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Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery logoLink to Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
. 2009 Jan 1;11(1):14–22. doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2008.11.009

Surgical Management of Blocked Cats: Which Approach and When?

John Williams 1
PMCID: PMC11135478  PMID: 19154971

Abstract

Practical relevance Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) accounts for up to 8% of cats presenting to veterinary clinics, with urethral obstruction occurring in 18–58% of those case. Though the requirement for surgery has declined with better understanding and management of the underlying causes of FLUTD, surgery does have an important role in intractable cases.

Patient group Male (mostly castrated) mature cats.

Clinical challenges The decision to take a cat to surgery has to be based on the severity and frequency of the clinical signs. The decisionmaking process is relatively straightforward where cystic calculi are present; the challenge is deciding when and which urethrostomy to carry out. This article seeks to give guidance for the practitioner grappling with these issues.

Global importance FLUTD and urethral obstruction Is a well documented problem throughout Europe, and North and South America.

Equipment The basic surgical equipment is readily available; fine-tipped instruments are preferred to allow for atraumatic tissue handling.

Evidence base There is an abundance of literature on FLUTD and urethral obstruction and its surgical management, with surgery for this condition first having been reported back in 1967. Recent studies have investigated both the long and short term outcome following surgical management of the blocked cat. Still, there are no hard and fast rules as to when surgery should be carried out, with the guidelines varying in the literature.

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