Retrospective study in 61 cats admitted in a veterinary emergency and critical care unit for acute urethral obstruction.

摘要

Urethral obstruction is a common cause for presentation of cats to the emergency room and may be life-threatening. The aim of this retrospective study was to collect data regarding clinical presentation, urinary and biochemical analysis, management and treatment of cats admitted with urethral in an emergency unit in France. 61 male cats were included in the study. The mean age was 4 years, 92% were European cats and 91.4% were castrated. 14 were recurrent episodes. Most of the cats were indoor cats (51.7%), fed with dry food (59%) and overweight (69%). Struvite calculi (67.3%) and idiopathic cystitis (15.4%) were the most common causes of urethral obstruction. Few cats developed severe hyperkalaemia (8.8%), metabolic acidosis (9.1%) and azotaemia (9%). Anaesthetic and antibiotic plans were heterogeneous. Only four cystocentesis were performed. Urinary catheter placement was unsuccessful in only two cats, which underwent an emergency urethrostomy. Multiple catheter placement and recurrent obstructions were the most common causes of urethrostomy. Spontaneous urine production normalized 12 h after catheter withdrawal. Five cats died during reanimation procedures and seven were euthanized because of recurrent obstruction after discharge. Early presentation and the severity of metabolic disorders were considered as prognosis factors. Metabolic disorders were less common as compared to bibliographic data. Mortality rate was low during reanimation and hospitalization.