247 April 2015 - Gryffe Advertizer

44 the advertizer t: 01505 613340 e: info@advertizer.co.uk
‘Stompie’ in the daffodils’ by ‘Barking Mad’
Pet Blog
by PetVets
Trouble in the Litter Tray (Part 2)
Last month we looked at predisposing factors and causes of feline lower urinary
tract disease (FLUTD), a condition causing inflammation of the bladder and
lower urinary tract in cats.
In cases of FLUTD it is important to investigate the underlying cause of the
condition so that appropriate treatment can be instituted. Possible diagnostic
tests include:
• Urine sample to check for blood, inflammatory cells, protein levels, pH
(acidity) and concentration. Urine sediment can also be checked under the
microscope for the presence of urinary crystals.
• Urine culture to check for the presence of bacteria.
• Xrays to check for bladder stones.
• Ultrasound to check for bladder stones and to examine the lining of the
bladder for masses.
• Blood sample to check for underlying diseases.
In up to 60% of cases no underlying cause is found and these cases are referred
to as feline idiopathic cystitis.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. In cases of idiopathic cystitis where
no cause is found treatment is aimed at reducing the risk factors discussed
previously.
Possible treatments include:
Surgery
• To relieve obstruction of the urethra when present.
• To remove bladder stones.
Drugs
• Antibiotics to control infections.
• Pain relief/anti-inflammatories.
• Medications to reduce stress.
• Anti-spasmodic drugs.
Diet change
• To dissolve crystals/stones and
prevent more from forming.
• To produce more dilute urine.
• To reduce obesity.
Environmental changes
• Increasing the number of litter
trays.
• Offering more options in litter tray
location, type of tray and type of
litter.
• Increasing exercise.
• Modifying environment to reduce
stress e.g. hiding holes, access to
heights, provision of escape/“bolt
holes”.
Increasing water intake
• Add water to food.
• Place water in several locations.
• Change water regularly.
• Experiment with different types of
container and fullness.
• Offering filtered or bottled spring
water.
• Water fountain for running water.
Many cats with FLUTD have recurrent problems but diagnosing the cause
correctly and instituting appropriate treatment and management can greatly
reduce the frequency and severity of episodes, leading to a much happier cat.
Triple Whammy for Animal
Support and Rescue in
Howwood
ASR were delighted to receive a
triple whammy from three local
companies recently. By online voting
we won a pallet of ‘Silvermoor’ and
old horse ‘Chelsea’ really enjoyed
munching her way through it. We
received a cheque for over £800
from Pets at Home Abbotsinch,
and want to thank local people for
donating. Thanks also to Martin
Senior and his staff for setting up
Thank you to locals for getting
behind us, but we still need
volunteers to help out where ever
you can, so please if you want to
get involved. Contact Jaine on the
facebook page please.
this wonderful charity fundraising.
Lastly thank you to Asda - people
can also donate to this charity by
donating tokens into a box and
whoever get the most win this and
receives the prize.
Staffordshire Rescue Scotland
Recently Staffordshire Rescue
Scotland have had a new Paisley
member becoming a bigger part
of the organisation and is looking
for local people to get behind this
wonderful breed of dog.
Jane McEwan and her family
from Paisley and Bridge of Weir
are looking for families to come
forward to be fosterers for this
gorgeous breed of dog. They are
also looking to host more events
in this area, and are looking for
volunteers to help raise awareness
and take part in local events. If you
think you can help, please contact
the facebook page and leave a personal message.
This is Jane and her family receiving a cheque for over £400 from Pets at
Home Abbotsinch, and Jane would like to thank fellow Paisley people for
donating and also Martin and his staff for raising a huge amount of money
for these dogs.