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→Using Fluorescein to Identify Cats Responsible for Urine Marking or Elimination
* Fluorescein is available as large sterile paper strips, for ophthalmic examination. These contain approximately 9 mg of fluorescein per tip, but this should be checked with the manufacturer.
* Fluorescein is available as large sterile paper strips, for ophthalmic examination. These contain approximately 9 mg of fluorescein per tip, but this should be checked with the manufacturer.
* The tips should be torn off and rolled to fit into gelatine capsules, giving approximately 6 per capsule (54mg).
* The dye containing tips of six test strips are torn off and either rolled to fit into gelatine capsules, or chopped up and mixed with food.
* This dose is given once daily for 3-4 days.
* This dose is given once daily for 1-3 days, depending on results.
* Urine sites are checked daily.
* Urine sites are checked daily for fluorescence with a UV lamp (now cheaply available for checking of paper currency).
* If necessary, lightly spray each site with a solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking powder), mixed in water (1 tablespoonful in 125ml water).
* If necessary, each site is lightly sprayed with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking powder; approximately 1 tablespoonful in 125ml water).
* Leave 3 to 5 days between testing successive cats, to allow all of the dye to be excreted.
* Leave 3 to 5 days between cats, to allow all of the dye to be excreted.
Although fluorescein is water-soluble and can usually be removed with normal cleaning, it can leave stains on light coloured fabric, carpets or wall paper.
Although fluorescein is water-soluble and can usually be removed with normal cleaning, it can leave yellow stains on light coloured fabric, leather, carpets or wall paper.
Owners must be warned of this, because considerable damage can result. In addition, it is best to start by dosing those cats which are believed least likely to be responsible for the urine deposits. Using this method it is possible to make an identification based on exclusion, and therefore avoid any dye contamination of the owner's home.
Owners must be warned of this, because considerable damage can result. In addition, it is best to start by dosing those cats which are believed least likely to be responsible for the urine deposits. Using this method it is possible to make an identification based on exclusion, and therefore avoid any dye contamination of the owner's home.