When you notice pink or bloody urine in your cat's litter box, don't take it lightly! Hematuria can be a warning sign of a serious health problem. In this article, we will share with you the Common causes of cat hematuria, emergency treatment, and medical advice in Hong Kong to help cat owners protect their furry children's health in a timely manner.
Causes of hematuria
Usually our doctors think that the problem with blood in the urine is bladder inflammation (feline lower urinary tract disease, FLUTD) or bladder stones. Bladder inflammation is usually accompanied by frequent, low-volume, and bloody urine and can be triggered by stress, bacterial infections, or insufficient water intake; Stones (such as struvia) are often associated with a lack of blood in the urine. insufficient water intake; Stones (such as struvite or calcium oxalate) can block the urethra, especially in male cats, and can be fatal within 24 hours If they do not urinate completely.
Some stones may originate from the kidneys, and when cats don't drink enough water, the urine produced by kidney filtration will be highly concentrated, resulting in an increased concentration of minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, phosphate, etc.) in the urine. concentrated, resulting in an increased concentration of minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, phosphate, etc.) in the urine. These supersaturated minerals form tiny crystals in the kidneys, which continue to accumulate in the urine. These supersaturated minerals form tiny crystals in the kidneys, which continue to accumulate and grow in the urine after they travel to the bladder, eventually forming stones As the stone moves through the bladder, it rubs against the bladder mucosa, causing mechanical damage and rupturing of submucosal microvessels, which is the main cause of hematuria. As the stone moves through the bladder, it rubs against the bladder mucosa, causing mechanical damage and rupturing of submucosal microvessels, which is the main cause of hematuria.
Generally speaking, we will be happy as long as the cat pees out, but things are often not that simple.
Hematuria can cause a blocked urethra in cats
When the cat has hematuria but is not treated in time, the crystals in the urinary tract will continue to accumulate and increase, and the inflammation will cause the urethral mucosa to swell, making the already narrow urethral diameter even narrower. cause the urethral mucosa to swell, making the already narrow urethral diameter even narrower.
These crystals, when mixed with secretions from inflammation (e.g., mucus, cell debris), tend to form blockages in the finer parts of the urethra, which can be used as a means of preventing the development of a new cellular structure, or as a means of preventing the development of a new cellular structure. especially in male cats.
Once completely blocked, urine cannot be discharged, which will lead to overdistended bladder and even trigger acute kidney injury, which can be life- threatening. threatening.
Therefore, if your pet is found to have blood in the urine, seek medical attention immediately to avoid an emergency that deteriorates into a blocked urinary tract. Therefore, if your pet is found to have blood in the urine, seek medical attention immediately to avoid an emergency that deteriorates into a blocked
If the cat is no longer able to pee, please arrive at the hospital as soon as possible within 24 hours and immediately hand it over to a professional veterinarian for treatment. The veterinarian will first administer anesthetic sedation, which is crucial because the anesthesia allows the cat's urethral muscles to completely relax, especially the tense urethral muscles. The veterinarian will first administer anesthetic sedation, which is crucial because the anesthesia allows the cat's urethral muscles to completely relax, especially the tense urethral sphincter, so that the catheter can be safely inserted and the cat's pain and struggle can cause secondary pain. 's pain and struggle can cause secondary injury to the urethra.
You can also call us immediately for help, we have a 24-hour service hotline
Symptoms before hematuria
Cats usually show subtle symptoms that are easy to overlook Before they appear hematuria, and if detected early, they can avoid deterioration into serious problems.
1) Frequent entry and exit of the litter box: squatting in the litter several times in a short period of time, but the amount of urine each time is very small (maybe only a few drops)
2) Longer urination:: Maintain the posture for a long time but cannot urinate, or intermittently urinate
3) Painful manifestations when urinating: howling, licking the urethral opening, and even avoiding the use of the litter box
4) Urine smell becomes heavier:: It may have a pungent ammonia or fishy smell
If you notice that your cat is starting to show these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately before they worsen.
Prevents inflammation of the urinary system
1) Make sure your cat is getting enough water every dayTo prevent urinary problems in cats, making sure you drink enough water every day is key. To prevent urinary problems in cats, making sure you drink enough water every day is key. It is recommended to need 40-60ml of water per kilogram of body It is recommended to need 40-60ml of water per kilogram of body weight, which can be achieved by feeding wet food (with a water content of more than 70%), setting up multiple water bowls at home (ceramic/stainless steel is preferred) and using pet water dispensers. Pay special attention to male cats, elderly cats and cats with urinary problems, and strictly monitor the water intake, and observe the water level. Pay special attention to male cats, elderly cats and cats with urinary problems, and strictly monitor the water intake, and observe the size of the cat litter lumps (normally as big as a tennis ball) to judge whether the water intake is sufficient.
2) Choose the right cat food. The choice of cat food is crucial for urinary health, and Improper diet can lead to crystallisation, stones, and even kidney damage. If you are unsure of what to do, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian directly who can recommend the most suitable diet plan for your cat's age, health and special needs.
Hematuria is an important warning sign from the cat's urinary system and can be caused by cystitis, stones, urethral obstruction or kidney disease, especially in male cats with a higher risk due to urethral stricture. Hematuria is an important warning sign from the cat's urinary system and can be caused by cystitis, stones, urethral obstruction or kidney disease, especially in male cats with a higher risk due to urethral stricture. Prolonged treatment can lead to complete urethral blockage, bladder rupture, and even acute kidney failure, which can be life-threatening. Prolonged treatment can lead to complete urethral blockage, bladder rupture, and even acute kidney failure, which can be life-threatening in just 24-48 hours.
Early diagnosis and treatment can not only reduce the pain of cats, but also avoid high surgical costs and long-term sequelae.