Is your male cat experiencing recurrent urinary blockages? While a single, initial blockage can be managed medically, frequent obstructions pose more of a challenge. In these cases, a type of surgery called a perineal urethrostomy, or PU for short, offers a long-term solution by alleviating urethral obstruction. A perineal urethrostomy is a surgical procedure that is most commonly performed on male cats with a urinary obstruction. This procedure creates a wider opening for urination, preventing future blockages and reducing the need for emergency visits.

What is Perineal Urethrostomy (PU)?

Perineal urethrostomy, often referred to as PU surgery, is a surgical procedure performed on male cats to address recurrent or severe urinary blockages.

To understand why this surgery is necessary, it’s helpful to know a little about feline anatomy. Male cats have a long, narrow urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body), which makes them more prone to blockages from crystals, stones, or inflammatory debris. Female cats are less likely to experience urinary blockages due to their shorter and wider urethra compared to males.

Urinary blockages occur when protein-rich sludge, crystals, or small stones obstruct a cat's urethra. Bladder stones can also contribute to urethral obstructions, often requiring surgical intervention.

The goal of PU surgery in cats is to create a wider, shorter opening for the urethra in the perineal area (the region between the anus and the scrotum). This is achieved by surgically rerouting the urethra and attaching it to the skin. By widening the opening, the procedure significantly reduces the likelihood of future urethral obstructions, as it allows smaller particles to pass through more easily. Post-surgery, the cat's anatomy may resemble that of a female cat due to the changes in the urethra.

While it doesn’t address the underlying causes of the material that causes the blockages (like urinary crystals or inflammation), it provides a more effective route for those materials to exit the body, thereby preventing the painful and dangerous condition of a urinary obstruction.

When is the PU surgery recommended and why is it needed?

While PU surgery is not typically the first line of defense for a cat experiencing a urinary blockage, it becomes an important consideration in specific situations. Perineal urethrostomy surgery is most commonly recommended when urinary obstructions cannot be corrected by catheterization or if the cat has been experiencing repeated obstructions. Here are some key scenarios where PU surgery is often recommended:

  • Frequent urinary obstructions: If your cat experiences repeated episodes of urinary blockage, despite medical management including dietary changes and medication, PU surgery can significantly reduce the recurrence rate. These repeated blockages are not only painful for your cat but can also lead to serious complications and kidney damage and ultimately be life-threatening. Intravenous fluids are often used to stabilize the cat before surgery by correcting dehydration and addressing electrolyte abnormalities.
  • Severe urethral trauma or scarring: In some cases, the urethra can be damaged due to injury or develop significant scarring from repeated inflammation or catheterization. This damage can narrow the urethra, making blockages more likely and difficult to resolve. PU surgery bypasses the damaged section, creating a new, wider opening.
  • Cases where catheterization isn’t effective: Catheterization is a common procedure used to relieve urinary blockages. However, in some instances, it may be difficult to pass a catheter due to the nature of the blockage or anatomical issues. Additionally, repeated catheterizations can sometimes cause further trauma to the urethra. If catheterization proves ineffective or is deemed too risky, PU surgery may be recommended. A urinary catheter plays a crucial role in managing blockages and preparing for surgery by maintaining urine flow and managing complications.
Cat resting at home after PU surgery

Postoperative care and recovery

The success of PU surgery doesn’t end when your cat leaves the veterinary hospital. Proper post-operative care is needed for healing and preventing complications. Your cat will also need to be kept calm and have restricted activity during recovery. Here’s what you can expect and how to help your cat recover:

Immediate aftercare

  • The Cone (E-collar): Your cat will likely come home with an Elizabethan collar (e-collar). This is essential to prevent them from licking or chewing at the surgical site, which can introduce infection and delay healing. It's so important to keep the e-collar on at all times, even if your cat doesn't like it until your veterinarian advises otherwise (usually around 10-14 days).
  • Post-op medications: Your veterinarian will likely prescribe pain medication and antibiotics. Administer them exactly as directed. Let your veterinarian know immediately if there is any difficulty in administering the medications, or if there are adverse effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite.

Practical tips for home recovery

  • Litter box adjustments: You might need to make some temporary changes to your cat's litter box. Your vet may recommend using shredded paper or non-clumping litter to prevent irritation of the surgical site. Pelleted paper litter is recommended as it is less likely to irritate the surgical site. Ensure the litter box is easily accessible, especially if your cat is less mobile initially.
  • Monitoring urine output: Keep an eye on your cat's urination. Note the frequency and ease of urination. Any signs of straining or difficulty should be reported to your vet.
  • Wound care: Your veterinarian will provide specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site. This might involve gentle cleaning. Monitor the incision for any signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or excessive pain.
  • Diet: Continue feeding your cat their regular diet unless your vet recommends a specific urinary diet to help prevent future issues. We typically recommend canned food to help increase moisture consumption. Ensure fresh water is always available.

Possible risks and complications

As with any surgical procedure, this surgery carries potential risks and complications. While the majority of cats recover well and experience significant relief from urinary issues, it’s important to be aware of what could happen. Here’s a breakdown of potential issues:

Common Short-Term Issues

  • Bleeding: Some minor bleeding from the surgical site is expected in the first few days after surgery. However, excessive bleeding should be reported to your veterinarian immediately.
  • Infections: Although precautions are taken during surgery, there’s always a risk of infection at the surgical site. Signs include redness, swelling, discharge, and fever.
  • Urine leakage (urinary incontinence): Some cats may experience temporary urine leakage as the tissues heal. This usually resolves within a few weeks. If it persists, it’s important to speak with your veterinarian.

Potential long-term concerns

  • Urinary control: In rare cases, some cats may experience long-term issues with urinary control.
  • Narrowing of the surgical opening (stricture): Although the goal of PU surgery is to widen the urethra, there’s a rare chance that the surgical opening can narrow over time. This can lead to difficulty urinating and may require further intervention. Urethral obstruction can still occur if the surgical opening narrows.

What's the prognosis of the perineal urethrostomy surgery?

The PU surgery has a very high success rate, with most cats experiencing a significant reduction in urinary blockages. The prognosis for cats undergoing a perineal urethrostomy is good with appropriate pre-surgical stabilization and surgical technique. The prognosis for cats that undergo this surgery is generally good, and many enjoy a much-improved quality of life.

It's important to remember that while the surgery addresses the anatomical issue of a narrow urethra, it doesn't prevent the underlying causes of urinary problems, such as crystal formation or inflammation. Therefore, ongoing management, including dietary changes and stress reduction, may still be necessary.

In conclusion, PU surgery offers a very effective solution for male cats suffering from recurrent urethral obstructions and blockages. This procedure can significantly improve your cat's comfort, reduce emergency vet visits, and enhance their overall quality of life. While the decision to pursue PU surgery involves careful consideration of the risks and benefits, the long-term prognosis is generally very good.