This paper describes the results of a retrospective study performed on 385 cats with feline lower urinary tract disease. The study was conducted to obtain epidemiological data and to evaluate clinical symptoms and the results of laboratory tests in a population of Polish cats with symptoms of lower urinary tract disease. The analysed population comprised feline patients of the veterinary clinic at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn who had not been treated prior to admission. Medical history was obtained for all patients. Urine samples were collected mostly, but not solely, by cystocentesis. Feline idiopathic cystitis was diagnosed in most cats (60.7%), while urinary tract infections were noted in only 7.8% of patients. Urethral obstruction caused by mucus plugs was observed in 17.4% of animals. Urolithiasis was observed in 13% of cats, 5% of whom were also diagnosed with urinary tract infections. Hyperplastic changes were identified in only 1% of the studied population. In 59% of cats, feline lower urinary tract disease was accompanied by urethral obstruction. Cats with feline idiopathic cystitis were the youngest animals in the analysed population, and the risk of urinary tract infections and neoplasia increased with age. Our results, obtained over a period of six years in a Polish feline population, show that sex, neutering, age, living conditions and diet influence the type of urinary tract disease, data which are consistent with those obtained in other countries.

ABSTRACT:A 7-year-old female, German Shepherd with urinary and faecal voiding difficulties was admitted to the clinic. The patient was subjected to neurological, ultrasonographic and radiological examinations as well as blood and urine tests. Based on clinical observations and test results, the dog was diagnosed with detrusorurethral dyssynergia. The prescribed pharmacological treatment consisted of alpha adrenergic receptor antagonists and skeletal muscle relaxants. The patient was catheterised daily, and Foley's catheter was temporarily inserted. Pharmacological treatment was not effective, however, and the patient was subjected to an MRI examination of the lumbosacral spine which revealed L6-L7 dyscopathy. The dog was then subjected to percutaneous laser disc decompression. Pharmacological treatment was continued, and the catheter was left in place after surgery. Active urination was restored four days after surgery despite the presence of the catheter. The catheter was subsequently removed, and pharmacological treatment was gradually discontinued. The symptoms of dyssynergia subsided completely.