Blocked Cat - FF Article Flashcards
What is a common emergency presentation in cats with urethral obstruction?
Urethral obstruction in male cats is a common emergency, often leading to life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias due to hyperkalaemia.
What are the first steps in stabilizing a blocked cat?
Immediate stabilisation includes IV fluid administration, analgesia, and relieving the obstruction.
What is the typical cause of bradycardia (heart rate <120 bpm) in blocked cats?
Bradycardia is highly suggestive of severe hyperkalaemia (≥8 mmol/l).
What are some typical signs of feline urethral obstruction?
Signs include dysuria (straining, frequent urination, inappropriate urination), vomiting, inappetence, and persistent grooming of the perineum.
What should be done if hyperkalaemia is suspected?
Treat immediately with calcium gluconate for cardioprotection and dextrose (with or without insulin) to lower potassium levels.
Why should fluid administration not be delayed in a blocked cat?
Prompt fluid therapy can be life-saving, especially if the cat is hypovolaemic, and withholding fluids may lead to shock.
What are the common drugs used to treat hyperkalaemia in blocked cats?
Calcium gluconate, dextrose, and insulin are commonly used to manage hyperkalaemia.
Why is analgesia essential in treating urethral obstruction in cats?
Urethral obstruction is extremely painful, and untreated pain can contribute to further urethral spasm, worsening the condition.
What is the role of a sacrococcygeal epidural in managing blocked cats?
It provides additional analgesia and can facilitate catheterization by numbing the perineum, anus, urethra, and penis.
How is urethral obstruction typically relieved in blocked cats?
Obstruction is relieved by placing an indwelling urinary catheter, often with decompressive cystocentesis to reduce bladder pressure.
What should be done post-catheterization in blocked cats?
Post-obstructive nursing care includes continuing fluid therapy, monitoring urine output, maintaining analgesia, and preventing catheter-associated infections.
Why is monitoring urine output important after relieving urethral obstruction?
Cats commonly develop post-obstructive diuresis, which can require high fluid rates to prevent dehydration and hypovolaemia.
What are the risks of leaving an indwelling urinary catheter in a blocked cat?
Ascending bacterial infections are a risk, so aseptic technique and a closed collection system should be used.
When can a urinary catheter typically be removed in blocked cats?
A catheter is typically removed after about 48 hours when urine is clear of inflammatory debris and post-obstructive diuresis has resolved.
