Attention cat owners‼️
Did you know that one of the most common problems seen in male cats is urethral obstruction? The urethra is part of the pathway in a cat’s body to eliminate urine therefore its blockage prevents the urine from exiting the urinary bladder. Male cats are more frequently seen with this problem due to their narrow urethra. The blockage of this pathway may be caused by the following:
1. Calculi or stones produced in the body
2. Urethral plug (can be formed from different materials such as mucus, crystals, blood or inflammatory cells)
3. Neoplasia or tumor
Symptoms of a blocked cat that animal owners should watch out for
1. Less frequent urination
2. Cat going in and out of the litterbox with little or no urine produced
3. Restlessness, crying or vocalizing when trying to pee
4. Licking genitals
5. Inappetence, lethargy
6. Vomiting
Cat owners should have their cats seen by the emergency veterinarians if any of these symptoms are seen, as prolonged blockage or prevention of urine from come out of the body can potentially lead to life-threatening complications such as:
1. Urinary bladder rupture – with urine leaking into the abdomen
2. Kidney failure
3. Death in severe cases
In the emergency hospital 🏥 veterinarians will
1. Unblock your cat and place a urinary catheter
2. Perform blood tests to evaluate your cat’s kidneys and other vital factors such as electrolytes
3. Imaging the urinary tract with X-ray and ultrasound
4. Hospitalize your cat needed
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, please visit Harvest Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital.
