Owner worries about cat’s recurring health problems
QMy 6-year-old neutered male cat has had a history of crystals in his urine and has been on prescription food to prevent a recurrence of his problems. In the past two weeks, I have spent a small fortune on him at the vet. Tests show minimal crystals in his urine and a little blood, but no infection. X-rays showed no stones, and a catheter was passed, finding a plug halfway up. That seemed to help quite a bit. He is improving on two medications, buprenex and prazosin, but is still having some issues. I’m scared he may have another blockage.
ACases like the one you are living through with your cat can be trying, not only for you and your cat, but for the veterinarians involved because, despite best efforts, complications and factors beyond any control can occur.
Your cat seems to be afflicted with FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease), which is not technically a disease but a condition. It is often confused with UTIs (urinary tract infections) in which bacteria cause a problem that is often manifested with straining, bloody urine and more.
Undoubtedly, your cat will need to be on a prescription diet and possibly other medications long term, but not the two he is currently on. The buprenex is an opioid pain medication being used to make him comfortable and the prazosin is being used to reduce urethral spasm. The fact that a catheterization revealed what was likely a mucus plug, sediment or blood clot half way up his urethra makes me think that he would not be a candidate for a perineal urethrostomy. I am not sure what might have triggered the recent problem, but hydrating the cat more to increase urine production and flow might be helpful. This could be done by giving subcutaneous fluids. Additionally, I would consider adding an antiinflammatory medication, but I’m sure your veterinarian will do what is appropriate.
Unfortunately, cats with these issues are prone to repeated occurrences. I hope your cat improves soon.