Archive Case #18: Feline Urethral Obstruction

Clinical Clues

1. A young male neutered cat is presented for repeated visits to the litter tray and vocalising.
2. The owner reports only a few drops of urine have been produced since yesterday.
3. The cat is restless, uncomfortable, and has begun vomiting.
4. On examination the bladder is large, firm, and painful to palpation.
5. Bloodwork reveals hyperkalaemia and azotaemia.
6. Obstruction of the feline urethra causes post-renal azotaemia and can rapidly become life-threatening.

Diagnosis

Feline Urethral Obstruction

This case is most consistent with Feline Urethral Obstruction because the cat is stranguric, painful, and has a distended bladder with post-renal biochemical changes. The most important clues are the minimal urine output, large painful bladder, and hyperkalaemia, which strongly support urinary outflow obstruction.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.