Cats With Urinary Blockage

Why Urinary Blockage Happens

• Urinary blockage happens because the urethra of a cat, especially males, is very narrow. Because the urethra is very narrow it can easily become blocked by a collection of mucus, crystals and bladder stones that clump together. The opening is often partially blocked so that only a few drops of urine can be passed, or in some cases there is a complete blockage.

Signs and Symptoms

• It can be quite difficult to determine if a cat is just experiencing inflammation of the bladder or urethra or if there is a urinary blockage. The most straightforward way to determine if there is a block is to feel the abdomen of the cat. Usually a cat bladder feels soft, sort of like a water balloon. When there is a urinary blockage the bladder will feel very hard and distended, much like a firm peach. If in doubt, take the cat to the veterinarian. A cat with urinary blockage may also experience straining during urination.

Diagnosis of a Urinary Blockage

• A veterinarian will be able to definitively diagnose a urinary blockage. Usually a veterinarian will feel for the bladder and attempt to produce some urine. In many cases the gentle pressure applied by the vet will remove the obstruction, but in other cases this will not be enough. The first order of business will be to check the cat for dehydration and the buildup of toxins, which occurs when urine cannot be passed. A buildup of toxins will usually be evident in vomiting, nausea and appetite loss. The veterinarian will assess the condition of the cat and will treat as necessary.

Treatment of Urinary Blockage

• The treatment of a urinary blockage in cats is done with a urethral catheter. The urethral catheter is placed into the urethral opening and pushes flushing solution into the area, pushing the obstruction back into the bladder where it will naturally dissolve. The procedure is usually quite painful so most cats are sedated.

Hospitalization after Treatment

• Removing a urinary blockage is painful and there are risks associated with sedation as well as the toxins that have been building up in the cat since the blockage began. Additionally, the kidneys may not be functioning correctly after the blockage is removed. The catheter will usually remain sewn into the urethra for several days to keep the urethra from swelling shut. During this time the cat will remain in the hospital, usually on medications to reduce pain and inflammation.

After Discharge

• When the cat is discharged from the hospital it is crucial that the owner follow all veterinary discharge instructions. The cat will usually still be quite sore and medications will need to be given routinely to avoid problems with pain control. Urinary blockage is quite common for the first two weeks after being discharged, so it is important to take note of how much and how often a cat is urinating.