Blocked Cat Surgery in Fairlawn, OH
Perineal Urethrostomy for Male Cat Urinary Blockage
If your male cat is straining in the litter box, crying while trying to urinate, or producing little to no urine, this may indicate a urinary blockage. A male cat urinary blockage is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.
At Copley Fairlawn Veterinary Clinic, we evaluate blocked cats urgently and begin treatment right away. In some cases, a surgical procedure called a perineal urethrostomy may be recommended to reduce the risk of repeated obstruction.
We provide blocked cat surgery and ongoing urinary care for families in Fairlawn, Copley, and the surrounding Akron area.
What Is a Male Cat Urinary Blockage?
Male cats have a narrow urethra, which makes them more prone to obstruction. Crystals, inflammation, mucus, or stones can block urine flow. When urine cannot pass, pressure builds in the bladder and toxins accumulate in the bloodstream.
Common signs include:
- Straining in the litter box
- Frequent trips to the litter box
- Crying while urinating
- Little or no urine produced
- Vomiting or lethargy in advanced cases
A complete blockage is a medical emergency.
How We Treat a Blocked Cat
Initial treatment focuses on relieving the obstruction and stabilizing your cat. This may include catheter placement, intravenous fluids, and monitoring.
Some cats recover with medical management alone. However, if blockage recurs repeatedly or the urethra remains severely narrowed, surgery may be recommended.
Abdominal Exploratory Surgery
If your pet is vomiting, experiencing abdominal pain, or may have swallowed a foreign object, exploratory surgery allows us to identify and treat problems such as intestinal obstruction, foreign bodies, or abdominal masses. In some cases, biopsies are taken to better understand chronic digestive issues.
What Is Perineal Urethrostomy?
Perineal urethrostomy, often called PU surgery, is a procedure that creates a wider urinary opening. This reduces the likelihood of future life-threatening blockages.
During the procedure:
- The narrow portion of the urethra is bypassed
- A new urinary opening is created
- The area is carefully reconstructed
- Pain management is provided throughout
Before surgery, we perform a physical exam and bloodwork to assess kidney function and anesthesia safety.
During the procedure, we continuously monitor heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and temperature.
When Is PU Surgery Recommended?
PU surgery is typically recommended when:
- A male cat experiences repeated urinary blockages
- Medical management fails to prevent recurrence
- Severe narrowing of the urethra is present
- Obstruction becomes life-threatening
Our goal is to prevent future emergencies and improve long-term urinary function.
We discuss risks, benefits, and recovery expectations clearly before scheduling surgery.
Recovery After Blocked Cat Surgery
Recovery requires close monitoring at home.
Most cats need:
- Restricted activity for several weeks
- Careful litter box monitoring
- Pain medication as prescribed
- Follow-up evaluations
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It is common to see mild swelling initially. We provide detailed instructions so you understand what is normal and when to contact us.
Long-term dietary management is often recommended to reduce the risk of crystal formation.
What Happens If a Blockage Is Not Treated?
Untreated urinary blockage can quickly become life-threatening. Toxins build in the bloodstream, which can affect the heart and other organs.
Early intervention improves survival and reduces complications. If you suspect your cat cannot urinate, immediate evaluation is critical.
Is Perineal Urethrostomy Safe?
All surgery carries risk, especially when performed after an emergency obstruction. We reduce risk by stabilizing your cat first, performing bloodwork, and monitoring anesthesia carefully.
We also provide structured pain management and detailed recovery guidance.
Each case is evaluated individually to determine the safest approach.
Why Families in Fairlawn Choose Us for Blocked Cat Surgery
Urinary emergencies are stressful and frightening. Families in Fairlawn and Copley trust us because we focus on:
- Prompt evaluation
- Clear explanation of treatment options
- Careful stabilization before surgery
- Structured recovery planning
- Ongoing support
Dr. Ashley Staycheff and our team work together to provide individualized care for each patient.
