Urinary Obstruction

Male and female dogs and cats are prone to forming stones, called calculi, in their urinary tracts. Calculi wind up blocking the urethra, making it very hard to urinate. If left untreated, these stones can lead to serious health complications. Fortunately, successful treatment is available at our veterinary clinic.  Power Road Animal Hospital is dedicated to porviding pets the testing and treatment they need to prevent urinary obstructions from affecting their lives.

Symptoms of a Partial Blockage

The pet will take much longer than usual to try to urinate or try to urinate more often. The urine comes out in drops and may have blood. The pet may hunch and cry out in pain. Cats may dribble urine outside of the litter box, and dogs may have accidents in the home. The pet may hide, not want to be touched, and move about restlessly.

Symptoms of a Total Blockage

The pet will not want to eat and becomes much more tired than usual. The pet will not be able to pass any urine. The toxins in the body build up so that the pet starts vomiting and shows signs of pain. A pet showing signs of a total urinary obstruction is a medical emergency. The pet needs to go to an animal clinic immediately.

Causes

There are many causes of urinary blockage. The main cause is calculi, but other causes include tumors, injury to the urethra, and scar tissue. Infections may also contribute. Dogs that once suffered liver shunts are at high risk of getting stones. For an unknown reason, Dalmatians are also prone to getting them.

Treatment

Our veterinarians will need X-rays to see what is blocking the urethra and if it can be removed. Stones may be fractured by ultrasonic waves. They become so small that they can pass through the urethra. If surgery is necessary, our team will work with your pet throughout the process to ensure optimal results.

Visit Our Animal Clinic for Quality Pet Care in Mesa, AZ 

If you wonder if your pet has a urinary obstruction, contact Power Road Animal Hospital at (480) 641-4141 to make an appointment with one of our vets today.