Optimizing Care for the Feline UO Patient

By: Andrew Linklater, DVM, DACVECC

Description: Feline lower urinary tract obstruction is a common emergency requiring rapid stabilization and evidence-based decision-making. Emergency clinicians must address pain control, correct life-threatening hyperkalemia and acid–base disturbances, select appropriate balanced crystalloids, and anticipate post-obstructive diuresis with frequent reassessment of fluid needs. Atraumatic obstruction relief is essential, beginning with adequate sedation and analgesia, placement soft indwelling catheters of appropriate size and duration. Current literature highlights that balanced fluids are preferred over saline, extended catheterization may reduce recurrence in some cases, and antispasmodics such as prazosin are ineffective and potentially harmful in preventing re-obstruction. Continued monitoring, tailored analgesia, and avoidance of unnecessary antibiotics help minimize complications and recurrence, supporting optimal outcomes in the ER setting.

By the end of the session, attendees will be able to:

1. Rapidly evaluate and stabilize cats with lower urinary tract obstruction by prioritizing analgesia, correction of life-threatening electrolyte and acid–base disturbances, and evidence-based fluid therapy.
2. Execute efficient, atraumatic obstruction relief and post-obstructive management, including appropriate catheter selection, placement technique, and monitoring for post-obstructive diuresis.
3. Implement strategies to minimize complications and recurrence in the ER setting, using current evidence on catheter duration, analgesic protocols, and avoidance of ineffective or contraindicated medications.

Speaker Info: Dr. Linklater grew up and graduated veterinary school in Canada, he moved to the U.S. to complete his advanced training, and became a Diplomate of ACVECC in 2009. He has been the lead of the Emergency department at a multispecialty hospital for more than 20 years in Wisconsin, mentoring more than 100 interns and residents, serving in such roles as Medical Director, Director of an ER internship and residency program and Director of a VECCS-certified and VetCOT-certified trauma center. He has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications including two veterinary textbooks, and has provided hundreds of lecture hours at national and international conferences. Recently, he has moved to Colorado to join Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies. His professional interests include trauma, surgery, coagulopathies and transfusions. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, skiing, curling, biking, hiking and spending time with his family.