Feline idiopathic cystitis is viewed as a common condition in cats. An estimated 250,000-500,000 cats are affected annually in the USA. The cause is most likely to be multifactorial. Repeated episodes of urethral obstruction in male cats can be life threatening, and recent studies indicate the recurrence rate can be 36% to 58%. One proposed both cause and effect of FIC is a defective layer of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer lining the urinary bladder mucosa.
A new formulation of GAGs (A-CYST; Dechra Veterinary Products) has recently come on the market for intravesical administration. The authors proposed in this pilot study that the product could be safely infusion by intravesical administration and the protocol evaluated would lessen the repeat obstructions in client-owned cats that occur in the short term (usually within 5 to 7 days) compared with a placebo group. During this randomized, blinded, and placebo-controlled clinical trial, the drug and protocol were well tolerated with no adverse effects. Three of seven placebo-treated cats developed repeated obstructions during the seven-day follow-up period, none (0) of the nine glycosaminoglycan treated cats developed repeated obstructions. The results of this pilot study suggest that additional investigation into this potential treatment option of FIC is merited. (VLT)