How is FIC diagnosed?

How is FIC diagnosed?

FIC is diagnosed by performing tests to eliminate the known causes of abnormal urination. These tests include any or all of the following: thorough medical history and physical examination – especially paying attention to any changes in environment, feeding, stress, etc.

What does FIC stand for in cat terms?

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) literally means an inflammation of the urinary bladder in cats of unknown origin. It is also called feline idiopathic lower urinary tract disease (FiLUTD), painful bladder syndrmoe (PBS) or feline urologic syndrome (FUS). FIC has been estimated to affect up to 1% of the cat population.

When to take your cat to the vet for FIC?

Severe cases of FIC can lead to life threatening problems such as a blocked bladder. Contact your vet as soon as your notice any change in your cat’s peeing habits and if possible, take a urine sample along to the appointment. Watch our video: ‘How to collect a urine sample from your cat’

Is there a cure for FIC in cats?

Although antibiotics are frequently prescribed for cats with FIC, there is no evidence that FIC is a bacterial disease. Likewise, occasionally cortisone-like drugs are prescribed for their anti-inflammatory effects but there is no evidence that they hasten recovery.

Can a cat with FLUTD be diagnosed with FIC?

Only when recognised causes of FLUTD are excluded (see FLUTD – signs, causes and investigation) can a diagnosis of FIC be reached. In cats with FIC, analysis of a urine sample may show the presence of blood and inflammatory cells, but there is no recognisable underlying cause (eg, bladder stones or infection) to explain these changes.

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) literally means an inflammation of the urinary bladder in cats of unknown origin. It is also called feline idiopathic lower urinary tract disease (FiLUTD), painful bladder syndrmoe (PBS) or feline urologic syndrome (FUS). FIC has been estimated to affect up to 1% of the cat population.

Severe cases of FIC can lead to life threatening problems such as a blocked bladder. Contact your vet as soon as your notice any change in your cat’s peeing habits and if possible, take a urine sample along to the appointment. Watch our video: ‘How to collect a urine sample from your cat’

Only when recognised causes of FLUTD are excluded (see FLUTD – signs, causes and investigation) can a diagnosis of FIC be reached. In cats with FIC, analysis of a urine sample may show the presence of blood and inflammatory cells, but there is no recognisable underlying cause (eg, bladder stones or infection) to explain these changes.

Although antibiotics are frequently prescribed for cats with FIC, there is no evidence that FIC is a bacterial disease. Likewise, occasionally cortisone-like drugs are prescribed for their anti-inflammatory effects but there is no evidence that they hasten recovery.