A prospective randomized study of efficacy of 2 treatment protocols in preventing recurrence of clinical signs in 51 male cats with obstructive idiopathic cystitis. (10th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nivy, Ran; Segev, Gilad; Rimer, Dar; Bruchim, Yaron; Aroch, Itamar; Mazaki‐Tovi, Michal
• Is Part Of: Journal of veterinary internal medicine. Volume 33:Number 5(2019)
• Page Start: 2117
• Page End: 2123
• Publication Date: 2019-08-10
• Subjects: diet -- heart rate -- hyperkalemia -- meloxicam -- urinary obstruction; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636.0896
• DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15594
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-6640

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Urethral obstruction (UO) is a common complication of feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). Robust treatment recommendations to prevent its recurrence are scarce. Objectives: To evaluate meloxicam treatment for prevention of clinical recrudescence in male cats with obstructive FIC. Animals: Fifty‐one client‐owned cats. Methods: Prospective, randomized clinical trial. Every male cat with FIC‐associated UO was deemed eligible for the study and was recruited during hospitalization. After discharge, cats were treated with phenoxybenzamine and alprazolam for 2 weeks, with (24 cats) or without (27 cats) low‐dose meloxicam (0.025 mg/kg/day PO) and monitored for 6 months. Results: Cumulative number (%) of cats with recurrent UO at 10 days, 1‐, 2‐, and 6‐months after discharge was 1 (2%), 2 (4%), 4 (8%), and 8 (16%), respectively. Overall, 12 (24%) cats experienced signs of recurrent FIC within 6 months, with (8 cats) or without (4 cats) concurrent UO. No difference in the cumulative incidence of UO within 6 months was detected with addition of meloxicam (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.63 [0.13‐2.97]; P = .70). All cats were alive at 6 months. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: No clinical benefit was detected with the addition of low‐dose meloxicam to phenoxybenzamine and alprazolam treatment for 2 weeks after discharge. Nevertheless, this study was underpowered to identify potential differences, and its findings must be corroborated in larger studies.