Why is Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) classified as a sterile disease by veterinarians?
Answer
No bacteria are found when the urine is cultured.
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis is termed a sterile disease because intensive testing, specifically culturing the urine sample, fails to isolate any pathogenic bacteria. This lack of microbial presence is crucial for diagnosis, as it distinguishes FIC from a typical bacterial Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Because the underlying cause is not infectious but rather related to inflammation resulting from stress or barrier defects, administering antibiotics, which target bacteria, is typically ineffective and unwarranted unless a secondary bacterial infection is subsequently confirmed.
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?