Posted: Oct 19, 2011 5:07 PM
Updated: Oct 19, 2011 5:27 PM
TUCSON - Most of think we know our pets pretty well - sometimes though, they're sick and we don't even know it, even if they are giving us clues.
Out Pet Vet, Dr. Randy Aronson, stopped by the News 4 Tucson studios to talk about Feline Lower Urinary Tracy Disease.
Here is some information from Dr. Aronson - watch the video above for more information.
Signs:
§ Straining to urinate-'dysuria'
§ Bloody or discolored urine-'hematuria'
§ Increased frequency of urination-'pollakuria'
§ Urinating outside the litter box or in abnormal locations
§ Inability to produce urine or blockage
Causes:
§ Bladder infections
§ Bladder crystal, sand or stones (calculi)
§ Trauma
§ Cancer
§ pH abnormalities, usually elevated
§ Nerve and muscle abnormalities
§ Enviromental Stress
Diagnosis:
§ Physical examination
§ Complete urinalysis
§ Complete blood panel-CBC and Chemistries
§ Urine culture/sensitivity
§ X-rays
§ Ultrasound
§ Endoscopy-cystoscopy
Treatment:
--obviously dependent on cause
§ Food therapy
§ Increase water intake-Drinkwell Fountain
§ Cranberry comfort or Cranidin for pH abnormalities
§ Urinary Crystal/Stone Formula
§ Glucosamine
§ Possible pain medications
§ Nerve health products
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