Meet Colin, a 2-year old Russian Blue cat. He presented to Miami Veterinary Specialists with his first urethral obstruction. Urethral obstructions are easily developed in male cats. It occurs when the lower urinary tract gets obstructed by mucus, crystals or urinary stones. They are life threatening emergencies and could lead to fatalities if they are not treated in time.
According to his owner, she noticed that Colin had not urinated in his litterbox for hours and was constantly licking his penile area. He also showed signs of pain and started to lay on his back with his legs spread apart.

He was seen by Dr. Candyce Thompson and Dr. Rebecca Aldoretta, two of our veterinarians. After discussing the available options with Colin’s owner, it was decided that the placement of a urinary catheter was the best option for Colin. The catheter’s function is to flush and drain any sediment blocking the urinary tract. Also, diagnostic tests were ran (including blood work and urinalysis) to evaluate his kidney function and electrolytes to make sure that there were no signs of infection or other systemic illnesses.
After two days of being under medical observation, the catheter was removed and he was able to urinate on his own. After the first urethral obstruction, cats are prone to get future obstructions. Our Doctors recommended PU (Perineal Urethrostomy) surgery if this issue presents itself again in the future.

Colin will be able to go back at home just in time to start a great weekend!