Feline Urethral Obstructions  Blocked Tom Cat

Affected Animals:  Male cats are affected most commonly. Dogs can develop urethral obstructions as well.

Information and Overview:  Urine flows out of the bladder through a tube called the urethra. When debris or stones get lodged within this tube, urine builds up and is unable to be released properly. Most often, male cats rather than female cats develop this condition because the male urethra, located within the penis, is narrower than the female urethra and thus is blocked more easily. The longer the blockage remains, the more seriously the condition threatens the cat's health. A complete obstruction of urine flow is a medical emergency that can result in irreversible kidney damage and death. Some symptoms of urethral obstruction may elude owners until the cat is severely ill. Frequent trips to the litter box, urinary accidents, the presence of blood in the urine, and straining to urinate are early signs that the cat is affected by a urinary tract problem. Once a blockage has occurred, the animal will become increasingly sick and may vomit, refuse to eat, and become weak. The examining veterinarian can relieve the obstruction and monitor the cat's condition until the animal is able to urinate freely. Although diagnostic tests may identify an underlying disorder, often it is difficult to determine all of the factors that cause a urethral obstruction. If indicated by the laboratory results, preventive measures such as dietary therapy and medication may be prescribed in order to deter obstruction in the future. If the blockage is recurring, the veterinarian may suggest a surgical procedure in which the urethra is widened.

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