Urethral obstruction is a life-threatening condition of male cats.  Risk factors include stress, obesity, decreased activity and dry food diets. The condition is most common in middle-aged (1 - 7- year-old) male cats.

Obstruction can be preceded by signs of lower urinary tract disease.  This  includes signs of bladder discomfort such as making frequent trips to the litter box, spending long periods of time in the litter box  and producing little or no urine,  or crying out in pain. With complete obstructions, systemic signs associated with the accumulation of toxins become apparent and may include anorexia, rapid breathing and vomiting.

Urethral obstruction occurs when a cat cannot pass urine. This may be a result of a physical obstruction such as a mucus plug, a urolith (urethral stone), a stricture, or a functional obstruction such as a urethral spasm or edema (swelling). Urethral obstruction is a true medical emergency and requires immediate attention. It can produce severe electrolyte disturbances and cardiovascular signs in addition to uremia. 

If the obstruction is not relieved, the cat will eventually lose consciousness and die in as little as 24-48 hours.

The initial diagnosis of obstruction is based on the clinical finding of a markedly distended bladder in a cat that has been straining to urinate. An obstructed cat must be quickly evaluated and sedated in order to have a urinary catheter passed and the bladder emptied.  At the same time an IV catheter will be placed so that the cat can be rehydrated, the electrolyte imbalance corrected and pain controlled. The diagnostic and treatment plans are customized for each patient, but may include some or all of the following:

• Anesthesia and pain medication

• Catheterization to relieve obstruction

• Intravenous fluids

• Indwelling catheter until spontaneous urination is observed

• Oral medications

• Urinalysis

• Radiographs

• Blood tests to evaluate status of kidneys and electrolytes

• Hospitalization and intensive monitoring for 1 to 6 days

Between 30 and 50 % of obstructed cats will have recurrences of obstruction or clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease. The following management strategies will help reduces the rate of recurrence:

1. Feed canned food.  It is 75% water and a good source of water for your cat. It will also help with weight loss.

2. Make sure each cat has a litter box that is cleaned daily.

3. Environmental enrichment

For more information on how to keep your indoor cat happy and healthy, visit Max's House.

When your cat goes home, it is important to watch for signs of obstruction:

• Monitor for urination closely over the next 2 weeks. 

• Clean the litter box at least once daily to check for urine.

• Watch for the following signs: straining to urinate without any production, vocalizing while straining, vomiting, or extreme lethargy.

Urethral obstruction is a treatable condition if treatment is initiated early.  If you notice any of the signs, immediately call The Cat Clinic at 377-2287 or, if after hours, OSU Small Animal Emergency at 744-7000.