Since the urethra narrows significantly towards the tip of the penis in male cats, it can very easily become blocked, a condition known as urethral obstruction. Affected animals are suddenly unable to urinate, resulting in painful and life-threatening urinary retention in the bladder. This is always a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary treatment. Indoor cats are primarily affected, while outdoor cats are much less likely to develop the condition.
In most cases, urethral obstruction is caused by urinary gravel from the bladder, which blocks the urethra at its narrowest point like a plug. However, swelling, tumors, or other inflammatory processes within the urethra can also lead to sudden closure of the urethra.
Within a very short time, the backflow of urine causes the bladder to fill up massively and very painfully, which in the worst case can cause it to burst. The urine continues to back up into the renal pelvis, where the increased pressure can quickly cause cell damage. This in turn impairs kidney function and leads to renal failure. The excretion of substances that need to be excreted in the urine is reduced, causing them to accumulate in the blood and potentially leading to life-threatening uremia.
Affected animals may suddenly be unable to pass urine or only pass small amounts. This is usually noticeable to the owner through frequent but unsuccessful attempts to pass urine and the resulting restlessness of the animal. Due to the severe pain caused by the urinary retention, behavioral changes such as apathy, depression, or even aggression may also occur. Some animals also express their pain through vocalizations, raised fur, and an arched back.
If left untreated, progressive kidney failure can lead to a further deterioration in the animal's general condition and even death. If you notice that your cat is having difficulty urinating, please take him to a veterinarian immediately, even if he appears to be healthy. As the symptoms can quickly become life-threatening, it is particularly important to act quickly.
The veterinarian can usually make an initial diagnosis after taking a detailed preliminary report and performing a clinical examination. An ultrasound examination can confirm the diagnosis and reveal the cause of the narrowing. X-rays can also provide clues as to the cause of the disease. A blood test provides valuable information about the patient's general state of health and organ function, with kidney values being particularly important here. It is also always advisable to check blood values before anesthesia or surgery.
As an initial emergency measure, the veterinarian must insert a catheter into the urethra (a small tube inserted into the body) to enable pain-free and comfortable urination. This procedure usually requires anesthesia. If the animal is in poor general condition and kidney values are already abnormal, the veterinarian will administer an infusion before anesthesia to stabilize circulation and kidney function. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are also administered and, depending on the clinical findings, antibiotics may also be prescribed. Smaller stones or grit can be flushed back into the bladder through the catheter. However, the stones must then either be dissolved or surgically removed to prevent the problem from recurring.
In cases of blockages that cannot be removed or severe, recurring urethral obstructions, the animal can often only be helped with the aid of surgery. Under general anesthesia, the inflamed, often already dead tip of the cat's penis is amputated and an enlarged, artificial opening of the urethra is created.
Recurrent, ascending urinary tract infections are the most common complications, occurring in about a quarter of all animals that undergo surgery. In rare cases, severe scarring after the operation can lead to narrowing again. Extremely consistent aftercare is therefore particularly important in order not to jeopardize the success of the operation.
The prognosis depends greatly on the cause of the disease, the time of diagnosis, and the type of treatment. Even if the veterinarian manages to flush out the blockage, there is still a high probability of recurrence if urinary grit is present. The prognosis in this case is therefore considered cautious. With a successful operation and consistent follow-up treatment, the prognosis is good.
To prevent urethral displacement in male cats, it is essential to prevent the formation of urinary gravel or stones as far as possible. Indoor cats in particular, which generally suffer from urinary stones more often than outdoor cats, should be fed mainly wet food to ensure a balanced water intake. It is also important to avoid obesity and ensure regular exercise, for example through play. You can use the petsXL health passport to clearly record and monitor your male cat's weight.
For animals that have already had urinary gravel or stones, the acidity (pH value) of the urine should be checked regularly by a veterinarian and, if necessary, regulated with special diet food or medication. Regular veterinary check-ups are also important for animals that have undergone surgery to prevent relapses or detect them at an early stage.
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