Pet of the month for July goes to this handsome boy, Teddy!
Teddy came to see us one morning after his owners noticed he was repeatedly trying to urinate but was unable to pass any urine. On examination, his bladder was very large, firm, and unable to be expressed, confirming he had a urinary blockage.
A blocked bladder is a true emergency, so Teddy was admitted straight away. He was placed under a general anaesthetic where a urinary catheter was carefully passed to relieve the obstruction. He was then hospitalised with us for two days, receiving intravenous fluid therapy, pain relief, and close monitoring while his catheter remained in place to allow his bladder and urethra to recover.
After two days, Teddy’s catheter was removed, and we closely monitored him to make sure he was comfortable and able to pass urine on his own before he was discharged home. Thankfully, he did exactly that and has continued to do well at home.
Urinary blockages are most commonly seen in male cats due to their narrow urethra. They can be caused by crystals, mucus plugs, inflammation, or bladder stones. Signs include frequent trips to the litter tray, straining to urinate, crying, licking at the penis, or producing little to no urine. If left untreated, a blockage can quickly become life-threatening as toxins build up in the body and the bladder can rupture.
Teddy was incredibly brave throughout his stay with us, and his owners acted quickly by bringing him in as soon as they noticed something wasn’t right. Early treatment made all the difference, and we’re so happy to see him back home, happy and comfortable.
Well done, Teddy – you are a very deserving Pet of the Month!