Pet Story -- "Two Bits"

"Two Bits" is a twelve year old, neutered, male tabby cat who is very special. He was brought in to MSAH when the owners noticed he "wasn't acting right" after being out of town for some time. Two Bits was extremely dehydrated and lethargic. Physical exam revealed a bladder the size of a softball within his abdomen. Two Bits had a urethral obstruction which made him unable to urinate for a couple of days. This condition is common in male cats and can be life threatening for several reasons. It causes extreme elevation in blood potassium, which can lead to cardiac arrest and it can also cause a significant amount of kidney damage.

Shortly after admission into the hospital, Two Bits bladder actually ruptured. He was immediately taken to surgery to repair his bladder and flush his abdomen on urinary waste. In the days following, Two Bits became stronger and stronger. He had a catheter in his urethra to keep it patent (open) and to allow his bladder to heal correctly.

Five days after his initial arrival in the hospital, Two Bits suffered another set back in that he developed a very resistant kidney infection. Intravenous antibiotics were started and in a couple of days, he began feeling better again. One problem, however, had yet to be resolved. Two Bits was still not able to urinate on his own. His bladder had been stretched to such a degree that the bladder muscle that contracts to enable urination was so fatigued that it could not work properly.

After about two weeks, and exhausting all other options, it was decided to perform a perineal urethostomy on Two Bits. This procedure actually removes a portion of the urethra and allows the patient to urinate through a larger opening (more like a female). Thankfully, this operation proved very productive. Two Bits was discharged just four days later feeling great.