Risk factors exposed for lower urinary tract disease in cats

Lower urinary tract disease is a common ailment in domestic cats. Though many causes of lower urinary disease exist, including crystalluria, with struvite crystals being the most common. A retrospective study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery investigated the correlation between diet, signalment, and clinical factors and the development of struvite crystalluria.

Related: Get our Surgical Insights Guide

In univariate models, several factors were associated with an increased risk of crystalluria. These included increasing age, male sex, obesity, number of dogs/cats in the household, a history of cystitis, and being fed a dry diet. 

On multivariate analysis, age, diet, neuter status, body condition, urine protein concentration, urine pH, presence of pyuria or bacteriuria, or a previous diagnosis of cystitis.  Learn more