My kitty is about to have PU surgery and I need advice

[Fizzle52]

Hi everyone,

After constant blockages and my poor boy never being able to pee normally since then, I’ve decided to have the PU surgery done on him. I’m worried to death and am so afraid of the complications and would really appreciate any help.

He likes to be outdoors so I’m setting up a fenced pen for him at the patio overlooking the garden and have a few questions.

1) Is light sensitivity a problem? He has a few hiding places within the pen but I’ve read some owners say they’ve kept their cat in a dark room. Is this necessary?

2) Are there any supplements or remedies that have worked well for your cat to heal after their surgery? What should I expect, and how long was recovery for your cat?

3) He’s a smart boy who has learned how to use his paw to scratch and irritate his genital area even with a cone on. Can anyone recommend suggestions as to what I can do to prevent this from happening? Should I get those little suits for him to wear, or bandage his paws or something?

Thank you in advance!

 

[ChatNoir002]

Hello,

My last cat had the PU Surgery and it was a huge improvement. My understanding is that blockages and catheterization are far more physically traumatic due to the build up of scar tissue for each procedure. My boy had blocked 4 times, was catheterized and his problems could not be resolved with prescription food. I was lucky to find a vet who had done many of this procedure and he was skilled and a good communicator. Once my cat had the surgery, he was back to himself within a few days. No medications were necessary after the fact. He healed fine on his own. I have never heard of light sensitivity related to this surgery and did not experience it. Your third question is best answered by a vet since some products may promote infection. I didn't even need a cone.

After the fact, I had to continue with prescription food for my cat because he still made crystals which would cause his bladder to become irritated and bleed.

Best of luck. The vet I used said he would do the PU surgery on his own cats after they blocked just one time because the chance of recurrence was very high.

 

[fionasmom]

He is one cute little gray tiger! I have not ever had a cat with PU surgery, but others here certainly have and can speak more specifically.

I have not ever been warned of light sensitivity with any procedure. Are you concerned about skin or eyes or a specific medication that has been mentioned?

10 Better Alternatives to the Cat “Cone of Shame” - Excited Cats
A few cone alternatives. Members have used onesies successfully. I am not sure that taping or bandaging paws is the best solution even from the point of view of using a litterbox.

I agree that checking all supplements with your vet is a good idea. Have a talk about outcomes and home care in as much detail as you need to. I have had some pretty major surgeries on animals and never once did we come home to a situation that could not be handled.

C ChatNoir002 Welcome to TCS!

 

[Fizzle52]

Hello,

My last cat had the PU Surgery and it was a huge improvement. My understanding is that blockages and catheterization are far more physically traumatic due to the build up of scar tissue for each procedure. My boy had blocked 4 times, was catheterized and his problems could not be resolved with prescription food. I was lucky to find a vet who had done many of this procedure and he was skilled and a good communicator. Once my cat had the surgery, he was back to himself within a few days. No medications were necessary after the fact. He healed fine on his own. I have never heard of light sensitivity related to this surgery and did not experience it. Your third question is best answered by a vet since some products may promote infection. I didn't even need a cone.

After the fact, I had to continue with prescription food for my cat because he still made crystals which would cause his bladder to become irritated and bleed.

Best of luck. The vet I used said he would do the PU surgery on his own cats after they blocked just one time because the chance of recurrence was very high.

Wow, that sounds like a dream… I’m feeling very guilty because I’m using a surgeon who does many soft tissue surgeries but has only ever done this specific one once, and she’s being guided by another surgeon who’s done this many times but who doesn’t do it anymore because her eyesight isn’t as good as it used to be. The clinic is charging me $1000 USD for it, as opposed to if I get an experienced specialist, which will be about $3500 USD. I can’t really afford it and I feel so scared and guilty and worried. I really don’t want this poor boy to suffer.