Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Foot stimulation and tramadol stop bladder overactivity in cats
By Mally, Abhijith D et al.·Published in The Journal of urology·2012·Department of Urology, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Combination of foot stimulation and tramadol treatment reverses irritation induced bladder overactivity in cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats with bladder irritation were treated with a combination of foot stimulation and tramadol, a pain medication, to see if it could help with their overactive bladders. The cats experienced increased bladder capacity when both treatments were used together, showing significant improvement compared to when they received tramadol alone. This approach not only helped the cats feel more comfortable but also provided lasting relief for over two hours after treatment. This noninvasive method could be a promising option for managing bladder issues in cats.
People also search for: cat bladder problems treatment · tramadol for cat bladder irritation · foot stimulation for cat urinary issues
Abstract
PURPOSE: We determined whether transcutaneous electrical foot stimulation combined with a low dose of tramadol (Sigma-Aldrich®) could completely suppress bladder overactivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Repeat cystometrograms were performed in 18 α-chloralose anesthetized cats by infusing the bladder with saline or 0.25% acetic acid. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (5 Hz) of the cat hind foot at 2 to 4 times the threshold intensity needed to induce observable toe movement was applied to suppress acetic acid induced bladder overactivity. Tramadol (1 to 3 mg/kg intravenously) was administered to enhance foot inhibition. RESULTS: Acetic acid irritated the bladder, induced bladder overactivity and significantly decreased bladder capacity to a mean ± SE of 26% ± 5% of saline control capacity (p <0.01). Without tramadol, foot stimulation at 2 and 4 threshold intensity applied during acetic acid cystometrograms significantly increased bladder capacity to a mean of 47% ± 5% and 62% ± 6% of saline control capacity, respectively (p <0.05). Without foot stimulation, tramadol (1 mg/kg) only slightly changed bladder capacity to a mean of 39% ± 2% of saline control capacity (p >0.05), while 3 mg/kg significantly increased capacity to 85% ± 14% that of control (p <0.05). However, 1 mg/kg tramadol combined with foot stimulation increased bladder capacity to a mean of 71% ± 18% (2 threshold intensity) and 84% ± 14% (4 threshold intensity), respectively, which did not significantly differ from saline control capacity. In addition, long lasting (greater than 1.5 to 2 hours) post-stimulation inhibition was induced by foot stimulation combined with 3 mg/kg tramadol treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a new treatment strategy for overactive bladder by combining foot stimulation with a low dose of tramadol, which is noninvasive and has potentially high efficacy and fewer adverse effects.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23088991/