Urinary Tract Blockage- Recovery

[JFreed]

I just picked my cat up from the vet this afternoon after he was treated for a urinary blockage. The vet told me he was unblocked, but he continued to strain and produce little urine. I called and they told me that is normal because he feels the sensation to urinate from the catheter and basically not to worry. Well its a few hours later and he still has produced only a few drops of urine and keeps straining in the box. At what point do I become concerned about a re-blockage....if he is still straining tomorrow? or the next day? right now?

I would appreciate any advice from people who have had similar experiences. Am I being alarmed for no reason and this is normal? How soon after should he urinate freely? I scoured vet websites all night and couldn't find a good answer so any feedback at all is appreciated.

[special]

Since he is straining constantly, the urine is not having time to accumulate, so only small amounts will be produced.

Your vet should have given you a dose or two of pain medication, this will help relieve his irritation so he will stop trying to pee, when he doesn't really have to.

I understand your concern. it is very scary when a male blocks. You probably know it can be fatal. and painful. So Hurray for you for getting him treatment in time.

He won't produce a good amount of urine until he's had time to accumulate some, and that won't happen while he continues to strain. Poor kitty, it's just more stress for him.

Call your vet and ask for a dose or two of pain medication (my vet prescribes buprenex) to stop the straining cycle.

I have two female cats with FLUTD. while neither has ever blocked, I have dealt with some serious problems with one of them, and the pain medication made a huge difference in her recovery.

Welcome to pet lovers! What's your boy's name? Please keep us updated.

[JFreed]

He's a 5 year old Russian Blue named Dude. Or The Dude. Thanks for the reply, at least I know what to look for and can chill out a little tonight.

[special]

How is The Dude this morning?

[JFreed]

He seems to be doing better, no straining in the box or anything. He has been eating and drinking since he's been home and I haven't felt anything strange or hard in his belly so I'm hoping he's getting better. The vet prescribed him diazepam to help relax his urinary tract so he's still pretty dopey and clutzy. We are watching him like hawks though. Thanks for your concern, I appreciate it. Hopefully he'll be back up to speed in a few days.

[Julia423]

How's Dude? How are you?

I hope all is progressing well.

[tiffers]

I agree very much with Special's advice. Pain medication may certainly help him! Right now, I am dealing with a raging bladder infection in myself. Without the pills that numb the urinary tract, I was in the bathroom every 2 minutes trying to go. Now, with the numbing pills/pain medication I don't have the urge to go that often. Try calling your vet back and see about some pain medication, it will greatly help him. You may also trying giving him a little cranberry juice, if he'll drink it.

[JFreed]

He doesn't seem to be in as much pain today, he's definitely more lively than he has been the last few days. I've been giving him his food with water in it so he has to drink the water to get to his food. I also switched both our cats to distilled water which the vet said would help due to less minerals. The straining and dribbling has stopped and he's urinating fully, but there is still a little touch of blood every once in a while. I guess that its normal for the first 5-7 days after having the catheter(according to the vet)

[tiffers]

Well, that's great! The little bit of blood is normal, especially since he's been pushing so hard recently as well as having a catheter. Did you vet advise you to feed The Dude a special food?

[special]

So glad Dude's doing better, thank you for the update.

Have you and your vet worked out a long term plan to prevent this from happening again?