Hi Gia,
Only just logged on today but to hear that Gizmo had a wee, even if uncontrolled, does sound hopeful.....bless that little guy. I've never heard of the problem being associated with the
neck of the bladder before, but yes, I can imagine that if the urine cannot even pass through to the bladder itself, there wouldn't be any advantage in merely shortening it.
How does the vet know that the problem is with the neck of the bladder...if that isn't a silly question? Does she think that the nerve endings have been damaged locally? They often repair themselves should that be the case.
Is Gizmo insured....Jet wasn't.....but insurance would certainly be helpful in cases of FLUTD? If he is, perhaps the vet would refer him to a specialist if he does not respond to any of the treatment she has tried. Jet was taken to see Dr Dick White, a top veterinary urologist, five days after his operation.....just to have his condition evaluated and for a post operative examination. Dr White has a surgery near Newmarket... Suffolk/Cambs border. I was very lucky because Nigel, Jet's vet took him along to see Dr White at no cost to myself. The wonderful doctor examined Jet as a favour to Nigel because he had taught him at Cambridge University Veterinary School. Jet was leaking a little initially...and Nigel was afraid that some of the urine might be penetrating the underlying skin tissue around the site of the wound...which would inevitably have been fatal unless arrested) but no, it was only superficial and soon stopped as he started to gain more control of his muscles. I know during Jet's first hospitalisation (in April) that the vets called Dr White's clinic many times to ask for advice on how to treat him....so let's hope that one of the specialists can come up with something.
Gia, I can't comment on permanently catheterizing a cat, but would have thought it impossible, painful and very, very expensive. Jet had so many catheters inserted during the last few months of his illness, which is why the vets suggested the operation...as a last resort. His long term prognosis was so poor and, bless him, he had had enough.
Poor Gizmo sounds like his problem might be as difficult to treat, although in a different area. Has the vet given you any indication of what might have caused the neck of his bladder to stretch?
One last thing Gia. Is Gizmo a stessed cat at all? If he is and doesn't get on well with Ftse, try to keep him in a room on his own for the time being..... somewhere that is quiet and peaceful and where he can relax and rehabilitate. Urinary probs are often stress related.
I can't think of anything else to add at this juncture except to wish that poor little baby well.
Try not to worry too much (I know that's easier said than done). Take five and make yourself a nice cuppa and relax for a few minutes. Put something in it if you're not driving or working
We're all sending mega positive thoughts to Giz for a very speedy recovery.
Lots of love to you both
Roz
