decreased water consumption, urine pH alterations or relative lack of inhibitors of crystallisation can cause the solubility of a particular crystal to be exceeded. The result is crystal aggregation and growth. Clinical signs of feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) include haematuria, proteinuria, dysuria, pollakiuria and/or urethral obstruction (Gunn-Moore, 2000). A full diagnostic work-up is recommended in all cases, including blood work and imaging.