Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is Initial treatment involves relief of the urinary
inflammation of the bladder and urethra. Usually obstruction. This usually requires sedation/anesthesia
infection is not involved. The inflammation can cause for placement of a urinary catheter. Many cats will
mucous, blood and crystal clumps to form within the need IV fluids for at least 24 hours to help resolve the
bladder. These clumps can get stuck in the urethra, systemic issues caused by the obstruction. Some cats
especially in the male cat, leading to obstruction. can be managed successfully with medications, life
Urinary obstruction is a life-threatening condition that style changes and prescription diet. For the patient
requires immediate treatment and care. who suffers repeated episodes of urethral obstruction,
surgery is the best option.
Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Obstruction:
When is surgery indicated?
Frequent trips to the litter box with minimal
urine Surgery is indicated when the obstructions are
production/output recurrent (happening more than 1-2 times), when a
Straining urinary catheter cant be passed or when there is
Blood in the urine compromise or damage to the urethra.
Vocalizing while
Surgical Treatment:
attempting to
urinate A urethrostomy is a surgical procedure that makes a
Lethargy and hiding new, functional opening in the urethra. This is done to
Vomiting correct/bypass or prevent further urethral obstruction
which can be caused by stones, stricture, tumor,
protein plugs, or trauma.
Diagnosis: The surgery performed is a Perineal Urethrostomy
Diagnosis starts with physical examination of your cat. (PU). In male cats, the urethra narrows significantly as
The presence of a large, firm bladder that cannot be it approaches the tip of the penis. The narrow urethra
expressed is consistent with a urinary tract obstruction. makes male cats prone to obstruction. PU surgery
Blood work is necessary to evaluate systemic function. involves removal of the scrotum and penis allowing for
Radiographs can rule out urinary calculi/stones as a opening and enlargement of the urethra. Effectively, it
cause of the obstruction. converts the urinary system to one similar to the
female cat. This allows a larger opening for the
crystals, proteins, stones, and sludge to pass through,
eliminating future episodes of obstruction.
200 Commerce St., Williston, VT 05495 (802) 863-2387 Fax (802) 863-2348 www.bevsvt.com
Perineal Urethrostomy
200 Commerce St., Williston, VT 05495 (802) 863-2387 Fax (802) 863-2348 www.bevsvt.com