EXPRESS: Azotaemia and outcomes in male cats with initial and recurrent urethral obstruction: a multicentre retrospective study of 601 cats (2020-2024).

Recurrent UO cats present less azotaemic; azotaemia resolves within 48 hours in most cases.

This multicentre retrospective study of 601 male cats evaluated azotaemia prevalence and resolution in initial versus recurrent urethral obstruction (UO). Cats with prior UO history or lower urinary tract signs were significantly less likely to present with azotaemia (serum creatinine >140 µmol/L), possibly reflecting increased owner vigilance leading to earlier intervention. Among azotaemic cats on presentation, 70.1% achieved resolution within 48 hours. Azotaemia presence was associated with 1.92-fold increased likelihood of extended catheterisation duration and 1.81-fold increased hospitalisation duration. Notably, recurrent UO was not associated with prolonged azotaemia resolution time. The study found no significant differences in catheterisation or hospitalisation duration between initial and recurrent UO cases. These findings suggest that appropriate client education and early recognition of urethral obstruction signs may improve outcomes, particularly by reducing azotaemia severity at presentation.

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