🐾 Kidney and Urinary Tract Disorders in Pets: UTI & FLUTD
Internal Medicine: Diagnosis & Treatment of Affected Systems & Common Diseases
Southern Ocean Animal Hospital – 319 E Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) affect both dogs and cats, leading to painful urination, house accidents, blood in the urine, and increased urination frequency.
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a broad term for bladder/urethral problems in cats, including urinary stones, blockages, and idiopathic cystitis.
- Diagnosis: Urinalysis, urine culture, imaging (X-ray, ultrasound), and blood tests.
- Treatment: Antibiotics (for infections), special diets, stress reduction, fluid therapy, urinary catheters, and sometimes surgery.
- Veterinarian’s Role: Experienced clinicians, such as Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, utilize in-house labs, imaging, and surgical tools to diagnose and treat urinary conditions efficiently.
ELI5 (Explain Like I’m 5)
Think of your pet’s urinary system like a bathroom:
- If bacteria sneak in → it clogs and hurts → UTI.
- If crystals or stones build up → the toilet won’t flush → FLUTD.
- If it stays clogged → the bathroom floods → this is an emergency!
A vet can “fix the plumbing,” give medicine, special food, and check-ups to keep everything running smoothly.
Summary of Key Points
- UTIs are bacterial infections of the bladder/urinary tract, common in dogs and some cats.
- FLUTD is a group of urinary disorders in cats, ranging from stones to idiopathic cystitis.
- Most Common Issues: UTIs, bladder stones, blockages, feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), and kidney complications.
- Diagnostic Tools: Physical exams, urinalysis, urine cultures, bloodwork, X-rays, and ultrasound.
- Treatment Options: Antibiotics, pain relievers, fluid therapy, catheterization, prescription diets, and surgery if needed.
- Why It Matters: Left untreated, urinary issues can lead to kidney failure and life-threatening blockages.
Introduction
Urinary tract health is crucial for pets, yet disorders like UTIs and FLUTD are among the most common reasons owners bring cats and dogs to the veterinarian.
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital in Tuckerton, NJ, Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, and his team diagnose and treat these conditions daily, often using advanced in-house diagnostic labs, imaging equipment, and surgical tools. Many families travel from Ocean County, the Jersey Shore, LBI towns, Atlantic County, and Burlington County for SOAH’s reputation as one of the most trusted animal hospitals in the region.
Section 1: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
What They Are
UTIs occur when bacteria invade the urinary tract, usually the bladder, causing infection and inflammation.
Common Symptoms
- Frequent urination in small amounts
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Straining or crying while urinating
- Urine accidents in the house/litter box
- Strong-smelling urine
- Lethargy or loss of appetite (severe cases)
Causes
- Bacteria entering through the urethra
- Poor hygiene (especially in long-haired pets)
- Underlying conditions (diabetes, kidney disease)
- Stones or crystals that harbor bacteria
Diagnosis
- Urinalysis: Detects blood, pH, crystals, bacteria
- Urine culture: Identifies the exact bacteria for targeted antibiotics
- Bloodwork: Evaluates kidney function if infection spreads
- Imaging: To rule out stones or obstructions
Treatment
- Antibiotics: Prescribed based on culture results
- Pain relief: NSAIDs or other medications for comfort
- Increased hydration: Encouraging water intake helps flush bacteria
- Dietary adjustments: Special diets to discourage crystal formation
Section 2: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
What It Is
An umbrella term for disorders affecting the bladder and urethra in cats.
