Blocked Urethra: (Stones, Calculi, Urolithiasis)

16.4.2 Blocked Urethra: (Stones, Calculi, Urolithiasis)

Sometimes animals make hard “stones” in their bladder called “calculi.” They can be large like a bean, or they can be small like sand. The stones sometimes become stuck in the urethra and block the passage of urine. A blocked urethra occurs most commonly in male animals because the urethra is small, especially that part of the urethra within the penis. A blocked urethra due to calculi is most common in male animals that have been castrated at a young age.

Treatment: Treatment of a blocked urethra requires some special instruments, and training. A narrow plastic tube, called a “catheter”, is passed up the urethra in the penis until the catheter meets the stones. Then, by gently pushing on the catheter, the stones may become dislodged. If you do not have a catheter you can gently massage the penis. This may help the stones to become dislodged and pass from the urethra.

Note: Sometimes, a diuretic is given in hope that the increased amount of urine may cause enough pressure to dislodge the stone. However, this practice is not always effective and may result in a burst bladder.