Cat With FIC (Feline Idiopathic Cystitis)

[Simkie]

Bummer Seems like if she’s happy, the cystitis should resolve. Is she still peeing inappropriately? Or is it just blood in the box?

It may be that the bladder just needs time to heal. Pentosan is used in people for cystitis, it might be worth asking about. I wonder what else could cause bloody urine…? Seems like you’ve ruled out quite a lot with the ultrasound. Have you run a course of antibiotics through her? Even if the urine doesn’t culture, it’s worth a shot to see if anything changes.

When’s the appt with the specialist? Hope you’re able to find some answers!

[altermetoday]

@Simkie

Bummer Seems like if she’s happy, the cystitis should resolve. Is she still peeing inappropriately? Or is it just blood in the box?

It may be that the bladder just needs time to heal. Pentosan is used in people for cystitis, it might be worth asking about. I wonder what else could cause bloody urine…? Seems like you’ve ruled out quite a lot with the ultrasound. Have you run a course of antibiotics through her? Even if the urine doesn’t culture, it’s worth a shot to see if anything changes.

When’s the appt with the specialist? Hope you’re able to find some answers!

She was peeing in the dog beds but is now peeing in a plastic storage box. She uses her litter box too frequently so i think the inappropriate peeing is to tell me she’s having issues.

Is prentosan for bladder spasms? She was on 2 weeks of antibiotics but that doesn’t help fic.

[Simkie]

@altermetoday

She was peeing in the dog beds but is now peeing in a plastic storage box. She uses her litter box too frequently so i think the inappropriate peeing is to tell me she’s having issues.

Is prentosan for bladder spasms? She was on 2 weeks of antibiotics but that doesn’t help fic.

She may be averse to the box at this point. Remembering that it hurt to go there, so avoiding it. Does she like treats? It wouldn’t hurt to give her a treat & praise every time she’s in the box. Make it a happy place for her.

Pentosan treats cystitis. It soothes the bladder lining.

Yes, I understand antibiotics don’t help cystitis. But identifying a kidney infection can sometimes be difficult. Did anything change on antibiotics?

[altermetoday]

Nothing changed on antibiotics. Right now my vet is just wanting me to keep the appointment with the specialist. Thats Friday

[altermetoday]

so…my kitty has thrown up 3-4 times over the last week. I’ll definitely tell the vet, but not sure it is related to the pic… still wracking my brain on other things that could be wrong with her. She is still urinating a lot in the box… and her pee is still darker from brownish to red and sometimes pink depending on how much she pees. Just hoping we can get some answers tomorrow

Is it possible for fit to take month or more to clear up?

[Simkie]

Has she had recent bloodwork?

Some famotidine isn’t a bad idea. Like our horses, kitties can also develop tummy problems with stress.

You’ve both sure been through the wringer!

[altermetoday]

Yes, bloodwork was done when I switched vets.

Today is the day for her appointment with the specialist so she wasn’t allowed to eat this morning. I’m pretty sure they will do new bloodwork and probably an ultrasound and will get urine for more tests. Not sure what else they will do.

Ironically, I keep thinking there is less bloody pee, but she is still going to the bathroom a lot in her box and I do still some red/pink or really dark pee in the plastic box she is using. I guess best case scenario is that the inflammation is decreasing.

Hopefully we can find some answers. Thanks for all your help!

[altermetoday]

Update:

Well, had our appointment yesterday and the vet was not able to get a urine sample, but I think that is ok based on her other two findings.

First is scarring on the kidneys so she wants her to be treated like she has chronic kidney disease and change her diet. Its odd that she is having this issue so young. But makes me wonder if the chronic inflammation in her bladder had something to do with it. the second finding was a cluster of stones that she said were too big to pass and needed to be removed surgically.

I’m wondering why the vet’s ultrasound didn’t pick that up initially? Is the machine that much different than my normal vet? Any ballpark ideas on cost for surgery? Is there any alternative to reducing the stones without surgery? Vet said no… but of course my crazy friend told me I should give her vinegar to dissolve them… omg… I think that is toxic to cats anyway, but he was trying to help… he wants me to check for alternative solutions since surgery is expensive and invasive. If I can give her comfort, I’ll probably do surgery, however, what if the kidneys are already getting bad?

How long does a young cat have to live with kidney issues starting already? I don’t mind doing surgery if we have some years ahead of us and can figure out what the stones are and how to keep them from coming back… but if she is on a downhill slope over next 6 months I’m kind of wondering what I should really do.

What numbers on the bloodwork would I be looking for to tell me this info?

Thanks.

[shiloh]

I’m glad they found a cause for kitty’s issues. I think if you have the stones removed that will go a long long way to solving her problems. I think if they are that big that they require surgery that is probably going to be your only option. I hope people here with more vet experience will be able to give you more answers.

[Simkie]

There are a couple different kinds of stones. Struvite are probably more common, and they can be dissolved with a change in diet.

Calcium oxalate stones cannot be dissolved, and must be passed or removed. If left, they can cause chronic irritation and can act as little islands for infection.

Skill of the person doing the ultrasound is hugely important. It’s a tricky imaging modality where experience just really matters.

Both types of stones can be influenced by diet, although in different ways, IIRC. An RX diet might be in your future.

Good luck! At least you have an answer & a promising path forward

[altermetoday]

Thanks for your help !!! I’d love to get her in surgery right away, but I don’t think I will be able to as I’m leaving town on Friday… So hopefully can get her started on a different food right away and then get her scheduled for when I get back.