Keeping your cat’s litter box clean is essential for maintaining its long-term health. Even after meticulously scooping the urine clumps, replacing the litter once a week, and scrubbing every inch of the litter box every couple of weeks, your cat may still experience urinary issues. Urinary obstruction in cats is one of the more serious ailments affecting the urethra and requires urgent medical attention. What is Urinary Obstruction? Urinary obstruction in cats describes situations involving a partial or full blockage of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the cat’s external opening. You might hear your veterinarian call it a urethral blockage or urethral obstruction, and it’s one of the most common reasons for cats to see their vets. A urinary obstruction may be referred to as FLUTD, or feline lower urinary tract disease. You may also hear the term FIC, short for feline interstitial cystitis, which refers to inflammation of the bladder. Urinary obstructions are most common in young castrated male cats, but can occur in older pets and intact males as well. FIC is also much more common in cats younger than 10. Risks of Urinary Obstructions Urinating is a vital function for almost all creatures, as it eliminates waste and maintains appropriate levels of bodily fluids. Retaining urine can result in: Bladder tear (rupture) due to increased pressure Renal (kidney) damage or failure Heart problems due to electrolyte imbalances What Causes Urinary Obstructions in Cats? The inflammation that occurs with FIC is a common cause of urinary obstructions in cats. Two other ailments commonly associated with urinary obstructions are uroliths (bladder stones that can travel to the urethra) and urethral plugs, which consist of bodily crystals and mucus. Cancer is a rare cause of urinary obstructions. Preventing Urinary Obstruction Maintaining your cat’s general health, which involves regular vet check-ups, can reduce the chances of urinary obstructions. Ensuring your felines have access to enough water and food is also essential, as is helping them stay at healthy weights. Male cats are prone to urinary obstructions and other FLUTDs because their urethra is narrower and longer than those of female cats. Some cats who experience frequent urinary obstructions may benefit from a procedure called a perineal urethrostomy (PU), which widens the urethral opening. Treating Urinary Obstruction: When to See an Emergency Vet It’s a good idea to take your cat to a vet as soon as possible if you notice signs of urinary obstruction, as serious health problems can crop up within 12 hours or less. Untreated urinary obstructions can cause death in cats within 24 hours, so time is of the essence. Common symptoms of urinary obstructions in cats include: Frequent urination (more than four times per day) Weak urinary flow Urinating only a few drops at a time (or nothing at all) Bloody or cloudy urine Vocalizing or crying out while urinating Straining while urinating Urinating outside of the litter box Vomiting Diarrhea Lethargy Decreased appetite Excessive licking of their genitals If you suspect your cat is exhibiting these symptoms but aren’t sure, we strongly recommend erring on the side of caution and bringing them to a vet as soon as possible. Depending on the location of the litter box, it may be difficult to tell whether your cat is having trouble peeing or not urinating at all. Your vet may insert a catheter to drain the backed-up urine, and your cat may need to take medications for a few days.
It’s a sad fact of life for pet owners that one of our favorite treats can be deadly for our dogs. So, what if your dog ate chocolate but is acting fine? The potential health complications depend on the amount and type of cocoa they eat, and there are a number of symptoms that can alert you to serious problems. If your dog ate chocolate chip cookies or counter-surfed their way into a cup of hot cocoa, here’s what you need to know about chocolate toxicity and when it’s time to call the vet. Understanding Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs So, what is in chocolate that is toxic to dogs? To understand dog chocolate toxicity, we have to look at a key ingredient: cocoa beans. Many animals, including cats and dogs, can experience chocolate toxicosis if they ingest cocoa products. Cocoa contains compounds known as methylxanthines, specifically theobromine and caffeine. While humans can consume (and enjoy) these chemicals, dogs can’t metabolize them properly. Dogs are more sensitive to caffeine in all forms. A single discarded tea bag or a mouthful of spilled coffee grounds can spell disaster for your furry friend. And while we may not think about the caffeine content of our sweet treats, an average ounce of dark chocolate contains about 23 mg of caffeine. Is white chocolate toxic for dogs? It’s less likely, but it all depends on how much they eat. While white chocolate contains less cocoa than milk or dark chocolate, the high fat and sugar content can lead to other problems. Aside from an upset stomach, the sudden ingestion of high-fat foods can trigger pancreatitis in dogs. 6 Signs Your Dog Ate Chocolate Theobromine and caffeine affect the central nervous system and heart. In mild cases, this means gastrointestinal distress and dehydration. At higher doses, dogs can experience seizures, cardiac failure, and even death. If you suspect your dog may have gotten ahold of some chocolate, here are some common initial symptoms to look out for: Vomiting and diarrhea Excessive thirst and urination Restlessness Increased body temperature Rapid heart rate and breathing Muscle tremors My dog ate chocolate but is acting fine: should I be worried? There’s a saying when it comes to toxins: the dose makes the poison. The severity of your dog’s reaction depends on their size and how much chocolate they consumed. Dark chocolate and baking cocoa are higher in theobromine and caffeine, while milk and white chocolate have less. When dogs eat chocolate, the physical signs aren’t immediately apparent. Depending on how much they ate, symptoms can begin to show between 6-12 hours after ingestion. If you know or suspect your dog ate chocolate, immediately call your vet for advice. Monitor your pet closely for symptoms and take note of any unusual behavior. What to Do if Your Dog Ate Chocolate & When to See an Emergency Vet As with any serious health risk, it’s best to play it safe and contact your vet if your dog ate chocolate, even if they are acting fine. Even if they aren’t in immediate danger, early intervention is crucial for preventing long-term health consequences, which can include kidney failure and heart disease. Following a potential chocolate-eating incident, keep a close eye on your dog and contact an emergency vet right away if you notice any of the symptoms listed above. Only a professional can treat chocolate toxicity in dogs, so it’s vital to get help as soon as possible. Your vet can provide the best course of action for your dog’s specific situation. To help your dog, a vet may induce vomiting, administer IV fluids to combat dehydration, and give them activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of toxic compounds.