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Shadow’s journey began with a visit to his local vet due to vomiting and extreme lethargy. The vet suspected a urethral obstruction due to a solid and painful bladder, along with bleeding from his prepuce. High potassium levels were also a concern due to his urinary blockage. This is often characterised by extreme lethargy, a slow heart rate, and a plantigrade stance, which is when a patient’s entire foot up to their hock is touching the ground when they move, all of which were symptoms Shadow presented with. 

After blood tests confirmed high potassium levels, Shadow received intravenous insulin, as this works to move the potassium into the cells and therefore out of the bloodstream. As insulin also works to reduce blood glucose, Shadow also received some glucose intravenously to maintain normal blood glucose level. A urinary catheter was placed to treat his urethral blockage, followed by treatment with intravenous calcium gluconate to stabilise his heart rate before being referred to The Ralph for further management of his condition.

When he arrived at The Ralph, Shadow was still in a collapsed state, dehydrated, and had a tender abdomen. Blood tests revealed high potassium and low glucose levels, so he received intravenous fluids with added glucose. His kidney values on his blood test were also high, commonly seen in cases of urethral obstruction. Radiographs were performed and no obvious bladder stones were seen – bladder stones can often cause blockage of the urinary tract. It was therefore suspected that Shadow was suffering from a condition known as Feline Interstitial Cystitis (FIC). With time and tailored intravenous fluid therapy, his potassium and kidneys blood levels normalised and, after removing his urinary catheter, he was discharged with strict instructions for the management of his FIC.

Once home Shadow unfortunately showed signs of struggling to urinate again, and he was taken to the local out-of-hours vets for stabilisation before returning to The Ralph for continued treatment. There, a urinary catheter was placed once more, and Shadow was started on intravenous fluid therapy due to high kidney values and high potassium on his blood tests. It was suspected that Shadow had represented for his FIC, which is fairly common with this condition.

Shadow enjoying the fuss whilst having his bladder scanned by nurse intern Jade!

Feline Interstitial Cystitis (FIC) is a chronic and painful condition of the bladder and lower urinary tract.  It is characterised by inflammation of the bladder wall without an identifiable infection. Symptoms include frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and urinating outside the litter box. Stress is a significant factor in the exacerbation of FIC, and therefore when Shadow was well enough to be discharged,  management and stress reduction strategies were discussed with his carers, including modifications to his environment to reduce stress levels, such as providing a quiet, safe place for him to retreat, using feline pheromone diffusers, and ensuring a consistent daily routine.

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Take care,

Team Ralph 🐾