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PrintProtecting Your Pet: Feline Urological Syndrome
If you're cat is having litter box problems - chances are it ain't just misbehaving. The cat could be suffering from a common disease that can turn deadly unless you act fast. Health Specialist Marilyn Mitzel shows us how to prevent it in protecting your pet.
(WSVN) -- Recently Spooky gave his owners quite a fright.
Kathy Bilz, Spooky's mom: "He was squatting all over the house, but he wasn't going. Then he began to throw up."
Spooky has urinary tract disease. Other symptoms include - bloody urine - depression - reluctance to move - distress cries.
Kathy Bilz: "I began to hear him making a moaning sound."
Urinary tract infections are common among cats especially males.
The inflammation can lead to blockages and kidney failure.
Dr. Steven Paul from Wiles Road Animal Hospital: "Your cat can die within 24 to 48 hours. If you don't stop the obstruction or unblock the obstruction the kidney waste will back up in the system and cause a toxic situation for your kitty cat."
Treatment often includes antibiotics - surgery is a last resort.
After a few days in the animal hospital spooky's scare is over.
Kathy Bilz: "He was in there for the entire weekend with IV's -- you can see his little arm."
A poor diet - lack of water - bacteria - viruses and stress can all play a role.
You can help prevent urinary tract infections - by adding a tiny bit of granulated vitamin c to your kitty's food every day. Make sure it's low in magnesium and ash. Give them lots of fresh water and keep the litter box clean.
Kathy Bilz: "He bounced back after about three to four days."
Kathy and Frank Bilz: "You can just tell he's -- back to normal -- back to normal. And we're really happy because we love him a lot -- don't we."
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: mmitzel@wsvn.com
Dr. Steven Paul
Wiles Road Animal Hospital
954-752-1879