Indian River Animal Hospital
Mom and I are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Ireland crew the latter part of April for a week. I’m sure all of them will have grown. The G.vill group will be spending the weekend with us and Dr. Marj. is in touch via telephone concerning the repair and maintance of pets in the Huntsville Ala. area. Fun- Fun.
March must be the month for urinary infections in cats. We at the I.R.A.H.have seen several recently, and a discussion of the syndrome is probably appropriate.
Cystitis in the cat can be a life threatens condition in cats, especially in the male animal. Bacterial infection localized in the urinary bladder by descending downs the urethra to the bladder or ascending up the urethra. The resulting infection sets up house causing infection to the bladder wall and a resulting severe irritation. Frequnetly urination is seen as the salty urine causes severe pain. Depending upon the severity of the infection, some blood may be seen in the urine. The condition also usually causes the urine PH to shift to the basic side. This in turn creates an environment that encourages the formation of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus crystals. If in large amounts to these crystals are present, they may begin to form stones. In the female, the urethra usually will dilate adequately to pass all but the largest stones. Unfortunately the male urethra has a stricture at the end of the penis. Because of this, blockage with crystals or small stones is common. A blocked urethra resulting in urine retention is a life-threatening condition, which must be corrected and treated as an emergency. The bladder, which is overly distended, is readily palpated high in the abdomen and just anterior to the hind legs.
Treatment is with antibiotic for the infection, special diets low in magnesium. Phosphorus and calcium to minimize the formation of crystals and stones, Correction of urine PH is an essential part of treatment. The male must be sedated and a catheter passed into the bladder to remove the retained urine. A block urethra may result in kidney failure with in 24 hours. This is a severe life threatening condition.
Have a fun St. Patrick’s Day and may he bring you a four-leaf clover.