A case of interstitial cystitis and Hunner's ulcer in a domestic shorthaired cat

An 8-year-old spayed, domestic, shorthaired cat was examined with signs of feline urological syndrome which were unresponsive to previous therapy with antibiotics and urinary acidifiers. Biopsy of the bladder revealed signs of cystitis similar to interstitial cystitis in humans. Treatment with sodium pentosan polysulphate resulted in a decreased frequency of urination and resolution of haematuria. This condition may be more widespread in cats than realised, as it is only by bladder biopsy that diagnosis can be made.