Urethral obstruction

image of Online Vet Training instructor Geert Paes Geert Paes, DVM, Dip ECVIM-ca
€55
Course includes:
icon of cat
Duration: 1 hour 30 min
€55

Unblocking the problem

Urethral obstruction is one of the most common and potentially life-threatening emergencies in feline practice. Male cats presenting with an inability to urinate require rapid assessment and decisive treatment to prevent severe metabolic and cardiovascular complications.

In this practical webinar, we review the evidence-based management of urethral obstruction in cats, from initial stabilization to successful relief of the obstruction and post-treatment care. Special attention is given to the critically ill patient with severe hyperkalemia, azotemia, and metabolic disturbances, where the first priority is stabilizing the patient and preventing life-threatening complications. In less severely affected cats, the focus shifts toward effective pain control, stress reduction, and safe catheterization.

Throughout the session, we address key clinical questions frequently encountered in practice, including:

  • What complications can occur in cats with urethral obstruction?
  • How should hyperkalemia be treated, and which medications are indicated at different potassium levels?
  • How much and what type of fluid therapy should be administered?
  • Is decompressive cystocentesis safe in obstructed cats?
  • How can catheter placement be made easier and more successful?
  • Should the bladder be flushed during treatment?
  • How long should the urinary catheter remain in place?
  • Are antibiotics indicated in these patients?

Finally, we discuss strategies to reduce the risk of recurrence after discharge. Topics include environmental enrichment, increasing water intake, dietary considerations, and practical advice for owners to minimize stress and support long-term urinary health in cats prone to lower urinary tract disease.

This webinar provides a concise, clinically focused overview designed to help veterinarians confidently manage one of the most common feline emergencies in everyday practice.

image of Online Vet Training instructor Geert Paes Geert Paes, DVM, Dip ECVIM-ca

After graduating as a veterinarian in 2006 from the University of Ghent, Geert completed an internship and residency in small animal internal medicine. She remained at the university until 2012, after which she moved to Western Canada. There, she spent several years working in first-line practice, before transitioning back into emergency and referral medicine. This experience gave her a deep understanding of the realities of clinical practice and a strong appreciation for the challenges faced by general practitioners on a daily basis.

Geert has been a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ECVIM-CA) since 2017 and is (co-)author of several scientific publications. She currently works as a specialist at Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Surrey, Canada, and as a teleconsultant.

However, what truly sets Geert apart is her passion for teaching. She is known for her ability to explain complex topics in a clear, accessible, and practical way, making internal medicine understandable for every veterinarian—regardless of their level of experience. Her teaching style is characterized by clear explanations, additional context, and a strong focus on clinical reasoning.

Having worked in first-line practice herself, Geert strongly believes that the “ideal scenario” is not always achievable. Her goal is not only to teach what the gold standard (Plan A) looks like, but also to equip veterinarians with the tools and confidence to make well-reasoned decisions when they need to rely on Plan B or Plan C.

Her courses are highly valued for their practical approach and direct applicability in daily practice, and her enthusiasm for internal medicine is contagious—she consistently succeeds in inspiring others to develop the same passion.

Driven by this vision, Geert founded OnlineVetTraining (OVT) in 2019, with the aim of providing accessible, high-quality, and clinically relevant education for veterinarians and veterinary professionals worldwide.

Webinar Content

Handouts
Urethral obstruction – Handouts
Practical resources
Feline Grimace Scale – Pain Scoring in Cats
Webinar Urethral obstruction in cats
Urethral obstruction – Introduction, causes and pathophysiology
Urethral obstruction – Monitoring and prevention
Urethral obstruction – Treatment non obstructive FIC
Feedback
Urethral obstruction – Feedback
Quiz
Urethral obstruction – Final Quiz 1 Quiz
Link to forum
Link to Forum Emergency and Critical Care Courses

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