The cat's urinary system has a mission, the elimination of waste, and the kidneys are directly responsible for carrying it out, the bladder, the ureters and the urethra. In this way, we see how urine does not play a minor role in the survival of our feline, as it does in us. It must expel waste substances and toxic components that come from metabolism and can be deposited in the bloodstream. Through the same urine, urea is eliminated, hence the origin of the name of this pathology, as well as creatinine, calcium and oxalate. Therefore, it regulates the amount of water and minerals excreted.
When the functioning of the urinary system is not adequate, cats can suffer from different diseases. Therefore, from our site we want to talk about the symptoms and treatment of feline urological syndrome (FUS).
What is SUF?
In Spanish-speaking countries it is known as SUF or feline urological syndrome, while the common name in English is FUS. We will mainly define it as a sign of our times, where we combine a remarkably sedentary feline life with castration and industrial feed, obtaining as a result this disease that is sometimes sporadic, which makes it difficult to manage and resolve.
Today, as its causes are difficult to define, many definitions for feline urological syndrome are accepted, favored by various factors:
- Sex: the castrated male is the one with the highest percentage of contracting the disease due to his low amount of hormones and the size of his his urethra. Females can also be affected but it is not as common in daily clinical practice.
- Feeding: industrial feed and, to a greater extent, poor quality feed is one of the main causes of feline urological syndrome. Foods that are very rich in minerals are, without question, the main culprits. Opting for a homemade diet or natural feed will greatly help to prevent the formation of these stones.
- Weight: is closely related to urinary habits, since an overweight cat tends to urinate less and concentrate urine more, a problem when treating this syndrome. We must ensure that our cat goes to the litter tray between 2 and 3 times a day to avoid concentrations of urine and, therefore, crystal deposits. A reduced water intake, dirty tray, obesity, etc., are some of the variables that are managed when trying to prevent a complicated picture like this.
Feline Urologic Syndrome Symptoms
To obtain good results and get the affected cat he althy as soon as possible, early detection is always the key. To do this, you should pay attention to the main feline urological syndrome symptoms:
- Difficulty and/or pain when urinating.
- Cystitis.
- Blood in the urine.
- Micturations of small quantity and/or out of the tray.
- Apathy or lack of interest.
- Deterioration of his general condition.
- Loss of appetite.
- There may be partial or complete urethral obstruction (veterinary emergency).
If you detect any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to go to the vet to start treatment.
Diagnosis and treatment of feline urological syndrome
If our little feline is already sick, the first thing we should do is go to a veterinarian, since as we explained in the symptoms it is a veterinary emergencyand your life is the main thing right now.
How is SUF diagnosed?
Answers to the cases there are many and will depend on the veterinary diagnosis where through the routine examination of our animal, taking a urine sample With its observation under a microscope and an ultrasound if necessary, we will arrive at the definitive diagnosis.
Treatment of SUF
Each professional will evaluate the seriousness of the case and see the convenience, or not, of administering medication for its treatment. In the same way, with diagnosis in hand, you will be able to inform the owners of possible maneuvers such as unblocking by means of a probe or, in very chronic cases, surgical intervention.
In us, as owners, is the early detection of cases to prevent our cat from going through the worst resolutions.
A different and preventive treatment
As far as I am concerned as a holistic veterinarian, I did not want to stop giving my point of view on a personal and professional level regarding the treatment of urological syndrome. Without disavowing traditional veterinarians, I was also one when I graduated as a veterinarian, I haven't treated these cases with traditional medication for years. A good anamnesis or questioning of the owners leads us to the choice of the correct homeopathic medicine for each case.
Handling with Bach Flowers, he althy eating and, in the most daring, a few Reiki sessions, usually help to avoid relapses. It is a disease that we can treat in the he althiest way possible, we just have to be encouraged to change and get out of the comfort zone. Let's seek to return to nature, we already tried it for ourselves or our human family, why not do it with them too?
