Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Risk factors for repeat urethral blockage in cats after catheter
By Eisenberg, Beth W et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2013·Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of risk factors associated with recurrent obstruction in cats treated medically for urethral obstruction.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 83 cats treated for urethral obstruction (a blockage in the urinary tract) were monitored after being discharged from the hospital. Ten of these cats experienced a recurrence of the obstruction within 30 days, and it was found that older cats were more likely to have this issue. Interestingly, keeping the urinary catheter in for a longer time actually reduced the chances of a recurrence. Additionally, providing more water at home after treatment helped lower the risk of the blockage happening again. It's important for cat owners to ensure their pets have plenty of water to drink after a urethral obstruction treatment.
People also search for: cat urethral obstruction treatment · why does my cat keep getting blocked · increasing water for cat urinary health
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors for short-term recurrent urethral obstruction in cats after treatment by means of urinary catheterization and hospitalization. DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: 83 client-owned cats. PROCEDURES: Physical examination findings, laboratory abnormalities, treatment decisions, and environmental changes were evaluated as risk factors for recurrent urethral obstruction in the 30 days following hospital discharge. RESULTS: Of the 68 cats with completed follow-up surveys, 10 had an episode of recurrent urethral obstruction. Older cats were significantly more likely to have recurrent urethral obstruction. No specific laboratory abnormalities were associated with the risk of recurrent urethral obstruction. Longer duration of catheterization was significantly associated with a decreased risk of recurrent urethral obstruction. Duration of hospitalization and volume of IV fluids delivered were not significantly associated with recurrent urethral obstruction. Increasing water availability after discharge was associated with a decreased risk of recurrent urethral obstruction. There was no association between diet and recurrent urethral obstruction. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of this study suggested that longer duration of catheterization may be associated with a lower probability of short-term recurrent urethral obstruction in male cats. Older cats were at higher risk for recurrent obstruction. Owners should be encouraged to increase water availability after discharge in cats treated for urethral obstruction to decrease the likelihood of recurrence.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24094261/