Approach to urethral obstruction in cats. Part 2: catheterising and postobstruction management

Abstract

Background: Catheterisation is the key definitive emergency procedure in relieving urethral obstruction. However, ensuring that the patient is stable to tolerate the procedure and having a plan in place if placement is challenging is also essential.Aim of the article: This is the second article in a three-part series. The aim of this article is to summarise urethral catheterisation, and immediate postcatheterisation management. The first article discussed presentation and stabilisation (Breheny and others ), while the third will focus on home management to prevent recurrent obstruction and on addressing underlying feline idiopathic cystitis. Craig Brehenyquali ed from the University of Edinburgh in 2011. A er three years in general practice in the north east, he returned to Edinburgh for a residency in internal medicine and was awarded his diploma in 2019. He is now a senior lecturer as part of the emergency and critical care service at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R[D]SVS).

Catheterising the obstructed cat

“…RECENT In Practice articles on urethral obstruction in cats were very thorough and informative and may represent the ideal way to approach that condition. [1][2][3] However, many of these cases may be seen by small practices outside 'normal' working hours with little assistance available.…”

“…The method described in Fig 1 in Part 2 of the series 2 for placing a urinary catheter via retrograde urethral catheterisation suggests having the cat in lateral recumbency. If the cat is placed in dorsal recumbency the procedure can be performed by one person with any assistance available concentrating on other tasks such as anaesthetic monitoring.…”

Approach to urethral obstruction in cats. Part 3: addressing underlying concerns and preventing recurrence

“…OUR two previous articles discussed the in‐clinic management of the blocked cat (Breheny and others 2022a, b). While this is usually successful in managing the life‐threatening emergency presentation, it is not where the care of these cases ends.…”