Feline idiopathic cystitis: what to suggest

Abstract

This paper reviews the available evidence for the treatments for feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). The true pathophysiology of FIC can vary between patients, and includes intrinsic abnormalities, increased sensitivity to stressors, reduced nerve sensitivity or an abnormal sympathoneural outflow. Current treatment for FIC involves a variety of medications including analgesia, antibiotics, nutraceuticals, antispasmodics, environmental modification and diet alteration. Environmental changes have been shown to reduce the occurrence of symptoms; however, the trials indicating this were uncontrolled because of the number of changing variables. Evidence for the use of medications is lacking, identifying the need for further research in this area.