Cats may sometimes experience symptoms of a urinary blockage, which can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. In today's post, our veterinarians will discuss what perineal urethrostomy surgery is and what to expect from the surgery and recovery for your cat.
What is Perineal Urethrostomy (PU) surgery?
A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical reconstruction of your cat's urinate tube called the urethra. The purpose is to create a larger opening through which your cat can urinate. Typically, PU surgery is considered once it has been determined that urinary obstructions cannot be corrected by catheterization or if the cat has been experiencing repeated obstructions.
Urinary blockages can quickly become life-threatening for your cat. While this surgery greatly decreases the likelihood of repeat blockages, it does not guarantee that obstructions will not reoccur. The care taken after surgery will help ensure that the procedure is successful and lower the risk of future blockages.
While possible in both, a male cat is much more likely to experience urinary blockages than female cats due to the female urethra being much shorter and wider than the male urethra. As the male urethra extends the length of the penis, it becomes more narrow, increasing the likelihood of an obstruction occurring.
When is PU surgery recommended?
Perineal urethrostomy surgery is most commonly recommended in the following situations.
- A urethral obstruction within the penis that cannot be removed. The most common treatment for urethral obstructions is using a urinary catheter. Your vet would pass this catheter through the external opening of the urethra, forcing any stones or mucus within the urethra into the bladder, at which point they can be managed using medication or surgery. If this method cannot clear the blockage, then perineal urethrostomy surgery may be required to allow the cat to urinate.
- Recurrent urethral obstructions. Obstructions can be common and reoccurring in some male cats. Although it is possible to remove the blockages continually in these cats, they may also benefit from perineal urethrostomy surgery to avoid or lower the risk of future obstructions.
What is the goal of PU surgery?
The main concern that is addressed during PU surgery is the narrow urethra in the distal penis, so the goal of the surgery will be to widen the urethra. Your vet will complete this by incising the penis and suturing it open to create a stoma (an opening) and drainage board. Over the weeks following surgery, the drainage board will shrink, and your cat's fur will grow back, leaving your cat with more of an appearance of a female cat than a male.
What after-care is required after PU surgery?
Because cats are notorious for attempting to clean and lick their wounds and may also attempt to scratch or bite the area, it is recommended that your cat wear an Elizabethan collar for the duration of the recovery process.
Your vet will also recommend keeping your cat in an area of the home where they can relax and will not be able to climb or jump onto furniture. Your cat should also be isolated from other pets to limit interactions and possible playtime which could further injure your cat.
What to Expect Once Your Cat Has Had PU Surgery
If your cat has undergone perineal urethrostomy (PU) surgery successfully and the recovery process was without complications, then there should be no further concerns. There may be a rare case where a cat experiences another obstruction after having PU surgery, but this is highly unlikely.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet