If you notice any of the following symptoms of urinary blockage in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately:
- Straining to urinate or painful attempts
- Frequent trips to the litter box or outside with little to no urine produced
- Blood in the urine
- Crying or signs of discomfort when trying to urinate
- Lethargy or loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- In severe cases, pets may show signs of distress, such as pacing or crying, and may even go into shock if the blockage is not addressed promptly.
These are signs of a urinary blockage, which can quickly become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Without emergency care, your pet’s condition could worsen and lead to severe complications. Early treatment allows your pet to recover fully and regain their health.
What Should Pet Owners Do in Case of Urinary Blockage?
If you suspect your pet has a urinary blockage, it is crucial to act quickly. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to improve, as urinary blockages can lead to severe health complications, including kidney damage and bladder rupture. While waiting for your appointment, keep your pet calm and comfortable. Avoid giving them food, as this may complicate treatment. Our clinic has 4 urgent care spots available each day. Please call 281-207-0868 to reduce wait times.
At River Park Veterinary Clinic, we provide expert pets urgent care for such emergencies. Our team of the best veterinarians is ready to respond quickly and effectively to ensure your pet receives the care they need. If you spot any of these symptoms, please call us immediately.
Treatment for Urinary Blockage
Treatment for urinary blockage typically requires urgent medical intervention. Veterinarians may perform a physical examination and diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, blood work and ultrasounds, to confirm the blockage’s location and severity. The most common treatment involves sedation/anesthesia and catheterization to relieve the obstruction, allowing urine to flow freely. In some cases, additional procedures may be necessary, such as surgery to remove stones or other blockages. Post-treatment care will often include hospitalization and IV fluids to help correct electrolyte imbalances and to help flush out kidneys. Medication may be prescribed to manage pain and prevent infections, along with follow-up visits to monitor your pet’s recovery.
How to Prevent Urinary Blockage
Preventing urinary blockage is key to ensuring your pet’s long-term health. Encourage your pet to drink plenty of water by multiple water bowls and feeding wet food exclusively. pets have pet has previous episodes of lower urinary tract disease they may be advised to eat a urinary prescription food. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any underlying health issues that may predispose your pet to urinary problems. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise is also essential, as obesity can contribute to urinary blockages. Finally, be attentive to any changes in your pet’s urination habits and consult your veterinarian promptly if you notice anything unusual.
By understanding the symptoms, taking immediate action, seeking appropriate treatment, and implementing preventive measures, you can help safeguard your furry friend from the dangers of urinary blockage.
Snow Globe to Sunshine: Kitty’s Life-Changing Adventure
Kitty was a beloved TNR (trap-neuter-return) cat in the neighborhood, adored by everyone who crossed his path. With his striking orange fur and charming personality, he had a special way of brightening the day for the families who cared for him. Four devoted households kept a watchful eye on him, ensuring he always had food, shelter, and plenty of affection.
However, over the past two days, they noticed something unsettling. One family observed that he hadn’t touched his food, while another noticed that he no longer lounged on their porch, a favorite spot of his. Concerned for their furry friend, they rushed him to our clinic.
Upon examination, his bladder felt big and firm. Dr. Luo immediately conducted an ultrasound, and the results were alarming: Kitty’s bladder was enlarged, filled with sediment that made it look like a snow globe. The situation was critical, and a blockage was evident. Without delay, the team performed an unblocking procedure, and tiny crystals were expelled from his urinary tract.
After the procedure, Kitty was put on fluids for three days to support his kidney function and help him recover. Once Kitty urinated in the litter box consistently by himself, he was sent home with canned prescription urinary diet and pain killers.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Kitty was adopted by a loving family who understood his needs and welcomed him into their home. He thrived indoors, transforming from a streetwise cat into a cherished member of the family. Now, he spends his days lounging in sunbeams, playing with toys, and receiving all the love he so deserves, reminding everyone that a second chance can lead to a lifetime of joy.
Ken’s Close Call: A Race Against Time to Save a Life
Ken was a young male cat who was brought to our clinic in a state of distress, dripping with bloody urine and meowing in pain. The symptoms had been going on for a couple of days. He was extremely weak to the point that he could barely stand up. His bladder was noticeably enlarged and hard, his temperature was very low, and he was in shock. a sign that this troubling condition had persisted for some time.
Our medical team assessed his situation and worried about his potassium levels. Urine plays an important role in getting potassium out of the body, being blocked for several days could cause high potassium level. Elevated potassium could suppress the heart’s rhythm, putting him at risk of cardiac arrest. To get urgent answers, we conducted in-clinic bloodwork, which provided results quickly. The findings were alarming: Ken’s potassium levels were critically high, placing him on the brink of cardiac arrest. Conducting unblocking procedure could be very dangerous in this situation.
As Dr. Luo prepared a calcium injection to stabilize Ken’s heart, crisis struck—his EKG flatlined. Without hesitation, Dr. Luo administered the injection and began CPR. Miraculously, after a tense few moments, Ken’s heart responded and began to beat again. After stabilizing him, we quickly transferred Ken to an emergency clinic for advanced treatment and further stabilization.
If you are concerned about a potential urinary blockage, please bring your cat to the vet as soon as possible. There is a much higher rate of successful outcome if they receive treatment early.