Cystitus/urine test

[berties mum]

When Bertie had cystitis, the symptoms were that he was passing small amounts of blood, up to 12 times an hour, bless him.  He was also washing his, erm, bits, a lot, which apparently is another sign to look for as it suggests pain or irritation.  Don't remember having any tests - just a shot of antibiotics and painkillers.

[Desley (booktigger)]

I am surprised at that Michelle, my vets wont give ab's without, as without testing, they dont know what is causing it and what is the best way to treat it.

[Michelle (furbabystar)]

My Freddy suffers badly with Cystitis and never have i been asked to get a sample to be tested BUT that doesnt mean its a bad thing.

Hope she feels better soon xxxx

[ChrisB]

Thanks everyone - our vet didn't feel a test was necessary at the moment (unless I really wanted one) as it was Bubbles' first attack of cystitus and she has recovered so quickly.   If he is happy with her, then I'm happy with that, and will of course take her straight back and get her tested if it recurrs again soon.    He asked if there had been any changes at home which may have stressed her - we have recently had some new dining and lounge furniture and apparently that could well be the cause as she is a sensitive little girl.       

[Millys Mum]

Its wise to get one done if theres cystitis symptoms, the sooner problems are picked up the better 
I hope bubbles is feeling better soon.

You could drop a sample off without taking her in, they can sell you some non absorbent litter. If she wont use it then its no trouble for the vet to take one directly, its nice and fresh then.

[Leanne]

We've got to get a urine test for Jess tonight/tomorrow morning, we've not always had to do this with the cystitis episodes, but after the 2 blockages the vet wants to do one since his finished his tablets.

The signs for cystitis are the cat frequently visiting the litter tray and only passing VERY small amounts of urine and sometimes there will be blood in it, - the first time Jess had it he went 25 times in an hour. The sight of blood can be scary but it does mean their not blocked which is a good thing.

The more scary thing to look out for is a male cat trying to pass urine and not being able to, or passing a very tiny amount but straining to do so, this could mean the bladder is blocked and then you need to get them to a vet ASAP.

[Desley (booktigger)]

The test is due to her having symptoms, it is one of those things that isn't done as routine as it would be pointless. My vets only do annual urine tests on older cats and that is only cos kidney issues and diabetes can show in them.
HArna, it depends on the cat, I have had 3 cats with UTI's and all have been different - only one has been the 'typical' trying to wee and only doing small amounts and having blood in it, Pebbles only indication was the strong smell, and Tom sprayed (while his was stress related, he did have crystals). Some cats have it once and then never ever have an issue with it - it never returned in either of the girls, although they did both only live another 18 months. Tom's was stress, and has never returned after leaving here

[Harna]

Aw - hope Bubbles will be fine soon. 

I've just adopted two cats, one of whom had his one and only case of cystitis about 6 months ago, apparently.

Can anyone tell me what signs I need to look out for, just in case it ever returns ?

Thanks!

[Ela]

Just wondered if the test is usually routine as when Gizmo had this last year our own vet didn't suggest one ?

 

It is not routine at our vets, it would only be 'done' if the owner saw any signs or the vet  felt anything  on the annual MOT at booster time. 

[ChrisB]

We had to take Bubbles to emergency vet this morning with cystitus.   The vet gave her an injection and cystaid and said that we should visit our own vet in the next few days to have a urine test (he did not give her antibiotics so as not to interfere with the results) - he examined her very thoroughly, said she did not have a temperature and appeared otherwise in good health.    She's seems fine in herself and I think we caught it early (thanks to all the good advice I have read on Purrs).   Just wondered if the test is usually routine as when Gizmo had this last year our own vet didn't suggest one ?