The Cutting Edge Veterinary Podcast

STUDENTS: Justine Telawsky and Sydney Warchola

FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Serge Chalhoub

Feline urethral obstruction is a common urgent condition brought to both general and emergency practitioners. Although the cause of the obstruction is often unknown, it is important to understand the complexity of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) syndrome. The currently accepted primary cause of FLUTD is feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). Several risk factors contribute to FIC, including stress, dietary changes, obesity, and being a young male cat. Although there are still many unanswered questions regarding the pathophysiology and predisposing factors of FIC, it is defined as an idiopathic syndrome propagated by an inappropriate and exaggerated response to stress. Whether it is FIC or one of the many other causes of FLUTD causing urethral obstruction, it is key to initiate quick and effective stabilization. This stabilization includes baseline lab work, fluid therapy, sedation/anesthesia, analgesia and finally unblocking with a urinary catheter. Scientific research from the past few years has provided helpful information on the uncertainty of the acute management of urethral obstruction. This includes new knowledge on urinary catheter size and duration, and the use of meloxicam and prazosin. Our presentation provides evidence-based up-to-date guidelines on these hot topics and more on feline urethral obstructions.