FLUTD, or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, usually appears as repeated or long-term cystitis which is difficult or impossible to control with antibiotics. Natural treatment includes establishing a slightly acidic pH, diluting the urine, decreasing the ability of bacteria to attach to the bladder's cell wall, and improving a cat's immune system.

 

 

The following nutraceuticals or natural/herbal formulas can also provide effective treatment for your canines and felines living with FLUTD.

 

 

 

» Change to grain-free canned/raw food instead of dry – canned food is approximately 70% water. If you want to continue to feed your cat dry food, moisten it with some water.  The dry food has only about 10% water which increases the concentration of the urine and can subsequently lead to the formation of crystals.  Fish-flavored food is not good for your cat. Do not salt the food. This does not make cats drink more and can cause dehydration.

 

» Buy a drinking fountain for your cat – they find these irresistible and that will encourage them to drink more.

» Most cases of FLUTD resolve themselves on their own within 5 days; however, antibiotics may be necessary to prevent severe pain and damage to the cat. 

 

» An antidepressant such as Amitriptyline or a prescription painkiller like Torbutrol will help the cat with FLUTD.

 

 

Integrative Medicine

 

» Glucosamine and chondroitin: The building blocks of the protective glycosaminoglycan coating of the bladder. Glucosamine sulfate also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with bladder spasms due to FLUTD. During an acute stage: 500mg daily, then 250 mg intermediate healing stage and 125 mg longer-term (if needed).

 

» Vitamin C: Should only be used during an acute stage of this disease; 500-1,000mgs a day.

 

»  Potassium citrate: Shown to raise the pH (lower the acidity) of urine. This is only to be used for oxalate crystals and excessively acid urine. It will increase the tendency for struvite crystals to form. Oxalate crystals only form in acid urine - so reducing the acidity should help prevent them. However, potassium citrate will not dissolve crystals or stones that have already formed. If there are stones that are too large to pass naturally through the urethra, they need to be removed from your cat surgically.

 

» Uva Ursi is a well-known urinary herbal antiseptic used for centuries. This herb has antibacterial properties that help fight infection and can assist in protecting your cat’s bladder wall and urethra. It also offers astringent effects and helps to both shrink and tighten mucous membranes in the body aiding in natural and effective urination.

 

» Cranberry extract makes the urine more acidic which makes it much less susceptible to infection. Cranberries are good for struvite stones, but should be avoided with oxalate crystals or stones. Cranberry also has the ability to block any type of bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall.

 

» Lavendar: Can help ease your feline’s stress.

 

» Couch Grass Root, Cornsilk, Marshmallow Root or Slippery Elm Mark: These herbs help to relieve inflammation and soothe pain.

 

FLUTD (Reference: Veterinarians’ Desk Reference)

(Live Link)

 

Species affected: Cats

Background: This is a poorly understood complex of diseases in the cat. It is characterized by cystitis, with straining, hematuria, etc. In some male cats, struvite crystals in the urine combine with matrix material to form a plug, and because of the more narrow urethra, male cats can become obstructed and die if not treated. The causes are unknown and probably multiple. There has been some discussion of occult viral infections.

Symptoms: Some cats have simple hematuria and pain, while others have struvite crystals in the urine.

Diagnostics: Urinalysis, physical exam.

Special Notes: Diet is definitely implicated, with dry cat food a very important factor.

Principles for Supplementation: These cats may represent a model for the human disease, interstitial cystitis, and based on work in humans, cats have been successfully treated with the glycosaminoglycan pentosan polysulfate; this is the basis for the recommendation of Arthroplex below. Other natural treatments help heal the wall of the bladder and remove bacterial infections if present.

 

FORMULAS			DOSAGE	MECHANISM/PURPOSE
	Arthroplex12	Cats: 1 capsule sid Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb bid		Glycosaminoglycans will support mucosal barrier of bladder. wall and relieve pain.
	Ba Zheng San25	Cats: 2 pills bid or tid Dogs: 2-4 pills bid or tid		Decreases damp heat, promotes urination.
	Bladder-CLR™27	1 capsule per 20 lb bid or 1 scoop per 20 lb bid		Maintains normal bladder health.
	Clearing23	Cats: ¼-½ tablet bid Dogs: ½-2 tablets bid or tid		Clears heat from heart, lungs, liver, stomach, bladder; tonifies spleen qi, resolves dampness, circulates and nourishes blood.
	CranGuard28	Cats: ¼-½ capsule tid Dogs: ½-2 capsules tid		Antibacterial; blocks attachment of bacteria to bladder wall, acidifies urine.
	Small Animal Antioxidant12	Cats: 1 capsule sid Dogs: 2 capsules/25 lb sid		Broad-spectrum antioxidant formula.

 

To help you quickly find the right Integrative Medicine formulas and manufacturers to help treat your dogs, cats and horses, please refer to the Veterinarians’ Desk Reference (Click Here)