Posted by PHDrTobin on January 31, 2003 at 14:58:49:
In Reply to: Difficulty urinating - but is not blockage or infection posted by bennyt on January 30, 2003 at 17:37:37:
:My cat is half Berman and half tom and is 17.5 years old. Apart from the problem described below she is in fabulous condition for her age - thick coat, still active and even catching rabbits and mice from time to time.
:Over the past few months on three occasions, she experienced diarrhoea and vomiting in the house. Most recently, last week, was the worst and she was both vomiting and straining to expel something.
:Initially we thought it was constipation (she did pass some very solid lumps) but the vet is of the opinion that she has a problem with her bladder, in that she cannot urinate properly. It appears that the straining was an attempt to expel urine rather than faeces. I can tell you that after considerable examination and X-rays he says it is definitely not cancer, not a physical blockage or an infection in the bladder. The only other suggestion he has is that it could be neurological.
:Trouble is, if this kicks in again within a few days (as it did the last time about a week ago) there is very little to be done, whatever the cause - and the vet has no other solutions.
:So I have a couple of questions.
:Is a neurological condition likely? Should I keep her inside and check for urination? How can I check if her bladder is full? Also, would any kind of special diet help? I see you recommend thlaspi bursa pastoris to help relax the urethra although I am not sure I can get hold of any.
:Thanks for bearing with me - any advice appreciated.
:Ben
:
Ineffectual urination is often a symptom of cystitis, but you should find a few drops of urine along with seeing the cat pushing every few minutes. If you have eliminated all other signs of cystitis, and cystitis is rare in older cats, then it is likely that the cat is exhibiting tenesmus, which is the attempt to push out stool that is not present, only the sensation. It is often associated with diarrhea. Once the diarrhea clears up, the straining usually stops.
