Angel was seen by his primary care veterinarian prior to his visit to VREC where he was diagnosed with feline urinary tract disease (FLUTD). His owners became concerned when he, despite being on pain management medication, began crying and seemed uncomfortable.
Our emergency department evaluated Angel and noticed his bladder was large, firm, and painful upon inspection. It was determined Angel was suffering from an urethral obstruction (also known as UO.) UOs can be caused by FLUTD and male (neutered and not neutered) are at a greater risk for this condition. These obstructions are typically caused by urethral plugs (soft, compressible material containing minerals, cells, and proteins), crystals and/or small stones that become lodged within a cat’s urethra—the tube leading from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body.
Once qualified for the Angel Fund, Angel had an unblocking procedure where his bladder was flushed with sterile saline. He recovered uneventfully and recovered at VREC for a few days before going home to fully heal with his happy family.