Page 275 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

16 – THE CAT WITH ACUTE DEPRESSION, ANOREXIA OR DEHYDRATION 267

Injuries to the oral cavity may necessitate placement of
URETHRAL OBSTRUCTION***
an esophagostomy or gastrostomy tube for nutritional
support.
Classical signs
FEVER*** ● Straining to urinate (owner reports
“constipation”).
● Progressive depression and anorexia.
Classical signs
● Depression, anorexia. See main reference on page 179 for details (The Cat
● Elevated body temperature. Straining to Urinate).

See main reference on page 364 for details (The
Clinical signs
Pyrexic Cat).
Straining to urinate, vocalizing, growling when handled,
difficulty walking, vomiting.
Clinical signs
Progressive depression and anorexia.
Febrile cats may be presented for acute depression and
Pain on abdominal palpation and a turgid bladder are
anorexia.
evident.
Other clinical signs will depend upon cause of fever.
Whitish, chalky material may be seen blocking the ure-
thral orifice or around the prepucial/perineal area and
the cat may be excessively licking the area.
Diagnosis
Progressive weakness and bradycardia may occur.
Fever must be distinguished from hyperthermia as a
result of environmental stress, activity or anxiety.
Diagnosis
To identify the cause of the fever see The Pyrexic Cat
Palpation of a turgid bladder is diagnostic. Rarely, spon-
(page 364).
taneous relief of obstruction occurs before examination.
Urinalysis typically reveals blood and struvite crystals.
Differential diagnosis
Blood work reveals elevated urea, creatinine, potassium
Other causes of acute depression and anorexia with and phosphorus.
superimposed hyperthermia mimicking a febrile condi-
tion must be differentiated.
Differential diagnosis
If the owner has only noted non-specific signs, then
Treatment most other causes of acute depression must be consid-
ered. The diagnosis is usually straightforward on the
Treatment of the underlying cause is of primary
basis of physical examination.
importance.
If antipyretic agents are not contraindicated, reduc-
Treatment
ing the fever will usually improve the well-being and
appetite of the cat. Dipyrone is the superior agent, Intravenous fluids and correction of hyperkalemia (see
but has been discontinued in some countries. Acute renal failure, below).
Ketoprofen and meloxicam may be used at standard
Urethral catheterization.
doses.
Management of urethral spasm, detrusor atony.
Hyperthermia is treated by placing the cat in a cool
environment. Dietary management.