Nursing a patient with feline urethral obstruction — a patient care report

The patient presented to the clinic with a 3day history of anuria, vomiting, lethargy, and pain. The patient had recently had cystitis which had been treated with meloxicam (Loxicom, Norbrook) for 14 days, presenting signs commenced on completion of the medication.

Species: Feline

Breed: Domestic short hair

Age: 3 years 8 months

Sex: Neutered male

Weight: 5.68 kg

The veterinary surgeon (VS) diagnosed a urethral obstruction requiring emergency treatment. The patient was hospitalised and a blood sample was taken which revealed severe hyperkalaemia of 8.6 mmol/litre, hyperglycaemia of 16.55 mmol/litre and severe post renal azotaemia of 65.3 mmol/litre. The patient was placed on intravenous fluid therapy 0.9% saline (NaCl) and administered an injection of buprenorphine 20 μg/kg (Vetergesic, Ceva).

The bladder was decompressed via cystocentesis using a 23 g butterfly needle. The urine obtained was blood tinged; a sample was stained for microscopic examination in which no crystals were observed. Despite fluid therapy 1 hour following decompression the potassium levels were checked and remained at 8.6 mmol/litre. Heart and respiratory rates marginally improved but the patient remained painful.