Feline Urethral Obstruction
What is urethral obstruction?
The urethra is the tube leading from the bladder out. Urethral obstruction means that your pet can not urinate because his/her urethra is blocked. This blockage is usually due to stones, inflammatory debris (especially in cats) or tumors. Inflammation of the bladder can cause cellular debris to form within the bladder. This debris can organize into small groups of material which can cause an obstruction – this is the most common form of blockage in the male cat.
Urinary obstruction is most common in male dogs and cats since their urethra is longer and smaller. As the stones or groups of debris move through the urethra they are at risk of getting stuck in certain narrow spots. In cats, this disease tends to occur more in younger animals.
What are the clinical signs?
• Straining to urinate
• Producing only small amounts of urine or no urine after trying
• Frequent trips in and out of the litter box/yard
• Agitation and/or vocalizing
In severe cases there can be weakness, collapse, or coma due to secondary changes in the electrolyte and fluid balance in the body
How do you diagnose urethral obstruction?
In many cases a physical exam by a doctor will reveal a large, distended bladder.
The doctor will not be able to express any urine from the bladder.
Bloodwork will check for electrolyte abnormalities, evaluate kidney function, and blood acid/base balance.
A urine test will look for stones or evidence of infection/inflammation.
An ECG (electrocardiogram – measures the heart rate and rhythm) may be necessary since electrolyte abnormalities can cause changes in heart rhythm.
How do you treat urethral obstruction?
This disease can be life threatening and requires immediate treatment.
Most animals need to be sedated and a urinary catheter will be passed to unblock the urethra. The bladder will be flushed and emptied if it is possible to pass a catheter. If it is not possible to pass a catheter alternative ways of emptying the bladder (cystocentesis or surgery) are needed.
The urinary catheter may need to be left in for 1-3 days. Once it is pulled the cat will be monitored for urine production.
Other treatment includes IV fluids, monitoring kidney values and electrolytes, and treating any other concurrent illnesses.
The pet may need multiple days in the hospital to stabilize them.
Prognosis
Some cats can reobstruct – approximately 40-50%.
Cats with multiple obstructions may need surgery (penile urethrostomy) to prevent future urethral obstructions.
Depending on the underlying cause a diet change may help decrease the chance of recurrence.
The prognosis for obstructed cats can very from good to grave depending on the presence or absence of electrolyte abnormalities, changes in the ECG, and kidney failure.
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