Procedimento operacional padrão – Doença do Trato Urinário Inferior de Felinos (DTUIF)

Abstract

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a term used to describe any disorder that can affect cats' urethra and urinary bladder. It can be characterized as obstructive and non-obstructive idiopathic cystitis, if no cause is determined. Otherwise, other diseases may be present, such as bacterial cystitis, stones or urethral plugs and neoplasms. The diagnosis is based on the history, anamnesis and evolution of clinical signs, together with the specific physical examination. Feeling the urinary bladder enlarged and pain on abdominal palpation are a strong indication of obstruction. The clinical signs range from the mildest, which include licking the penis, dysuria, polyuria, periuria, haematuria and strangulation, the latter usually preceding the most serious cases, which are obstructive. In the most severe form of DTUIF the animal may be totally or partially obstructed and are considered urgent. Among the clinical signs of obstructive DTUIF include intense apathy, anorexia, vocalization, strangeness, anuria and vomiting in some cases. Imaging (abdominal ultrasound and/or plain and contrasted radiography) and minimal laboratory tests should include complete blood count, biochemical profile (urea and creatinine blood levels mainly) and blood gas analysis. The latter assesses the need for electrolyte replacement. The work aims to perform the standard operating procedure (SOP) of cats that are treated at the Veterinary Hospital of UFSM (HVU) that present DTUIF in severe and non-severe forms.