Dr. Joel Todd Leroy Prince is a board-certified small animal veterinarian. Serving Napierville, Illinois at the Springbrook Animal Care Center, Dr. Joel Todd Leroy Prince has treated hundreds of cats and other small animals.

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a condition that affects the bladder and/or urethra of cats. Affected cats generally exhibit signs such as difficulty and pain when urinating, an increased frequency of urination, and blood in the urine. Owners of cats suffering from this condition usually notice their cat licking its privates very often.

The condition prevents the bladder from emptying correctly and may even cause fatal blockage of the urethra in extreme cases. Other symptoms associated with this condition include urinating outside the litter box, behavioral changes, urinary stones, and blockage of the urethra. The condition affects around 1-3 percent of cats and, due to the diverse nature of its causes, can affect cats of any age, breed, and gender.

To reduce the occurrence of the condition, cat owners should ensure that they keep the litter box clean, feed their cats small meals and provide fresh water at all times.

Dr. Joel Todd Leroy Prince earned his doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Illinois. Prior to enrolling in the school’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Joel Todd Leroy Prince majored in animal science at Iowa State. He currently serves as a partner at Elmhurst Animal Care Center.

Whether you are preparing yourself for your first pet or have just moved to a new town, finding the right veterinarian can be an intimidating process. Begin by defining the qualities you would like to see in your vet. This can include attributes that range from the doctor's personality to the office's location. Next, visit www.healthypet.com and browse through nearby veterinarian offices that have been accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). These offices have been screened for quality of care, staff, equipment, and facilities. It can also be helpful to talk to friends and families with animals and ask where they go.

When visiting a veterinarian office for the first time, individuals should observe the cleanliness of the office and monitor the interactions between staff members and animals. Pet owners should ask their potential veterinarian a few questions during the first visit, such as how overnight stays are handled and what kinds of specialists are on staff. If an accredited office appears clean and features a friendly staff, you may have found the right place.