FELINE INTERSTITIAL (IDIOPATHIC) CYSTITIS (FIC): EXPANDING TREATMENT APPROACHES1

摘要

FIC can have a variable outcome. Lower urinary tract signs (LUTS) resolve spontaneously in many cats within 2-3 days of an initial episode or subsequent recurrence, with or without treatment. As many as 50% of these cats will have another episode within 12 months and 39% recurred in a more recent study of cats consuming dry food. It is not yet possible to predict which cats with FIC will relapse; some cats have multiple recurrences, while clinical signs never resolve in a small population of severelyaffected cats. In my experience, the most important consideration for a successful outcome is good communication with the owner. After the initial appointment and diagnostic evaluation of the cat, I commonly schedule an appointment with only the ownerspresent to thoroughly review the disease process, discuss short and long-term treatment options, and to ensure that the owners have a clear understanding of this problem in their cat. Some common client questions and my responses are presented in Table1.