When Your Pet Can't Pee

Is your pet unable to pee? Urinary blockage is one of the most urgent condition we see in veterinary practice. It can affect both dogs and cats, but is far more common in male cats. Left untreated, a blocked urinary tract can quickly become life-threatening.

Common Signs Owners Notice

• Straining or repeated attempts to urinate.

• Crying, meowing or signs of pain.

• Very small amounts of urine, dribbling, or none at all.

• Red or reddish urine (Presence of blood).

• Tense or painful abdomen.

• Lethargy, vomiting and reduced appetite.

⚠️ Don't hesitate contacting a vet if you see any of these signs. This condition may escalate quickly to a life-threatening condition as the bladder fills up, and immediate treatment is recommended.

Why does Urinary Blockage Happen?

• Urinary stones/crystals migrating from the bladder may get stuck in the urethra.

• Urethral stricture (narrowing) from inflammation or scarring.

• Urethral muscle-spasms, mucus plugs (common in cats) or tumors.

• In male adult dogs, conditions of the prostate may cause partial or full blockage of the urethra.

💡 Male cats, especially those who are overweight, are especially predisposed.

How we typically treat it

1. Emergency treatment: A distended bladder should be emptied to prevent pressure to the kidneys, and prevent buildup of toxic chemicals in the blood stream. Often a temporary urinary catheter is placed to keep the urine flowing.

2. Supportive care: Fluid therapy, pain relief and monitoring of kidney values.

3. Identifying the Cause: Diagnostic imaging (x-ray, ultrasound) and lab work.

4. Long term prevention: Depending on the cause, this may include prescription diets, increased water intake, weight mangement or surgery.

How to reduce the risk of urinary blockage?

• Ensure the pet always has constant access to fresh, clean water, and pay attention to changes in behavior when the pet visits the toilet.

• Make sure your pet maintain a healthy body weight and activity level.

• Avoid any household stressors to your pet. In cats stress is a common cause of urinary inflammation, that in turn may cause urinary blockage!

• Follow dietary recommendations and schedule regular checkups.

Final Thoughts: Pay attention.

Urinary blockage is a painful condition and should always be considered an emergency - don't wait until the next day before reaching out to the vet.

With immediate veterinary care, most pets recover well, but the prognosis is always dependant on the underlying cause. They key is recognizing the warning signs early and acting fast.