Inflammation in Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Speakers:

Jodi Westropp, DVM, PhD, ACVIM

Event date: 10 April 2024

Feline idiopathic (or interstitial) cystitis (FIC) is considered the most common lower urinary tract disease of cats. Although FIC is a chronic, painful condition that affects the bladder, it is also associated with behavioral, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and other comorbidities. Consequently, FIC should no longer be considered just an inflammatory disease of the bladder.

In this presentation, Dr. Jodi Westropp discusses two approaches to the etiology of the bladder inflammation seen in cats with FIC. She also shares findings from multiple studies—in both cats and humans—that support the prevailing view of idiopathic/interstitial cystitis as a chronic disease that involves more than the bladder. For these cases, it becomes important to obtain detailed histories to determine the presence of comorbidities. Finally, a review of multimodal environmental modification (MEMO) therapy is provided, with an emphasis on the need to tailor therapy to the individual cat and owner.