Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Male cats with blocked urethra: temperature and hospital stay length
By Fults, Mitchell & Herold, Lee V·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2012·DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Retrospective evaluation of presenting temperature of urethral obstructed male cats and the association with severity of azotemia and length of hospitalization: 243 cats (2006-2009).
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 243 male cats with urethral obstruction were evaluated for their body temperature and kidney function to see how these factors affected their hospital stay. The study found that while the cats' body temperature didn't predict how long they needed to stay, higher levels of waste products in their blood (azotemia) were linked to longer hospitalizations. Cats with lower body temperatures had higher waste levels, which could indicate more severe issues. Understanding these factors can help veterinarians determine treatment plans and costs for pet owners.
People also search for: cat urethral obstruction treatment · male cat kidney problems · cat hospitalization length for urinary blockage
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the presenting rectal temperature and level of azotemia predicts the length of hospitalization (LOH) in a population of obstructed male cats. To describe the relationships between physical examination parameters, blood electrolytes, and azotemia in a clinical population of obstructed male cats. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: Emergency and referral specialty hospitals. ANIMALS: Two hundred and forty-three male cats that presented with urethral obstruction between 2006 and 2009. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: No significant association between the hours of hospitalization and rectal temperature was detected (P = 0.39). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA) concentrations were positively correlated with LOH (P < 0.01). BUN and CREA were significantly higher (P < 0.01) for the hypothermic group compared to the normothermic group. Potassium was negatively correlated to heart rate and rectal temperature but positively correlated to BUN and CREA. CONCLUSION: No association with regard to rectal temperature and LOH could be demonstrated in this population of cats. However, the presence of azotemia in obstructed male cats appears to provide the clinician with additional information regarding the necessary LOH and eventual cost to the client.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22612674/