الفهرس Only 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 189 |  |  |
| | | from | 189 | | |
Abstract
Summary
The study was performed during the period from May 2007 to September 2009, in the Small Animal Clinic, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University.
It was noticed that urinary disorders were the most common among the abdominal affections in cats. FLUTD seemed to be the most important one. FLUTD cases, especially its obstructive form, which represent an emergency condition and may be life threatening if the proper management and treatment was not undertaken. Losses of cats due to this disease are stressful to the owners and in need to be considered. On commencing this study, there was no available information in literature about assessment of FLUTD in Egypt. So the study was conducted to investigate this problem.
The study composed of two parts:
I- Baseline study:
This study aimed to investigate the effect of age on growth of the urinary system in a group of Egyptian domestic short hair cats (n =7) at age time points: 6, 12, 18 and 24 months old. Investigations included physical examination, ultrasonographic imaging, blood analysis and biochemical tests.
During the study cats were clinically healthy and had normal general appearance, appetite and water intake. In addition the cardinal signs of health including body temperature, pulse and respiratory rate were within the normal reference ranges.
Concerning ultrasonographic measurements, results clarified that both right and left kidneys lengths were increased gradually with age reached a maximum at 18 months old. However, urinary bladder wall thickness did not changed with age.
There was gradual increase with age in RBCs parameters (Erythrocyte count, PCV and MCV). Some indices did not change as hemoglobin content. Concerning WBCs picture, all data were within the reference ranges except percentages of band cells and basophils which were increased in 6 months old cats. Serum biochemical parameters showed age dependant decrease that was obvious in creatinine, BUN and phosphorus levels.
In general, RBCs, WBCs pictures and biochemical parameters of base line cats at 18 months old can be matched to that of adult cat reference values.
II- Clinical cases study:
This study was performed on 10 diseased cases (6 with urethral obstruction and 4 non-obstructed). The clinical cases were presented with various clinical manifestations of lower urinary tract disease (Hematuria, dysuria, pollakiuria and periuria). In some cases, general signs were also observed such as anorexia, depression, dehydration and vomiting. Case fatality was 66.7% in obstructed and 25% in non obstructed cases.
Investigations performed on clinical cases included taking case history, physical examination and ultrasonographic imaging and blood, biochemical and urine analysis.
Results indicated that, all ultrasound measures of kidney especially width and urinary bladder wall thickness in clinical cases were higher than baseline cats. Similarly, cats with obstructive form of FLUTD or urolithiasis had higher kidney size and bladder wall thickness than non obstructed ones.
In RBCs picture, lowered levels of hemoglobin, MCV, MCH and MCHC were observed in clinical cases when compared with baseline cats. These indices suggested the presence of microcytic hypochromic anemia. On the other hand, the percentages of band cells and neutrophils were higher in clinical cases especially obstructed ones. This was associated with lowered percentages of lymphocytes, eosinophils reflecting what is called stress leukogram.
Concerning serum biochemical parameters, BUN, creatinine, potassium and phosphorus markedly increased in clinical cases especially obstructed ones. Urine analysis results showed the presence of proteinuria, pus cells and many RBCs. Some of clinical cases had a mixture of oxalate and struvite crystals in urine.
Statistical analysis of the obtained data was done, mean values, standard error and P values were obtained.
Conclusion
It could be concluded from this study the following:
• It seems likely that baseline cats at 18 months of age or older reached the full growth of urinary system, so can be considered a reference to mature healthy cats on the bases of ultrasound measures, blood and biochemical parameters in our locality.
• It was noticed that the FLUTD is the most common abdominal disorders affecting cats. It is characterized by inflammation of the UB and/or urethra of cats. It is either obstructive or non. The obstruction is mainly caused by urethral plugs or uroliths.
• Urethral obstruction represents an acute, emergency condition and recurring problem. It can be of poor prognosis and life-threatening if not treated rapidly and effectively.
• The characteristic laboratory findings in FLUTD were stress leukogram, azotaemia, hyperkalaemia and hyperphosphataemia which become more critical in long standing obstructed cases.
• Male cats at middle age, long hair breeds, consume mainly dry food, rarely drink water, confined indoor and inactive especially in cold weather will be at high risk to be affected with FLUTD.
• Ultrasonographic imaging is an excellent rapid and non invasive tool to screen feline lower urinary tract in cats especially in obstructive form of FLUTD and urolithiasis. The characteristic findings were increased kidney size and UB wall thickness
• Advice should be given to owners include: avoid stress in their cat environment, providing fresh clean continuous water especially in winter, also try to change diet to a wet form