Urinary tract blockage in cats

Your cat's urinary system has a big job to do. The kidneys work to maintain healthy blood and eliminate toxins from it and the bladder is a storage tank for wastes. As this membranous sac becomes full, urine is passed out of the body through the urethra.

Urine is the way the body gets rid of waste products, toxins, and other substances. Since the excretion of wastes from the kidneys through the bladder to the outside of the body is necessary for life, problems with the urinary tract system can be serious, especially if they prevent urine from leaving the body. Inflammation and infection can prevent a cat's urinary system from functioning correctly, and, in some animals, can lead to a life-threatening blockage of the urethra.

Cat urinary tract blockage symptoms

This occurs when mucous, along with minute crystals build up to plug a cat's urethra, the narrow passageway through which urine exits the body. Because a female cat's urethra is relatively wide, blockage is more frequently seen in males. A cat suffering from urinary tract blockage will squat, strain or cry out in pain in an attempt to pass a little blood-tinged urine or, in some instances, none at all.  They often make frequent trips to the litter box and produce very small amounts of urine.  The bladder may be extremely distended and the abdomen may be very painful to the touch. If left untreated, the bladder can even rupture.  Cats with urinary blockages will eventually become very lethargic and listless as time goes on because of extremely altered levels of electrolytes, especially potassium. Should your pet exhibit any of these signs, medical attention is vital - an animal can die within 2 days if unable to pass urine.

Tests and treatments for cat urinary tract blockage

To help determine the extent of the problem, your pet's doctor may do a battery of tests on your pet's urine and blood.  Cas with urinary blockage have dangerously altered electrolytes and they will need to be monitored. Radiographs or ultrasound examinations may be necessary to detect the presence of stones. Antibiotics may be prescribed. If your cat's urinary tract has become blocked, your veterinarian will empty the bladder immediately. If your pet has become dehydrated, treatment can also include intravenous therapy. Careful monitoring may be required to help prevent blockage from reoccurring in your cat's urinary tract. Cats who have recurrent problems with urinary tract blockages may need corrective surgery. Your veterinarian may also recommend a special diet formulated to produce urine with a slightly acidic pH level, if your cat has certain varieties of stones. If the pH of your cat's urine is too acidic or too alkaline, it will promote the formation of crystals and stones.  To help prevent stone and crystal formation, experts recommend that you make sure that your pet is drinking enough water. Water consumption can be increased by switching your cat to wet food, adding water to their dry food, or introducing a cat water fountain to encourage drinking.  Cats who have been blocked will require a day or two of hospitalization for monitoring and fluid therapy.

Urinary tract bockage tends to occur more frequently in overweight animals - yet another good reason to ask your veterinarian for a sensible weight loss program if your cat is obese.