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Cystitis

Urine, produced by the kidneys, is stored in the urinary bladder before exiting the body through the urethra. The urethra acts as a channel for urine excretion; its length offers protection against infection from the outside. Cats with urinary bladder inflammation (cystitis) strain to produce small amounts of urine (may be mistaken for constipation), urinate outside the litter box, and may have blood in their urine. Common causes of cystitis include feline idiopathic interstitial cystitis, stones, polyps, and tumors. Urinary tract infections affect cats less commonly (<5%) due to their highly concentrated urine. Suspicion of feline cystitis is based on history and physical examination; definitive diagnosis requires a urinalysis, urine culture, and abdominal x-rays. Complicated cases of cystitis may require more advanced imaging with ultrasound and/or contrast studies. Treatment for cats with uncomplicated (non-obstructive) cystitis includes a combination of fluid therapy to help flush the bladder, dietary changes, pain relief, and medications to alleviate bladder spasms and restore normal urine flow. Antibiotics are indicated only when an infection is found. An inability to urinate (straining with no urine production) requires emergency treatment to relieve the painful, life threatening urinary tract obstruction.

Location

14445 W. McDowell Rd
Suite A-106
Goodyear, Arizona

Phone: 623-298-4200
Fax: 623-935-6026

Hours of Operation

Monday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 1:00pm
Sunday Closed

Emergencies

For after hours please contact the VetMed at (602) 697-4694.