The short-term clinical efficacy of amitriptyline in the management of idiopathic feline lower urinary tract disease: a controlled clinical study

In a controlled study, the effects of amitriptyline compared with that of a placebo in cats suffering from idiopathic Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) have been investigated. Thirty-six animals were selected by veterinary practitioners and treated with a placebo or 10mg amitriptyline once daily. All animals received concomitant antibiotic treatment. A total of 24 cats were included in the final assessment of the results. The severity of symptoms before and after treatment were compared between groups and showed no significant difference. Results indicated that the 7-day course of 10mg amitriptyline was not effective in the treatment of idiopathic FLUTD. Thus, it is considered not to be beneficial as a short-term therapy where the therapeutic results depend on peripheral effects of the drug. Long-term effects may be expected 4 or more weeks after the start of therapy and need to be further investigated.