What clinical sign defining urinary distress in a cat with FIC is characterized by straining to urinate?
Answer
Stranguria
Stranguria is the specific term used to describe the painful and difficult act of straining while attempting to pass urine. This symptom arises because the bladder wall is intensely inflamed and thickened, causing significant discomfort during voiding, or due to muscle spasms in the urethra associated with the severe pain of the cystitis. This straining behavior often leads owners to mistakenly believe the cat is constipated or unable to urinate altogether, highlighting the severity of the discomfort experienced by the animal.
Related Questions
Why is Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) classified as a sterile disease by veterinarians?What clinical sign defining urinary distress in a cat with FIC is characterized by straining to urinate?What protective layer lining the bladder wall is often found to be patchy or deficient in cats suffering from FIC?Which life-threatening complication of FIC is seen almost exclusively in male cats due to anatomical differences?What diagnostic step is essential to confirm FIC, given it is considered a diagnosis of exclusion?Which interconnected syndrome suggests that FIC involves abnormalities across multiple organ systems, particularly the nervous system?Which class of medication is prioritized during an active, non-obstructive FIC flare to manage the cat’s discomfort?What comprehensive strategy is the most impactful approach for reducing the frequency of future FIC episodes?What key dietary adjustment is emphasized as a cornerstone for chronic FIC management related to hydration?What specific numerical guideline regarding litter box quantity is advised for creating a cat-friendly habitat for FIC-prone cats?