Urinary blockages are a serious concern for cats and have the potential to be life-threatening. If the routine solutions have proven to be ineffective then your vet may recommend surgical correction. In today's post, our Villa Rica vets talk about perineal urethrostomy (PU) surgery in cats and what will happen during your cat's surgery and recovery.
What Is Perineal Urethrostomy (PU) Surgery in Cats?
A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical reconstruction of the tube your cat urinates through called the urethra. The purpose is to create a larger opening through which your cat can urinate. Typically, PU surgery is considered once it has been determined that urinary obstructions either cannot be corrected by catheterization or if the cat has been experiencing repeated obstructions.
Urinary blockages can very quickly become life-threatening for your cat. While this surgery is used to greatly decrease the likelihood of repeat blockages it will not guarantee that obstructions will not reoccur. The care taken after surgery will help to ensure that the procedure was a success and lower the risk of future blockages.
While possible in both, it is much more likely for a male cat to experience urinary blockages than female cats due to the female urethra being much shorter and wider than the male urethra. As the male urethra extends the length of the penis it becomes more narrow increasing the likelihood of an obstruction occurring.
When might cat PU surgery be needed?
Perineal urethrostomy surgery is most commonly recommended in the following situations.
- A urethral obstruction within the penis that cannot be removed. The most common treatment for urethral obstructions is through the use of a urinary catheter. Your vet would pass this catheter through the external opening of the urethra forcing any stones or mucus within the urethra into the bladder, at which point they can be managed using medication or surgery. If this method is unable to clear the blockage then perineal urethrostomy surgery may be required in order to allow the cat to urinate.
- Recurrent urethral obstructions. It is possible for obstructions to be common and reoccurring in some male cats. Although it is possible to continually remove the blockages in these cats, they may also benefit from perineal urethrostomy surgery to try to avoid or lower the risk of future obstructions.
What to Expect During PU Surgery for Cats
Before the procedure, it's important to schedule a consultation with the vet and follow any pre-surgery instructions provided, such as fasting your cat the night before. These consultations are important because they allow the veterinarian to discuss the specific details of the surgery, potential risks, and expected outcomes. Additionally, it's a good opportunity to address any concerns or questions you may have about the procedure.
During perineal urethrostomy (PU) surgery for cats, the veterinarian will first administer anesthesia to ensure your cat is comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. The surgeon will then make an incision in the perineal area to expose the urethra, which will be carefully dissected and repositioned to create a wider opening for urine to pass through.
What to Expect From Cat PU Surgery Recovery
Because cats are notorious for attempting to clean and lick their wounds as well as the chance that they may attempt to scratch or bite at the area it is recommended that your cat wear an Elizabethan collar for the duration of the recovery process.
Your vet will also recommend having your cat kept in an area of the home where they can relax and will not be able to climb or jump onto furniture. Your cat should also be isolated from other pets to limit interactions and possible playtime which could further injure your cat.
Long-Term Prognosis For Cats After PU Surgery
If your cat underwent successful PU surgery and recovered without complications, you should have no further concerns. A cat may experience another obstruction after PU surgery, but this is extremely unlikely.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.