How can you tell if a cat has an urinary obstruction?
A cat with a urethral obstruction will have a large, painful bladder that is easily felt in the back half of the belly unless the bladder has ruptured. Some risk factors have been evaluated for lower urinary tract disease in cats.
Why does a male cat have an obstruction of the urethra?
Male cats can easily develop obstruction of the urethra which is the tube draining urine from the bladder out of the penis. Obstructions are often the result of plugs of inflammatory material, mucus, crystals, small stones (called calculi) that have formed in the kidneys and have passed down into the bladder (see urinary stones ).
What causes a cat to not be able to Pee?
A urinary obstruction occurs when the urethra becomes blocked and urine cannot pass. This may be caused by sediment or crystals in the urine and/or inflammation in the urinary tract. Urinary obstructions are far more common in male cats than in female cats. This is because males have a longer and narrower urethra.
Is there any way to prevent urinary obstruction in cats?
Prevention of urethral blockage depends on the cause of the blockage. If the surgery is performed properly, it is unlikely that cats will develop subsequent urinary obstructions.
Male cats can easily develop obstruction of the urethra which is the tube draining urine from the bladder out of the penis. Obstructions are often the result of plugs of inflammatory material, mucus, crystals, small stones (called calculi) that have formed in the kidneys and have passed down into the bladder (see urinary stones ).
Prevention of urethral blockage depends on the cause of the blockage. If the surgery is performed properly, it is unlikely that cats will develop subsequent urinary obstructions.
A cat with a urethral obstruction will have a large, painful bladder that is easily felt in the back half of the belly unless the bladder has ruptured. Some risk factors have been evaluated for lower urinary tract disease in cats.
Can a neutered male cat have an urinary blockage?
Male cat urinary blockage is extremely common, especially among neutered male cats; therefore, it’s critical for pet parents to know the signs of the condition. The sooner a cat receives proper treatment, the more likely they are to have a healthy recovery.
When to take your cat to the vet for an urinary blockage?
See your veterinarian immediately if your cat is having urinary problems. A urinary blockage occurs when there is an obstruction in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. When this happens it is difficult or impossible for a cat to empty the bladder, making it a life-threatening emergency.
How long does it take for a cat to die from urinary obstruction?
The cat may cry, move restlessly, or hide because of discomfort, and eventually lose their appetite and become lethargic. Complete obstruction can cause death of the cat in 3–6 days. A cat with a urethral obstruction will have a large, painful bladder that is easily felt in the back half of the belly unless the bladder has ruptured.
Can a male cat have an urinary blockage?
Why Blockages Occur. Although both male and female cats can develop urethral obstructions, the urethra is particularly narrow in male cats as it must pass through the penis and this makes male cats more prone to urinary blockage.
What are the risk factors for urinary tract obstruction in cats?
There are several known risk factors for a urinary tract obstruction including urinary tract stones, urinary disease (particularly common in female cats), and prostate disease (in male cats).
What should I do if my cat has an urethral obstruction?
Unfortunately, cats that have had one urethral obstruction, are at risk for recurrence, so preventative measures are needed at home. A prescription urinary diet is often advised to prevent the formation of urinary crystals or stones and to encourage water intake.