"tunic" wrote in message
lkaboutpets.com...
how are plugs identified? he hadnt any signs of infection or too much
blood
in his urine
there were certainly many crystals though, could it be a combination of
the two?

Urethral plugs are a combination of a small amount of calculus (usually
struvite) and large amounts of mucus, which is probably secreted by mucosal
cells in the bladder and urethra - most likely in response to some mucosal
irritant and/or inflammation. Struvite uroliths contain larger quantities
MAP and smaller quantities of mucus and other debris.



while trying to pass the cathetere the last time, the vet met an obstacle
(she could sense it)
she cleaned the edge of the cathetere and analyzed the contents in the
microscope where many crystals were visible
she believes that the cathetere eventually passed *by* the stone in the
urethra

She may have pushed the obstruction back to a wider point in the urethra. A
technique called "retrograde urohydropropulsion" is often used flush an
obstruction back into the bladder by distending the urethra around the stone
with fluid - this is only for temporary relief. Voiding urohydropulsion is
used to eliminate urethral stones if the stones/plugs are small enough.



so the catheterization or the acidification (by s/d food) hadnt
had any effect on the real problem. is that possible? i think the
cathetere is quite wide for that to happen

I think you're right.



the good thing is that the cat is in good shape, he is almost used to the
procedure (he was even once catheterized without sedation) and he was
never anorexic. oh and he peed quite a bit after coming home from the vet
today..
is it possible his current difficulty to urinate to be due to urethra
inflammation and not stones?

Sure its possible. Crystals alone can inflame the urethra - and repeated
catheterizations can certaily inflame the urethra. Perhaps an
antiinflammarory med might help. Inflammation in the urethra is analogous
to rust and corrosion inside a pipe. Reducing the inflammation would
probably increase (restore) urethral diameter.

Its also possible that she broke up the stone - don't forget, he's on s/d -
so struvite would be soluble in an acidic urine.


i'm still having second thoughts about PU but am i just putting off the
inevitable?

Maybe not. Lets keep our paws crossed!

Phil