One of the saddest times as a veterinarian is when a patient is presented seriously ill with a condition could have been easily prevented and treated if caught earlier. I had one such patient this weekend.
A beautiful neutered male cat died at home from a ruptured urinary bladder. The history and examination pointed toward a urinary tract obstruction. The death was due to "Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease."
Sometimes, mainly in male cats, a plug forms in the urethra (the tube that leads from the bladder to the outside). Once the plug has formed, urine builds up in the bladder, causing intense pain and may quickly cause kidney damage. Since one of the kidneys' jobs is the remove toxic waste from the body, any stoppage causes these poisons to increase in the bloodstream, which causes a painful and prolonged death.
So please watch your kitties for signs: more frequent visits to the litter box but little or no urine production; constantly licking his genitalia; or urinating in unusual places.
Urethral obstructions are emergencies. If the symptoms are found early, treatment is normally very successful.
Prevention is also very important. Make sure your cat gets good exercise and stays lean. Feed a high quality diet that is low in magnesium and make sure there is always a supply of fresh water. Maintain a clean and enticing litter box. Special diets or even surgery may be needed.
Call us if you have any questions or you may view a handout from the American Veterinary Medical Association by following this link: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
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