A urinary tract obstruction, or blockage, is a common medical emergency in cats--especially males. If your cat is exhibiting symptoms of a urinary tract blockage--a life-threatening condition--he should be seen immediately by a veterinarian or taken to an emergency veterinary clinic.
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Cause
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A urinary tract obstruction occurs when the cat is unable to pass urine. This happens due to small crystals lodging in the urethra and blocking the flow.
Symptoms
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The cat will frequent the litter box. He will strain but will not produce urine. He will be in pain and may be vocal.
Abdomen
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You can gently feel your cat's abdomen. If he is suffering from a urinary blockage, you will be able to feel his bladder, which will be about the size of a tennis ball.
Poisoning
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As the condition worsens, the cat will suffer uremic poisoning. He will become depressed, begin vomiting, dehydrate and lose his appetite. Within 24 hours he will fall into a coma.
Prognosis
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If the condition is caught and treated in time, most cats will recover. Treatment ranges from changes in diet to surgery. Cats who have a urinary blockage should be monitored for recurrence of the condition.
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