By Tram Le, DVM
Burien Veterinary Hospital
SPECIAL TO THE HIGHLINE TIMES

When your male cat takes frequent trips to the litter box, crying and straining to urinate without producing any urine this may be a sign that he is blocked (urethral obstruction.) This condition is often in male cats as their urethra is extremely long and narrow.

Female cats have a much wider and shorter urethra. The blockage may be due to stone(s), gritty material with thick secretions, excessive scar tissue, or in some cases no physical obstructions but spasms blocking the urine.

Many times symptoms are sudden, but a few start off as cystitis (bladder inflammation) or bladder infection, then progress to full blockage. If left untreated kidney failure can develop. And if left untreated too long death can occur.

The pain of not being able to pass urine is extreme and bladder rupture can occur. It is important not to wait if you notice symptoms, whether in the middle of the night or weekend, emergency clinics are open 24 hours.

The sooner the problem is treated, the more likely your cat will not suffer irreversible damage. Treatment may well save his life.

After unblocking treatment, feeding a moist diet helps because the urine is less concentrated. Many need a special diet for urine ph control, and others may need surgery.

Truth about Cats & Dogs is a periodic column written by local veterinarians. Participating hospitals are Marine View Veterinary Hospital in Des Moines, Des Moines Veterinary Hospital and Burien Veterinary Hospital.