December 1999 Pet of the Month
"Marvin" Hungerford
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"Marvin" Hungerford
At Home Relaxing! |
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"Marvin" Hungerford a 3 year old neutered male domestic short hair cat weighing 18 lbs. Was presented with a
complaint of having urinary accidents around the house and frequent trips to the litter box. He was seen straining with only minimal urine production. Physical exam revealed a rapid
heart rate, a large firm and painful bladder, and dehydration. After light anesthesia a catheter was passed while flushing his urethra and sutured in place to keep his bladder emptied. Urinalysis
demonstrated a urinary tract infection as well as numerous struvite crystals that were forming plugs that obstructed his urethra and often the catheter. He was also started on antibiotics, fluids and
anti-inflammatories as well as a special diet to aid in the dissolution of the urinary crystals. Each time Marvin's catheter was removed he reobstructed within 12 hours. Radiographs (x-rays) and contrast
studies of the bladder were taken to rule out any large stones in the bladder. Only a tremendous of crystals were noted in the bladder. After a week of unsuccessful attempts to flush the crystals from his
bladder, it became evident that surgery was Marvin's only hope for survival.A perineal urethrostomy which involved splitting the penis and
widening the urethra was performed. This enlarged opening allows the undissolved crystals to pass. Because he had numerous reobstructions and catheterizations his urethra was quite inflamed
and post op recovery was much longer than normal. Marvin spent a total of 16 days with us at Heritage. |
