Feline UTD
For #WiseWednesday, we want to bring light to the dangers of Feline UTD - Urinary Tract Disease - and tell a fantastic rescue story too!
UTD can quickly become deadly, particularly in males. Upon discussing this case with a vet, we were told that once UTD causes a blockage, and there is a mere 8-10 hour window to have a good chance of survival with emergency intervention.
Luckily, Farmer Ava got Hinata got the help he needed just in time.
Hinata showed up on Ava’s farm in Kyoto one day. He was emaciated with open wounds and a limp, and missing fur. Despite being unfriendly, with these injuries Ava knew she had to help. Ava tried to win his trust with feeding and reached out to JCN for help in capturing Hinata. JCN provided food, litter, and a carrier, with Hinata waiting outside for Ava’s return, ready to get help. He waltzed right into the house, used the litter box, and hasn’t left since!
Then, he was taken to the vet, and it was discovered that his paw had likely been crushed by a car. He got surgery immediately, but a few weeks later his behavior changed. He would try to use the bathroom endlessly, crying the whole time. Knowing something was wrong, Ava contacted JCN again, and we advised going into an emergency vet that night with no delay. The stress had caused a protein build up in his urinary tract and he needed emergency surgery immediately. He is now healthy on his special diet to protect his urinary tract health! UTD severely affects the health a wellbeing of many cats. Just look at Hinata’s transformation from an injured tom, to almost losing his life to UTD, to the vibrant, healthy boy he is today!
If there is a change in your cat’s appetite, bathroom habits, or other worrying signs, do not hesitate to get them seen! It could be early warning signs of a soon-to-be-life-threatening UTD, or another debilitating disease. When it comes to infections and diseases that can suddenly become deadly, there is no time to waste! Bringing them in right away gives them the best fighting chance, like Hinata.
