Urinary Blockage Care
A pet that can't urinate is in serious danger. Urinary blockages — especially common in male cats — can cause kidney failure, potassium buildup, and cardiac arrest within 24-48 hours. If your cat is straining in the litter box with nothing coming out, or your dog is squatting repeatedly without producing urine, this is an emergency.
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Warning Signs to Watch For
If your pet shows any of these symptoms, call us immediately.
How We Treat Urinary Blockage Care
We start with bloodwork to check potassium levels — dangerously high potassium can stop the heart. If levels are critical, we treat that first with IV calcium and dextrose. Then we sedate your pet and pass a urinary catheter to relieve the blockage. The catheter stays in for 24-48 hours while we flush the bladder and stabilize kidney values. IV fluids run continuously to support the kidneys.
Why Acting Fast Matters
A completely blocked cat can die within 24-48 hours. Toxins that the kidneys normally filter out build up in the blood. Potassium levels rise to dangerous levels, causing heart arrhythmias. The bladder can rupture. This is one of the most time-sensitive emergencies we treat. If your cat hasn't urinated in 12+ hours, don't wait until morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about urinary blockage care at our emergency hospital.