Pet Urinary Obstruction FAQs

Your dog or cat may have a urinary obstruction if you notice it struggling to urinate. You can sometimes resolve your pet’s urinary obstructions through exercise and increasing water intake, but prolonged urinary obstructions can result in significant health issues. Jimmie Davis Animal Hospital in Bossier City, LA, can treat your pet’s urinary obstruction and keep it healthy and happy. We are here to share frequently asked questions about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for pet urinary obstructions.

What Causes Urinary Obstruction in Pets?

Urinary obstructions can occur from a blockage within your pet’s urethra or at the opening of your pet’s bladder that leads to the urethra. Your pet can suffer this blockage due to bladder stones, UT infection, scar tissue, the accumulation of mucus in the urethra, or urinary tract cancer. Cats are more prone to urinary obstructions, but dogs can also suffer urinary obstructions.

What Are Some Symptoms of Pet Urinary Obstruction?

Your pet may display the following symptoms if it is suffering from a urinary obstruction:

•             discomfort urinating or trying to urinate without success

•             constant whining to go out

•             urinating blood

•             loss of appetite

•             vomiting

•             difficulty breathing

•             belly pain

•             lethargy

You should immediately report these symptoms to your Bossier City, LA, veterinarian. Urinary obstructions are painful for your pet and pose a significant health risk.

What Should I Do if I Suspect My Pet Has a Urinary Obstruction?

Urinary obstructions in cats can be deadly if the problem is left untreated, so contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice symptoms. Your pet can recover from urinary obstructions and maintain a healthy life with prompt treatment. You should always contact your vet if you notice abnormal behavior in your pet.

How Are Urinary Obstructions Treated?

Your veterinarian will stabilize your pet by giving it pain medication and IV fluids. Your veterinarian will then sedate your pet and use a urinary catheter to unblock the urethra. The urinary catheter will allow your pet to urinate again. We will then examine your pet to pinpoint the cause of the blockage so we can recommend the appropriate treatment to resolve this issue long-term. We may prescribe antibiotics if your pet has a UT infection. Your pet may require surgery to provide long-term relief of urinary obstruction issues. We will work with you to promote practical medical solutions that benefit your pet's long-term health. 

See a Bossier City, LA, Veterinarian Near You for Urinary Obstruction Treatment

Promptly clearing up your pet’s urinary obstruction is vital for maintaining your pet’s health and well-being, so contact Jimmie Davis Animal Hospital in Bossier City, LA, to get your pet the treatment it needs to live a long, healthy life. Call us and schedule a consultation today at (318) 742-5353.