Urinary Issues

Question
Hi Doctor:

I have a 9 year old neutered male cat. Back in December he had trouble urinating and started vomiting. The Vet said he had a full blockage and admitted him for immediate treatment (5 days of a cath and IV antibiotics). He was also given Baytril. A few weeks after the blockage, I noticed he was still licking a lot and occasional bleeding. He white blood cells were way off. The Vet then put him on Clavamox and he seemed to get better. Just last week, I noticed blood in his urine and he was dripping urine. I took him back and again his white blood cells were way off. He is now on Baytril again. The Vet said this time he must remain on it for several weeks (instead of 7-10 days). I feel bad because he sometimes cries when peeing so I know he is in pain. I was told by my Vet that this is strike 2 and next is an expensive surgery to make him a female. Do you usually see chronic issues with cats that have had blockages? Should I expect recovery or should I prepare to have to possibly put him down? He is a great cat but I don't want to see him suffer or have to go through a major surgery with no guarantees. I also have to make some decisions based on my wallet as I'm told it's an expensive surgery.

Thank you

Anthony

Answer
Anthony -

I do not think it is necessary for you to have your cat euthanized because of his urinary blockages, but that is something you might want to discuss with your veterinarian.  

Some cats are prone to blockages, but there are modifications you can make that will minimize the chances that this will happen again.  
1) Increase the amount of water your cat drinks.  If necessary, use a flowing fountain instead of a water bowl. Cats like the to drink from flowing water and a fountain such as the Drinkwell brand fountain will encourage your pet to drink often.

2)  Feed high quality cat food. In my experience, the cheaper foods tend to predispose cats to developing urinary problems.  Premium foods such as Science Diet, Iams, Wellness,etc. are made  of high quality ingredients that will nourish your pet's urinary system.  I always suggest to my clients that they buy a high quality food that will keep them their pet out of the vet's office.  Your veterinarian may also recommend a food for your cat.

3)  Make sure all litter boxes are clean.  Cats may not use dirty litter boxes and that may contribute to them holding urine too long. Usually, cats will use a litter box as soon as the owner changes the litter.  This tells me that cats long for clean litter boxes and will use them more frequently if the litter boxes are cleaned more often.

If it appears that your cat is experiencing pain while he is urinating, ask the veterinarian for pain medication.  Pain meds can make his rehabilitation easier and quicker.  Additionally, if your kitty experiences painful urination, he may associate that pain with urination and may try to avoid urinating.  Your vet can provide him with meds that can make him feel more comfortable.

Again, I do not think euthanasia is the right answer for you at this time.  However, your vet can better answer that question as he is aware of the present condition of your cat.

Good Luck -

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM