Recent advancements lead to improved feline healthcare
BRIDGEWATER, NJ; October 6, 2022 ā The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has released the 2022 AAFP Consensus Statement on the Approaches to Urolithiasis Treatment. The Consensus Statement provides patient-centered, research, and experience-supported recommendations for the treatment of cystoliths in cats.
In the past, urolith management was provided by a veterinary surgeon. However, a better understanding of the causes and risk factors of urolith formation, as well as access to therapeutic diets, miniaturization of equipment, and advanced technologies have changed this approach.
Highlights of the Statement include:
- Veterinarians should attempt to predict the urolith composition based on the
individual patient, radiographic results, and urinalysis factors - Dissolution should be attempted before surgical intervention
- Minimally invasive techniques should be recommended prior to open cystotomy
āFeline urolithiasis is a common cause of lower urinary tract signs. Dissolution and minimally invasive procedures remain a cornerstone of management. Some practitioners may struggle to decide when and how to perform dissolution and other minimally invasive treatments. This new Consensus Statement provides clarity in the
management of feline lower urinary stones,ā states the Task Force consisting of Marilyn Dunn, DVM, MVSc, DACVIM; Matthew Koryna, MSc, DVM; and Jody Lulich, DVM, PhD, DACVIM.
The Consensus Statement will discuss:
- How to know if a cat has stones
- Common types of uroliths
- Why urolith composition prediction prior to removal is important
- Best strategy for prediction of urolith composition
- Correct approach to dissolution
- Minimally invasive options to remove bladder uroliths
- Steps to urolith prevention
This Consensus Statement was supported by an educational grant to the AAFP from Hillās Pet Nutrition, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, and Royal Canin. Read the full Statement at catvets.com/urolithiasis.
About the American Association of Feline Practitioners
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) supports its members and improves the health and welfare of cats by supporting high standards of practice, continuing education, and evidence-based medicine. As a trusted leader in the veterinary community, the AAFP has a long-standing reputation and track record for facilitating high standards, including guidelines for practice excellence and educational resources. Over the years, the AAFP has encouraged veterinary professionals to continuously re-evaluate preconceived notions of practice strategies in an effort to advance the quality of feline medicine practiced. Launched in 2012, the Cat Friendly PracticeĀ® (CFP) Program was created to improve the treatment, handling, and overall healthcare provided to cats. Its purpose is to equip veterinary practices, teams, and individuals with the tools and resources to reduce the stress associated with the visit and elevate the standard of care provided to cats. Launched in 2020, the Cat Friendly Certificate Program now provides this education to individual veterinary professionals. Catfriendly.com, or Cat Friendly Homes, is the AAFPās cat caregiver educational resource which is powered by feline veterinarians and includes a monthly newsletter, The Cat Column.