FLUTD includes urinary blockages in male cats.
Urinary blockages in cats are part of the syndrome known as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). Previously known as feline urologic syndrome, or FUS, FLUTD can affect any cat. Feline lower urinary tract disease includes a number of different diseases of the feline urinary tract, with urinary blockages or obstructions being the most serious of these diseases.
Urinary tract blockage and obstruction in cats
Urinary tract obstructions in cats usually occur at the level of the urethra, the part of the urinary tract which passes from the bladder to the outside of the body. These urethral blockages usually involve crystals, small stones or other cellular debris from the urinary bladder which become lodged in the feline urethra causing a blockage.
Urethral obstructions almost always involve male cats. Anatomical differences between the male and female feline urethra are the reason that female cats very rarely suffer from urethral obstructions. The urethra in the male cat is much narrower than the urethra in the female cat and thus more likely to become blocked.
Symptoms of urethral blockage in male cats
Urethral obstructions in male cats are an emergency situation. Because of the inability of these cats to urinate, toxic waste products normally filtered in the urine begin to "back up" into the blood stream, causing a toxicity that can rapidly become fatal. In very simple terms, these cats end up poisoning themselves with their own body wastes because they cannot get rid of them by urinating. Urethral obstructions in cats can be fatal within a matter of hours, so seeking medical attention quickly is essential to the survival of an obstructed cat.
Symptoms observed with urinary obstructions in cats include:
- straining repeatedly to urinate with no urine being produced
- crying when attempting to urinate
- a painful abdomen
- lethargy
- irritability
- lack of appetite
- vomiting
Treatment for urethral obstructions in male cats
Diagnosing a urethral obstruction is usally fairly straight forward, based on palpation of a large firm bladder within the cat's abdomen. However, additional blood and urine testing and radiographs (xrays) of the abdomen may be recommended by the veterinarian to determine how much damage has already been suffered and whether there are stones remaining in the urinary bladder.
The treatment for a urethral blockage in a male cat requires dislodging the blockage and placing a catheter through the penis and into the bladder. Depending on the severity of blockage and the physical condition of the cat, the catheter may need to be left in place after the procedure to facilitate urination until any urethral swelling and inflammation resolves.
In many cases, supportive treatment with intravenous fluids is necessary to combat the toxicity resulting from the urinary obstruction.
After the initial treatment and stabilization of the cat, the veterinarian may recommend a special diet to help dissolve any crystals or stones still present. Alternatively, some veterinarians may advise surgical removal of any stones visible within the urinary bladder. Antibiotics may be necessary if there is a urinary tract infection detected. Antibiotics are sometimes also used to protect against ascending infections resulting from a urinary catheter being in place.
Urinary tract obstructions in cats usally involve the urethra of male cats and male cats suffering from a urethral blockage may die if medical treatment is not sought quickly and early in the process of the disease. Cat owners who witness their male cats straining inside of or outside of the litter are best advised to have the cat examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
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The copyright of the article Pet health 101: Urinary blockage in cats is owned by Lorie Huston. Permission to republish Pet health 101: Urinary blockage in cats in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Photo Credit: Flickr.com/vmiramontes
Comments
Excellent and VERY important article! My male Siamese had a urinary blockage that nearly killed him. Cats hide their illness so well, and it's very important to notice the signs before it's too late. Thank goodness our kitty finally showed his pain and we were able to get him treated. It was expensive, but they were able to treat the blockage and also the resulting blood infection.
Just recently my 2yr old male cat passed away do to a unseen blockage. He didn't show any signs until it was to late. He died on the way to the vets office. People need to be made aware of how fatal a blockage really is. For people like me with multiple cats in one household scheduled feeding and one on one time with each cat everyday can help you detect the warning signs. In Loving Memory...Leon...2007-2009
I just came back from the Emergency Room at the Animal Hospital. My cat was fine yesterday but today was acting lethargic, wouldn't eat, wouldn't chase the laser beam like he normally does. I rushed him to the E.R. not knowing what the problem was. The vet immediately figured out that his bladder was full and he was blocked. He rushed him to treatment to give him I.V fluids and sedation. He will be there overnight. I had no idea the seriousness of urinary blockages. The vet said it can be fatal and cause heart arrythmia if not treated right away. To "Multi Cat Owner", I am sorry about Leon. He is resting in peace and you will be with him again in Heaven :)
My 6-7 year old Russian Blue altered male was similarly treated for crystals. The doc recommended a specific Urinary Tract Care for his condition that is NOT recommended for UT stone formation. BUT Purina Urinary Tract Formula makes only ONE UT recipe and it doesn't indicate which one it applies to. My affected cat eats it but an unaffected cat throws it up and it stains the carpet terribly. I tried Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover brand but aside from cranberry and blueberry, what is there in it to protect my at risk little boy?
BOTH my cats have suffered and have spent over four thousand on vet bills! I am convinced that this condition and blockage is not only caused by diet (too much grain and toxic chemicals in most petfood) but serious lack of water. My cats rarely drank water and since I fed dry food, they were probably always dehydrated. I figured this out on my own, rather then do the subcutaneous fluid (injecting water under skin) I now orally squirt about 5 cc (medium syringe full) twice a day to each cat. I also have been giving them 150mg glucosamine, which may help. Since been doing this, cats are fine, no more expensive vet bills.
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