Common Conditions Under FLUTD
- Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) – bladder inflammation with no identifiable cause
- Urolithiasis (Bladder Stones) – stones blocking or irritating the bladder
- Urethral Obstruction – often seen in male cats; life-threatening emergency
- Bacterial Infections – less common in cats than dogs
- Urethral plugs – blockages formed by mucus and crystals
Symptoms
- Frequent trips to the litter box with little urine produced
- Straining or crying during urination
- Blood in urine
- Licking the genital area excessively
- Restlessness or hiding
- Complete inability to urinate (medical emergency)
Diagnosis
- Urinalysis: Detects crystals, pH imbalance, blood
- Urine culture: Determines if infection is present
- Imaging: X-rays and ultrasound to detect stones or blockages
- Blood tests: Evaluate kidney function in severe cases
Treatment
- Obstruction management: Emergency catheterization to clear the urethra
- Fluid therapy: To flush toxins and rehydrate
- Dietary management: Prescription diets that dissolve stones or reduce recurrence
- Stress management: Environmental enrichment, pheromone diffusers, or anti-anxiety support
- Medications: Pain relievers, antispasmodics, or antibiotics if infection confirmed
Techniques of an Experienced Veterinarian
At SOAH, Dr. Pascetta uses:
- In-house urinalysis machines for immediate results
- Digital radiology & ultrasound to detect stones and blockages
- Urine cultures for accurate antibiotic selection
- Catheterization & surgery when obstructions or stones threaten survival
- Long-term management plans including prescription diets and stress-reduction for cats prone to FLUTD
Example Case
Case: Milo the Cat
Milo’s owners noticed he was straining in the litter box, producing only drops of bloody urine. Dr. Pascetta diagnosed urethral obstruction due to crystals, a life-threatening emergency. Milo was catheterized, hospitalized, placed on fluids, and transitioned to a prescription urinary diet. Today, he is thriving, with routine monitoring preventing recurrence.
Timeline
- Day 1: Symptoms (straining, bloody urine) → Vet exam + urinalysis
- Day 2: Imaging confirms stones/blockage → Hospitalization/catheterization
- Week 1–2: Recovery + dietary adjustments
- Month 1–3: Recheck exams, monitoring hydration and diet compliance
- Long-term: Stress/environment management, annual urinalysis, diet continuation
What-If Scenarios
- What if UTI is untreated?
→ Can progress to kidney infection (pyelonephritis), sepsis, or chronic damage. - What if FLUTD obstruction is untreated?
→ Leads to kidney failure and death within 24–48 hours. - What if my pet refuses special diets?
→ Crystals/stones likely recur; alternatives can be discussed with the vet. - What if stress is the trigger (FIC)?
→ Environmental enrichment (toys, hiding spots, litter box access) becomes critical for management.
Most Common Issues in Dogs & Cats
- Dogs: Bacterial UTIs, bladder stones, recurrent infections from endocrine disease (e.g., diabetes).
- Cats: FLUTD, FIC, crystals, and male cat obstructions.
- All pets: Kidney involvement if infection spreads untreated.
Generational Relevance
- Older pet owners (Boomers/Gen X): Focus on longevity and preventing painful recurrences.
- Millennials: Prioritize convenience and preventative diets; want stress-free home solutions.
- Gen Z: Expect mobile apps for prescription diets and direct communication with the veterinary team.
Service Area
📍 Southern Ocean Animal Hospital
319 E Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
Serving families across:
- Ocean County towns: Tuckerton, Manahawkin, Little Egg Harbor, Barnegat, Stafford, Waretown, Forked River, Bayville, Toms River, Brick, Point Pleasant.
- LBI communities: Beach Haven, Surf City, Ship Bottom, Long Beach Township, Eagleswood.
- Atlantic County: Galloway, Absecon, Brigantine, Atlantic City.
- Burlington County: New Gretna, Bass River.
Pet owners travel 30–60+ minutes because of SOAH’s trusted reputation in diagnosing and treating urinary disorders.
Ready For An Appointment?
If your pet is straining, urinating frequently, crying in pain, or has blood in their urine—don’t wait. These symptoms may point to a UTI or FLUTD, both of which can become emergencies quickly.
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, and his team offer expert diagnosis, immediate relief, and long-term prevention strategies, utilizing advanced laboratory equipment and compassionate care.
📞 Call today to schedule an appointment—early action can save your pet’s life.