What are the causes of feline urethral obstruction?

Feline urethral obstruction is generally caused by diseases such as urethral stones, bladder stones, and feline urethral syndrome. Urethral stones are relatively common, and their causes include urethral infection, chronic disease, and insufficient water intake. Long-term urethral obstruction can lead to a large amount of urine retained in the urinary system, increasing kidney pressure and potentially causing acute renal failure. It is recommended to bring the cat to a pet hospital for related examinations and treatments in a timely manner.

Urethral obstruction is very dangerous for cats. If not treated promptly, cats are likely to die from secondary symptoms such as ammonia poisoning, electrolyte disorders, and shock.

Bladder stones and urethral stones are the primary causes of feline urethral obstruction, and their causes are mainly considered to be urethral infection and insufficient water intake. Therefore, when cats show symptoms of urinary tract infection such as frequent urination and hematuria, they should be taken to a pet hospital for timely and scientific treatment, and not delayed, to prevent stone formation. Meanwhile, some cats don't like to drink water, so it is necessary to make sure that cats drink more water, and if necessary, feed them foods with a higher water content, such as cat cans, softened cat food, etc.

Feline urinary tract syndrome refers to a syndrome caused by the formation of a large number of stones in the bladder and urethra, stimulating the urethral and bladder mucosa, and leading to a series of secondary symptoms. The main cause of this disease is feeding cats with dry food containing excessive magnesium, along with insufficient water intake. When the ureter is completely blocked by stones, the cat will develop urethral obstruction. Abdominal palpation can find a swollen bladder, and in severe cases, bladder rupture, abdominal fluid accumulation, and other serious symptoms may occur. DR examination shows that the bladder is enlarged due to urine retention, and stone shadows can be seen in the bladder and urethra. Treatment mainly involves catheterization and bladder irrigation. When the stones are large, surgical removal is generally required.