Perineal Urethrostomy

Perineal Urethrostomy in Cedar Springs, MI

At Cedar Animal Hospital, we know how frightening it is to watch your cat strain in the litter box and produce little or nothing. Since 1993, our team has cared for cats from Cedar Springs and all over West Michigan, and we perform perineal urethrostomy surgery for male cats who keep running into dangerous urinary blockages.

Understanding Perineal Urethrostomy

A perineal urethrostomy, often shortened to PU, is a surgery that creates a wider opening for urine to leave the body. In male cats, the end of the urethra is very narrow, and small crystals, stones, or plugs of mucus and debris can lodge there and stop urine from passing. A blocked cat cannot empty his bladder, and the buildup quickly affects the kidneys and the body’s electrolyte balance. It is a true emergency.

Most blocked cats are first treated by placing a urinary catheter to relieve the obstruction, followed by hospital care, fluids, and a diet change. For many cats, that is enough. When a cat blocks again and again despite medical management, or when the urethra has been damaged and cannot be reliably opened, our veterinarians may recommend a PU. The surgery removes the narrowest part of the urethra so that urine, and any small crystals or debris, can pass more easily. This procedure is performed in cats only.

What to Expect During Your Cat’s Perineal Urethrostomy

When your cat comes to Cedar Animal Hospital for a PU, our team walks you through every stage of care, from the first workup to the day he goes home.

1. Stabilization and Diagnostics

If your cat arrives blocked, the first priority is relieving the obstruction and stabilizing him. Our full in-house laboratory lets us check bloodwork and urine quickly, and imaging helps us look for stones in the bladder or urethra. Surgery is planned once your cat is stable enough to undergo anesthesia safely.

2. Anesthesia and Surgery

Your cat is placed under general anesthesia and monitored throughout the procedure in one of our surgical suites. The surgeon removes the narrow end of the urethra and creates a new, wider opening below the anus. Your veterinarian will explain the details of the procedure and what it means for your cat before the day of surgery.

3. Hospital Recovery

After surgery, your cat recovers in our hospital, where our in-house ICU provides 24/7 nursing care. Our team monitors his comfort, urination, and the surgical site, and pain is managed throughout his stay. Your veterinarian will let you know when he is ready to go home.

4. Home Care and Follow-Up

At home, your cat will need to wear a protective cone, use a paper-based or shredded-newspaper litter while the incision heals, and take his medications as directed. We schedule a recheck to remove sutures and confirm healing, and we’ll talk about diet and long-term urinary health.

Why Perineal Urethrostomy Can Matter for Your Cat

For the right cat, a PU can turn a cycle of repeated emergencies into a much more manageable life. It is not the first step for every blocked cat, but it is an important option when other treatment has not kept the urethra open.

Lower Risk of Repeat Blockages

By widening the opening at the narrowest point, the surgery makes it much less likely that crystals or debris will block the flow of urine again.

Fewer Emergency Visits

Cats that block repeatedly often need repeated catheterizations and hospital stays. A PU can reduce that stress for both your cat and your family.

Ongoing Urinary Care Still Matters

A PU changes the anatomy, not the underlying tendency toward crystals or bladder inflammation. Diet, water intake, and regular checkups remain part of keeping your cat healthy, and we’ll help you build that plan.

Signs Your Cat May Have a Urinary Blockage

A urethral obstruction can become life-threatening within a day or two. Call us right away if your male cat shows:

• Straining in the litter box with little or no urine
• Frequent trips to the litter box or urinating outside it
• Crying or vocalizing while trying to urinate
• Licking at the genital area
• Vomiting, hiding, lethargy, or loss of appetite

Is My Cat a Candidate for a PU?

The decision depends on how often your cat has blocked, how he has responded to medical management, and his overall health. Our veterinarians will review his history and test results with you, explain the benefits and possible complications, and help you decide whether surgery or continued medical care is the better fit.

Practice Highlights

Cedar Animal Hospital has served Cedar Springs and West Michigan since April 1993:

• AAHA-Accredited Hospital: A commitment to high standards of veterinary care
• Urgent and Emergency Care 7 Days a Week: Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 10 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM
• In-House ICU: 24/7 nursing care for hospitalized patients
• Advanced In-Clinic Diagnostics: Full in-house laboratory, digital imaging, and CT scanning
• Flexible Payment Options: Cash, check, major credit cards, CareCredit, and Scratchpay