My cat has urinary blockage. Is another catheter with anesthesia safe?

A urinary blockag, or urtheral obstruction, is a problem almost exclusively reserved for male cats. Compared to female cats, males have a much thinner and narrower urethra - the tube that drains urine from the bladder through the penis (in male cats). This predisposes the urethra to blockages when plugs of inflammatory material (such as white blood cells and mucus), as well as crystals or small bladder stones, become lodged in the urethra preventing the passage of urine. When the urethra is blocked and the cat has filled its bladder to capacity, the kidneys will stop producing more urine because there is no where for it to go. With "kidney shut down" the body is no longer able to remove toxins from the blood or maintain proper fluid balances and electrolytes. The leads to kidney failure and eventually death of the cat. Urinary blockages must be treated aggressively in order for the cat to survive. Typically, a catheter is passed into the bladder, through the urethra, in order to flush out the urinary blockage or force the plug back into the bladder. Then the cat's bladder is drained and flushed through the catheter. Cats with urinary blockages are hospitatlized for up to 72+ hours to receive intravenous fluids, pain medications, and medications to reduce inflammation and address infection. Prognosis is very good for cats that are treated appropriately and in a timely manner, but treatment can be expensive, especially for cats that have already gone into kidney failure. If you cannot afford the cost of emergency care or the cat is already moribund, then euthanasia may be the kindest option.

If he is blocked, he cannot wait until tomorrow. A urinary blockage is a veterinary emergency and requires immediate treatment. Left untreated, toxins will build up in his blood threatening his life. Do whatever you can to have Precious examined and unblocked tonight. Go to the nearest veterinary ER. There is nothing you can do at home to help him.

Hello. Yes, unfortunately. Grunting and straining indicate that he is having difficulty passing urine. There may still be significant inflammation or he could reblock. In this situation, it may be time to consider surgery. If he blocks repeatedly, a surgery called a perineal urethrostomy can be performed. If your veterinarian does not perform this procedure, they may have to refer you to another surgeon that does. Make sure he is able to pass urine every time he tries, but if he continues to grunt, he should be rechecked.

The two main things to prevent the formation of a blockage in a male cat are prescription urinary diet, a supplement called Cystophan and generally reduce any stress factors that might affect your cat.

Poor Atticus! Urinary blockage effects a cat's entire system and can make them feel very poorly. When the catheter is removed there is usually a fair bit of inflammation due to the catheter having been in place. If he is producing urine, that is a good sign. You want to see him continue and start to produce more and more. If he appears to get duller or stop urinating take him back to the vet. I hope this helps!

Poor Felix, treatment of urinary obstruction will vary based on the doctor that is treating the patient. Is it possible that Felix maybe received pain mediation while he was in the hospital? Also some doctors do use steroids to decrease inflammation and he might of receive that in the hospital as well. IT is never wrong to contact your vet to specifically ask him about having pain medication at home incase Felix is acting painful. I hope that helps

Yes, this can be normal. Urinary blockage effects a cat's entire system and can make them feel very poorly. When the catheter is removed there is usually a fair bit of inflammation due to the catheter having been in place. The fact that he is producing urine is a good sign. You want to see him continue and start to produce more and more. If he appears to get duller or stop urinating take him back to the vet.