Hi Dee,
Only just logged on today but am sorry to hear about your little guy Dave.? It sounds like he has other complications in that area as well following the RTA but I'm surprised that the vets have removed the catheter so quickly.? He can't have been so very bad....and I know what they mean about the spasms, because that is what always happened to Jet, following the removal of the catheter.
As you know Dee, this is one of the most painful conditions that can afflict a male cat.? It only happens in males.? Queens can suffer from cystitis related FLUTD but they are never in danger of death through a blocked bladder.? My vet told me that the pain is excrutiating and a blocked bladder can, if unattended, lead to death within 24 hours.? Therefore, if Dave is a free-roaming little chap, keep him in for a while, until his condition has stabilised.
You will need to give him a wet diet from now on...keep those kidneys and bladder flushed through regularly. Try to keep him active....sedatory cats suffer from this condition more than active ones and, if you live in a hard water area, try to give him only mineral water.? I have been told that there is a higher incidence of FLUTD in hard water areas than other areas.
There's loads more that I could write on this condition but I'll wait until I see your next post to see how dear little Dave is going on.
My little guy, Jet was so poorly with the condition that he would have had to be pts if he didn't have a penilectomy (often called the 'sex-change' op).? He had this in January this year and has never looked back.? This time last year, everyone was reading my posts which were becoming more and more anguished.? Jet was in the hospital every other week.? After a few days at home his sphincter muscle would go into spasm again and he would be unable to urinate.?
The operation is very invasive and should be avoided at all costs if possible, but if there is no other option left, it is the most brilliant solution......but is not without risk.? Jet has been supremely lucky...but then again, Nigel his vet, took him under his wing and really pulled out the stops for him.? I am so grateful.
Hope that helps.
Lots of love to you both and a special headrub from Jet for little Dave
Roz