For more information about related urinary procedures, visit our Bladder Stone Surgery page or our Advanced Surgery page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blocked Cat Surgery
How do I know if my male cat is blocked?
Straining in the litter box with little or no urine is the most common sign. Vomiting, hiding, or lethargy may occur in advanced cases.
Is urinary blockage in cats an emergency?
Yes. A complete blockage requires immediate veterinary care.
Will PU surgery cure my cat?
Perineal urethrostomy reduces the risk of future blockages but does not eliminate all urinary issues. Dietary and medical management may still be necessary.
How long does recovery take after PU surgery?
Most cats require several weeks of restricted activity and careful monitoring during healing.
Can female cats need PU surgery?
Female cats rarely develop urethral obstruction because their urethra is wider. PU surgery is most commonly performed in male cats.
What causes repeated blockages?
Inflammation, stress-related urinary disease, crystals, and stones may all contribute to recurrence.
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Introducing Vello
A Better Way to Stay Connected
We’re excited to announce that starting August 4th, our clinic is using Vello, a convenient text messaging app designed to make communication with us easier than ever. With the Vello app, you can easily get appointment reminders, request visits, text our team, and enjoy faster, more convenient service - all from your phone.
We encourage all appointment requests to go through the Vello app beginning August 4th, so you can enjoy a smoother, more connected experience with our team.
Schedule a Blocked Cat Evaluation in Fairlawn
If your male cat is straining to urinate or showing signs of blockage, do not wait.
We are here to evaluate your cat quickly, stabilize the condition, and determine whether perineal urethrostomy or medical management is appropriate.
Schedule a Surgical Consultation
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Different Procedures We Offer
Spay/Neuter
Spaying is the surgical removal of a female dog’s reproductive organs to prevent reproduction. Neutering involves removing both testicles in male dogs to render them infertile.
Exploratory Surgeries and Biopsies
Cytology involves examining cell samples under a microscope to help diagnose tumors, fluid buildup, or issues in organs like the liver or lungs. A biopsy is the surgical removal of tissue for detailed microscopic analysis of suspicious lesions.
TTA/CCL Repairs
A common knee injury in dogs is a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to the ACL in humans. This ligament helps stabilize the knee, and when torn, it causes the shin bone to move abnormally, leading to pain, lameness, and joint damage. Over time, this instability can result in osteoarthritis.
MPL Procedures
A luxating patella occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position in the groove at the end of the thighbone. This condition causes instability in the knee joint and can lead to discomfort or difficulty walking.
Amputation Services
Amputation is a surgical procedure to remove a pet’s limb, often due to cancer, severe injury, infection, or chronic pain. Forelimb amputations usually involve removing the entire limb, while hindlimb amputations are done at the hip or upper thigh. In some cases, modifications may be made to allow for a prosthetic limb.
Fracture Repairs
In many cases, surgical stabilization is recommended for treating fractures in pets. Unlike humans, dogs and cats often fracture major bones like the femur or humerus, which can't be easily treated with splints or casts.
Mass Removals
Finding a lump under your pet’s skin can be alarming and should be checked by a vet. Many are harmless lipomas (fatty tumors), but some may involve mast cells, which are part of the immune system. Proper diagnosis is important to determine if the lump is benign or cancerous.
Splenectomy
The spleen is a tongue-shaped organ located below the stomach with a texture similar to the liver. While dogs can live without it, the spleen plays a supportive role in overall health.
Cystotomy
Bladder stones are mineral formations that develop in the urinary bladder, ranging in size from tiny grains to larger rocks. They often result from bladder disease or inflammation and can appear as a single stone or a mix of various sizes.
Perineal Urethrostomy (PU)
A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical procedure for male cats with urinary blockages. It widens the urethral opening to make urination easier and reduce the risk of future obstructions.
C-Sections
A caesarean section (C-section) is a major surgery to deliver puppies, often done in emergencies when natural birth is difficult. Most dogs recover quickly, but if labor was prolonged before surgery, recovery may be slower and require extra care.
