Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Urethral blockage in cats - risk factors and outcomes
By Segev, Gilad et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2011·Koret School of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Urethral obstruction in cats: predisposing factors, clinical, clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 82 cats with urethral obstruction (a blockage in the urinary tract) was studied to understand the causes and outcomes of this condition. The cats were generally younger and heavier than those without the blockage, and many were fed only dry food. The study found that about 8.5% of the cats did not survive, but those that did had higher levels of ionized calcium in their blood. Recurrence of the blockage occurred in about 22% of the cats within six months and 24% within two years, with those experiencing recurrence showing lower urine pH levels at the time of diagnosis.
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Abstract
Feline lower urinary tract diseases in general, and urethral obstruction (UO) in particular, are common clinical conditions in cats. The aims of this study were to identify risk factors for UO, to characterise clinical and clinicopathological signs, outcome and recurrence, as well as risk factors for mortality and recurrence. Eighty-two cats with UO were compared to 82 sex and time matched controls. The mean age of cats with UO was significantly lower compared to controls, while the mean body weight was higher. The proportion of indoors-outdoors cats was significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group, and the proportion of cats consuming only dry food was higher. Overall mortality was 8.5%. Ionised calcium was significantly higher in survivors compared to non-survivors, and the prevalence of hypocalcaemia was lower. Recurrence in 6 months and 2 years were 22% and 24%, respectively. Cats with recurrence had significantly lower urine pH at presentation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21145768/