Abstract
Chew DJ, Buffington CAT, et al (1998) Amitriptyline treatment for severe recurrent idiopathic cystitis in cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
This prospective study of 15 cats that had failed to respond to other therapies, was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of amitriptyline in the treatment of severe recurrent idiopathic cystitis (IC) in cats. Each cat was treated with 10 mg of amitriptyline orally, daily (in the evening) for 12 months, or until clinical signs recurred. Initial evaluation included urinalysis (including culture), CBC, serum biochemistry, and cystoscopy were performed. Investigations were repeated after 6 and 12 months in responders. Owner-observed signs of lower urinary tract disease were scored according to severity. Four cats developed small cystic calculi during the first 6 months of the study 11 of the 15 cats had no observed signs of lower urinary tract disease during the first 6 months of therapy, and in the second six months 9 of 15 cats remained free of signs. Cystoscopic abnormalities persisted in all cats at 6 and 12 months despite improvement in clinical signs. Haematuria and proteinuria were lower at 12-months in comparison to the start of the study. Of the 9 cats that completed the study, in comparison to initial evaluation 7 had increased body weight and 8 had decreased coat quality. Serum biochemical or hematological abnormalities were not detected during the study. Amitriptyline therapy was successful in controlling clinical signs of severe recurrent IC in 9 of 15 cats treated. Somnolence, weight gain, decreased grooming, and transient cystic calculi were observed during treatment in some cats.