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Your cat's urinary system has a big job to do.
Working with the kidneys to maintain healthy blood
and eliminate toxins from it, the bladder is a storage
tank for wastes. As this membranous sac becomes
full, urine is passed out of the body through the
urethra. Inflammation and infection can prevent
a cat's urinary system from functioning correctly,
and, in some animals, can lead to a life-threatening
blockage of the urethra.
Cat Urinary Tract Blockage Symptoms
In these severe cases mucous, along with minute
crystals can build up to plug a cat*s urethra, the
narrow passageway through which urine exits the
body. Because a female cat's urethra is relatively
wide, blockage is more frequently seen in males.
A cat suffering from urinary tract blockage will
squat, strain or cry out in pain in an attempt to
pass a little blood-tinged urine or, in some instances,
none at all. The bladder may be distended and the
abdomen may be very painful to the touch. Should
your pet exhibit these signs, medical attention
is vital - an animal can die within 2 days if unable
to pass urine.
Tests and Treatments for Cat Urinary Tract Blockage
To help determine the extent of the problem, your
pet's doctor may do a battery of tests on your pet*s
urine; radiographs or ultrasound examinations may
be necessary to detect the presence of stones. Urinary
acidifiers and antibiotics may be prescribed; in
some cases, your pet's doctor may insert a urinary
catheter. If your cat's urinary tract has become
blocked, your veterinarian will empty the bladder
immediately. If your pet has become dehydrated,
treatment can also include intravenous therapy.
Careful monitoring may be required to help prevent
blockage from reoccurring in your cat's urinary
tract. Cats who have recurrent problems with urinary
tract blockages may need corrective surgery. Your
veterinarian may recommend a special diet formulated
to produce urine with a slightly acidic ph level.
Urine that's too alkaline may promote blockage.
For this reason, Experts recommend that you
make sure that your pet is drinking enough. The
disease tends to occur more frequently in overweight
animals - yet another good reason to ask your veterinarian
for a sensible weight loss program if your cat is
obese.
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