What causes urinary tract diseases?
Because FLUTD is not really a single disease, there can be a number of factors that cause the condition. Urinary tract irritation may be caused by infections, tumors, urethral plugs, uroliths (a pebble or stone), or crystals in the tract. Feline Urolithiasis refers to the formation of stones or crystals of magnesium and ammonium phosphate, called struvites, that form and accumulate in the cat’s bladder. These crystals can block the flow of urine, especially in male cats. If the flow is completely shut down, waste products usually eliminated thru the urine can accumulate in the body. Kidney failure, coma and death can result.
