Hyperkalemia in cats with adequate perfusion and a normal heart rhythm usually can be corrected with IV fluids alone, Dr. “There is no set potassium level that predicts a dysrhythmia,” so treatment of hyperkalemia depends on ECG findings, she says. Electrocardiographic changes that indicate hyperkalemia include bradycardia, tall T waves, prolonged P-R interval, sinoventricular rhythm and asystole. Dysrhythmias caused by hyperkalemia require emergency treatment, Dr. Some biochemical abnormalities can be inferred from the patient's condition, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) can show evidence of hyperkalemia without a blood test. Rudloff notes, however, that treatment should not be delayed if blood tests cannot be obtained right away. Initial blood tests should include packed cell volume, total protein, electrolyte levels, glucose level and venous blood gases. If urethral catheterization will be delayed, IV fluid therapy can wait.

IV fluid treatment (with an isotonic crystalloid such as lactated Ringer's solution) can begin if the urinary obstruction will be removed soon. Rudloff recommends placing a peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter immediately. Intravenous catheterization and the laboratory database. “It's not worthwhile to decompress his bladder until you've addressed the circulatory problems,” she adds. For a cat with circulatory compromise, “putting a urinary catheter in … is not going to save his life,” she points out. Rudloff stresses that cats in critical condition must be stabilized before bladder decompression is attempted. Abdominal palpation must be gentle to minimize pain and avoid rupturing the bladder, which is large and firm in blocked cats.ĭr. Severe biochemical changes can result in altered mentation. Rudloff reminds veterinarians that cats in hypovolemic shock tend to have bradycardia, not tachycardia. The patient's heart rate could be increased, decreased or normal. Physical examination may reveal pale mucous membranes and hypothermia. Owners sometimes mistake straining to urinate for constipation. Rudloff says.Ĭat owners may report crying, restlessness, bloody urine, frequent trips to the litter box, attempts to urinate outside the litter box, frequent licking of the genitals or vomiting in their pets. Other risk factors are younger age, increased weight and a diet of only dry food, Dr. Male animals are much more likely than females to develop urethral obstruction due to their longer, narrower urethra, but obstruction is possible in females. Urethral inflammation, muscle spasms, stricture, neoplasia and reflex dyssynergia (incoordination of the bladder detrusor and urethral sphincter muscles) can also block outflow. Not all urethral obstructions are caused by plugs. Cellular-matrix plugs are collections of sloughed tissue, inflammatory cells or red blood cells. Rudloff says, but other types of crystals also occur.

The most common crystal type in cats is struvite, Dr.

Urethral plugs are made of either crystalline or cellular matrix. At the 2018 meeting of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, held in September in Charlotte, North Carolina, Elke Rudloff, DVM, DACVECC, of Lakeshore Veterinary Specialists in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, discussed emergency treatment of blocked cats and the importance of addressing cardiovascular instability before attempting to remove the obstruction.

Cats with blocked urine outflow quickly develop metabolic disturbances that can be fatal. Absolutimages / obstruction is a common emergency in cats.

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