title: Retrospective evaluation of presenting temperature of urethral obstructed male cats and the association with severity of azotemia and length of hospitalization: 243 cats (2006-2009).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate whether the presenting rectal temperature and level of azotemia predicts the length of hospitalization (LOH) in a population of obstructed male cats. To describe the relationships between physical examination parameters, blood electrolytes, and azotemia in a clinical population of obstructed male cats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective clinical study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Emergency and referral specialty hospitals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred and forty-three male cats that presented with urethral obstruction between 2006 and 2009.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant association between the hours of hospitalization and rectal temperature was detected (P = 0.39). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA) concentrations were positively correlated with LOH (P < 0.01). BUN and CREA were significantly higher (P < 0.01) for the hypothermic group compared to the normothermic group. Potassium was negatively correlated to heart rate and rectal temperature but positively correlated to BUN and CREA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  No association with regard to rectal temperature and LOH could be demonstrated in this population of cats. However, the presence of azotemia in obstructed male cats appears to provide the clinician with additional information regarding the necessary LOH and eventual cost to the client.
authors.affiliation: DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, 1945 NW Pettygrove Street, Portland, OR 97209, USA. mfults@dovelewis.org
authors.forename: Mitchell
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fults
authors.forename: Lee V
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Herold
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D053099:Azotemia / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D002415:Cats; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014524:Urethral Obstruction / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*