Urinary blockage may affect cats and may be caused by an underlying condition or a growth that blocks the passage of the urine. The condition is severe and may be fatal, so you need to recognize the symptoms and act in a timely manner.
Symptoms of Urinary Blockage
The most obvious symptom of urinary blockage in felines is the lack of urine for over 24 hours. You must be familiar with the urination habits of your pet and if you see that your cat is not using the litter box for over 24 hours, you should suspect something is wrong.
There may also be additional symptoms such as:
- The cat is straining to urinate; he may try several times to use the litter box, but cannot eliminate the urine
- He may be very vocal
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Dehydration
- Hiding behavior
The blockage may be partial, case in which the cat may eliminate some urine; however, the urine will be in smaller quantities and may also contain blood.
If the cat has failed to eliminate for several days, the toxins in the urine may be dangerous and he may present some symptoms such as:
- Jaundice
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Drooling
- Sudden collapse
Causes of Urinary Blockage
Urinary blockage is most commonly caused by the presence of kidney stones or bladder stones. These may block the way of the urine and the cat won’t be able to eliminate the urine.
Other possible causes of urinary blockage may include:
- Polyps
- Cysts in the urinary tract
- Urinary tract infections that cause severe swelling
- The presence of a tumor in the urinary tract that blocks the tract
Treatment for Urinary Blockage
Urinary blockage is a severe condition in cats and should receive immediate veterinary attention. The stone/ growth that blocks the urinary tract should be removed immediately, as otherwise the urine can remain in the cat’s system and cause complications such as toxicity.
The cat will need to get some radiographs to see where the growth is and then surgery should be scheduled. The surgery is necessary, as the cat needs to eliminate the urine in the system. However, prior to the surgery, the urinary bladder will be emptied.
The surgery may be simple or more complicated, depending on the location of the stone or growth that blocks the passage of the urine. The cat will have to remain under surveillance at the clinic for several days.
Preventing Urinary Blockage
Urinary blockage may be prevented in some cases with a balanced diet that won’t facilitate the formation of kidney or bladder stones. If you cat is prone to kidney or bladder stones, you should consult your vet to adjust the pet’s diet so that the stones will be less likely to occur.
You should also monitor the litter box and make sure your pet eliminates on a regular basis.