Cat not urinating? Online vet talks about blocked cats and what to do
January 18, 2011
Cat not urinating? Online vet talks about blocked cats and what to do
Urethral obstruction is a condition in which the urethra, the tube that transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, becomes blocked. This condition is one I see regularly in the hospital, and will be fatal if not treated.
“Blocked cats” as they are commonly referred to, happens more often in male cats than females because the male urethra is much more long and narrow than the females. Obese cats are more likely to be affected.
Many conditions can cause a cat to block. Sometimes it is a physical obstruction, such as a urinary stone, urinary crystals, or “sludge.” Other times, physical spasms of the urethra prevent the passage of urine.
Common signs:
The clinical signs seen with blocked cats are classic. Frequent trips to the litter box, crying while urinating, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and as the process progresses, cats will frequently lay down and just meow as if in pain. They may be abnormally aggressive when picked up because of the pain and pressure their bladder is placing on their abdomen.
Further into the disease process, kidney failure may develop, causing lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, inappetance, hypothermia, and death if the obstruction is not relieved in time.
What to do:
If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should ask a vet immediately. It does not take expensive diagnostics for a vet to know what is going on; a simple abdomen palpation will reveal a large distended bladder. The penis may be protruded, bleeding, or purple.
Treatment:
Treatment is different for each cat. Radiographs, ultrasound, or both may be recommended, along with bloodwork. Relieving the obstruction under sedation, and ensuring the patient’s electrolytes and kidney function are stable is of utmost importance. Hospitalization for at least one night, and usually more is almost always needed.
Prognosis and Follow-up:
“If they block once, be prepared for them to block again.” Cats that have a urinary blockage are more likely to re-block. A simple change in diet may prevent a re-blockage, however, cats with frequent recurrence of blockage may be treated with a surgical procedure called perineal urethostomy (PU). This procedure removes the penis (yes, you read correctly) and in so, the narrowest part of the urethra which most often becomes blocked. Feeding wet or moist food also may be indicated as it keeps the urine less concentrated, decreasing the risk of recurrence.
With timely treatment, most cats with survive. The next time your male cat is meowing abnormally , has decreased energy, or trouble urinating, ask a vet right away.
Laci Schaible, DVM is a veterinarian and writer for numerous pet publications. She works in Pennsylvania with her husband Jed, also a veterinarian.
Comments
Recognized by Advertising Age Magazine as top Power 150 news outlet for Advertising and Marketing.
Recognized and listed in Google News. Don't stress, we're Satire
Ad Agency Advertising
