Study of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease in Blida, North of Algeria: Clinical and Epidemiologic Features

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a common problem in cats. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence, clinical signs, causes and the risk factors for FLUTD. From 1514 cats that presented to private veterinary clinic located in the region of Blida, 95 cats (6.27 %) were diagnosed with FLUTD and were included in the study. For each animal, potential risk data were obtained from medical records and cat owner interviews. FLUTD diagnoses were based on physical examinations, urinalyses, ultrasound examinations, and bacterial cultures. The most frequent cause of FLUTD was feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) (43.15 %), followed by urolithiasis (26.32 %), urinary tract infection (UTI) (21.05 %), urethral plugs (8.42 %) and neoplasia (1.05 %). The most common clinical signs of FLUTD were dysuria (76.84 %), hematuria (60 %), pollakiuria (45.26 %), anuria/oliguria (42.10 %), depression (36.84 %), periuria (34.73 %). In the UTI, the most common bacterial isolate was Escherichia coli and the mineral compositions in the analyzed uroliths were mostly struvite crystals. The sex, castration status, breed, living environment, type of food were found to be significantly associated with FLUTD. Male cats (P < 0.0001), spayed/neutered cats (P = 0.00014), European shorthair breed (P < 0.0001), the indoor living cats (P < 0.00001), cats having dry food (P < 0.00001) were most susceptible to FLUTD. Cats aged over 5 years were the most affected, but no significant difference was found in age (P = 0.158). The prevalence of FLUTD was not correlated with the presence of other cats in the household (P = 0.051). The present study revealed a non-negligible prevalence of FLUTD in the north of Algeria. Appropriate recommendations need to be introduced to control the disease.