A protocol for managing urethral obstruction in male cats without urethral catheterization.
OBJECTIVE
To determine efficacy of a protocol for managing urethral obstruction (UO) in male cats without urethral catheterization.


METHODS
Clinical trial.


METHODS
15 male cats with UO in which conventional treatment had been declined.


METHODS
Laboratory testing and abdominal radiography were performed, and cats with severe metabolic derangements or urinary calculi were excluded. Treatment included administration of acepromazine (0.25 mg, IM, or 2.5 mg, PO, q 8 h), buprenorphine (0.075 mg, PO, q 8 h), and medetomidine (0.1 mg, IM, q 24 h) and decompressive cystocentesis and SC administration of fluids as needed. Cats were placed in a quiet, dark environment to minimize stress. Treatment success was defined as spontaneous urination within 72 hours and subsequent discharge from the hospital.


RESULTS
Treatment was successful in 11 of the 15 cats. In the remaining 4 cats, treatment was considered to have failed because of development of uroabdomen (n=3) or hemoabdomen (1). Cats in which treatment failed had significantly higher serum creatinine concentrations than did cats in which treatment was successful. Necropsy was performed on 3 cats in which treatment had failed. All 3 had severe inflammatory disease of the urinary bladder, but none had evidence of bladder rupture.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggested that in male cats, a combination of pharmacological treatment, decompressive cystocentesis, and a low-stress environment may allow for resolution of UO without the need for urethral catheterization. This low-cost protocol could serve as an alternative to euthanasia when financial constraints prevent more extensive treatment.
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. cooper.1697@osu.edu
Edward S
ES
Cooper
Tammy J
TJ
Owens
Dennis J
DJ
Chew
C A Tony
CA
Buffington
D000075:Acepromazine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002415:Cats; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014524:Urethral Obstruction / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000662:veterinary*
D000700:Analgesics; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D002047:Buprenorphine; D000075:Acepromazine