A urethral obstruction occurs when urine cannot flow from the bladder to the outside of the body.

 

This is a true medical emergency, especially in male cats, and can become life-threatening within 24–48 hours.

 

Cats: most commonly affected, especially male cats

Dogs: less common, but often more complex when it occurs

 

Untreated obstruction can cause:

• Severe pain

• Bladder rupture

• Kidney failure

• Dangerous electrolyte imbalances

• Death

 

While many cases can be relieved initially with a urinary catheter, surgery becomes essential when obstruction is recurrent, complete, traumatic, or caused by irreversible narrowing or stones.