Urinary Obstruction Treatment for Pets in Traverse City, MI
A urinary obstruction is a true medical emergency. When a pet cannot pass urine, toxins and potassium build up in the bloodstream within hours and can become fatal. At Omnivet in Traverse City, MI, our team acts quickly to relieve the blockage, stabilize your pet, and prevent it from happening again.
What Is a Urinary Obstruction?
A urinary obstruction occurs when something blocks the flow of urine out of the bladder, usually in the urethra. It is most common in male cats, whose narrow urethra is easily plugged by crystals, mucus, or tiny stones. Male dogs can also become blocked by bladder stones, and tumors or strictures occasionally cause obstruction in pets of either sex.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Straining in the litter box or in the yard with little or no urine produced
- Frequent trips to the litter box or urinating outside it
- Crying, vocalizing, or signs of pain while trying to urinate
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Blood in the urine
- Vomiting, hiding, lethargy, or loss of appetite
- Collapse or weakness in advanced cases
Straining in the litter box is easily mistaken for constipation. If your cat is straining to urinate or defecate, call Omnivet at (231) 244-4860 immediately. Do not wait to see if it resolves.
How We Treat a Blocked Pet
Treatment begins with emergency stabilization. We place an IV catheter, start fluids, and check bloodwork for dangerous potassium and kidney values, treating these right away. Once your pet is stable, we sedate or anesthetize them and gently place a urinary catheter to relieve the blockage and empty the bladder.
Most blocked pets stay in the hospital for a period of monitoring with the catheter in place while fluids flush the urinary tract and kidney values return to normal. We use digital X-rays and urinalysis to look for stones, crystals, and infection. In cases of repeated blockages or large stones, surgery may be recommended.
Preventing Future Blockages
Pets that have been blocked once are at higher risk of blocking again. Your veterinarian may recommend a prescription urinary diet, increased water intake through wet food and fountains, stress reduction for cats, pain and anti-spasm medications, and regular urine rechecks. Urinary tract infections are treated as part of our infection care.
Don’t Wait — Call Now
A blocked pet can die within 24 to 72 hours without treatment. If you suspect a urinary obstruction, call (231) 244-4860 on your way so our emergency team can be ready. We are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 7pm and Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Urinary Obstructions
Is a urinary blockage an emergency?
Yes. A pet that cannot urinate can develop fatal potassium levels and kidney failure within hours to days. Call (231) 244-4860 and come in immediately.
Why are male cats more likely to become blocked?
Male cats have a long, narrow urethra that is easily plugged by crystals, mucus, or small stones.
How can I tell a blockage from constipation?
It can be hard to tell. Frequent unproductive trips to the litter box, crying, and licking the genital area point toward a blockage. When in doubt, treat it as an emergency.
How is a urinary obstruction treated?
We stabilize your pet with IV fluids and medications, then place a urinary catheter under sedation to relieve the blockage. Most pets stay in the hospital for monitoring afterward.
Will my pet need surgery?
Most blockages are relieved with a catheter. Surgery may be recommended for large bladder stones or pets that block repeatedly.
Can urinary obstructions come back?
Yes. Prescription diets, increased water intake, stress reduction, and regular rechecks help lower the risk of another blockage.
What tests are needed?
We typically run bloodwork, urinalysis, and X-rays to check kidney function and look for stones or crystals.