Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
A veterinarian must examine cats with blood in their urine. The
veterinarian will want to perform a urinalysis to help reach a diagno-
sis. A proper urinalysis will:
•
Check the cat's ability to concentrate urine
•
Show if red and/or white blood cells are present
•
Show the pH of the urine
•
Show if glucose is present
•
Evaluate protein levels in the urine
•
Check for the presence of other metabolic chemicals, crystals,
or cells
Urine can be cultured for bacteria, and antibiotic sensitivities can
then be determined. For advice on how to collect a urine sample, see
Chapter 22.
There are a host of reasons for blood in a cat's urine, including:
•
Bacterial infections
•
Viral infections
•
Trauma to the kidneys or bladder
•
Stress
•
Bladder stones
•
Crystal buildup
•
Tumors
•
Blood clotting disorders
•
Idiopathic (no known cause) interstitial cystitis
Interstitial cystitis is a benign inflammatory condition that can affect
the bladders of cats. It is one of the LUTD syndromes. Although there
are no treatments that have been conclusively proven effective for every
cat, veterinarians can prescribe a mild human anti-anxiety drug called
amitriptyline. It is often effective in cases of human interstitial cystitis.
How to Make Your Cat More Comfortable
Cats with LUTD may strain to urinate and pass only a few drops
of urine at a time.You will observe them making frequent trips to the
