Ureteral Obstruction Treatment for Cats and Dogs in Scottsdale, AZ
A ureteral obstruction occurs when a kidney stone, stricture, or tumor blocks the narrow tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. Without timely treatment, pressure builds and the kidney can be permanently damaged. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our specialists diagnose ureteral obstructions quickly and offer minimally invasive urinary stenting options that restore urine flow and protect kidney function.
What Causes Ureteral Obstruction?
The ureters are extremely narrow, especially in cats, so even small stones can lodge and create a blockage. Common causes include:
- Kidney and ureteral stones, most often calcium oxalate stones in cats
- Ureteral strictures or scar tissue from prior stones or inflammation
- Blood clots or dried, solidified blood stones
- Tumors of the ureter, bladder, or surrounding tissue
- Congenital abnormalities
Cats are affected far more often than dogs, and many cats with chronic kidney disease have stones that may eventually cause an obstruction. Pets with a history of bladder stones are also at increased risk.
Signs of a Ureteral Obstruction
Unlike a urethral blockage, a pet with a ureteral obstruction can usually still urinate, which makes the problem easy to miss. Signs may include:
- Lethargy, hiding, or reduced activity
- Decreased appetite or not eating
- Vomiting
- Abdominal or back pain
- Increased thirst or changes in urination
- Sudden rise in kidney values on bloodwork
Because both kidneys may become affected, any of these signs in a cat with known kidney stones should be evaluated promptly.
How We Diagnose Ureteral Obstruction
Our internal medicine specialists combine bloodwork, urinalysis, and urine culture with abdominal ultrasound to look for a dilated kidney and ureter and locate the blockage. Radiographs help identify mineral stones, and fluoroscopic contrast studies may be used to map the urinary tract in detail before treatment. Cystoscopy may also be used to evaluate the bladder and ureteral openings.
Minimally Invasive Treatment With Urinary Stenting
Some obstructions resolve with medical management, including IV fluids and medications that relax the ureter. When a blockage persists, our team may recommend urinary stenting. A small, flexible stent is placed inside the ureter to bypass the obstruction and allow urine to drain into the bladder. Depending on the patient, stents may be temporary or permanent, and more than one anesthetic episode may be needed for placement and removal.
Stenting avoids some of the complications of traditional ureteral surgery and can help preserve kidney function in pets who might otherwise lose a kidney. Not every pet is a candidate, and our specialists select patients carefully. Complex cases may also involve our surgical team, and stones lower in the urinary tract may be candidates for laser bladder stone removal.
Long-Term Monitoring
After treatment, we monitor kidney values, urine, and imaging to watch for stent function, infection, and new stone formation. Diet and hydration strategies support long-term kidney health, and we partner closely with your family veterinarian. Explore all conditions we treat, including ectopic ureters, or learn more about our veterinary services and payment options.
Ureteral Obstruction FAQs
Can my cat still urinate with a ureteral obstruction?
Yes. Because the blockage is between the kidney and bladder, many pets still urinate normally, which is why other signs like lethargy and vomiting are so important.
Is a ureteral obstruction an emergency?
It is an urgent condition. The longer a kidney is blocked, the greater the risk of permanent damage, so prompt evaluation is essential.
What is a ureteral stent?
A ureteral stent is a small, flexible tube placed inside the ureter to keep it open and allow urine to drain from the kidney to the bladder.
Are ureteral obstructions more common in cats or dogs?
They are much more common in cats, typically due to small calcium oxalate stones.
Can stones in the ureter pass on their own?
Occasionally, with fluids and medications, a stone may pass. Many obstructions do not resolve without intervention.
Will the stent need to be removed?
Some stents are temporary and removed later, while others remain permanently. Your specialist will explain which type is right for your pet.
How can I prevent future kidney stones?
Prevention may include a therapeutic diet, increased water intake, and regular monitoring based on your pet’s stone type and kidney health.
Protect Your Pet’s Kidney Health
If your pet has kidney stones or signs of a urinary obstruction, our specialists are here to help. Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 to schedule a consultation in Scottsdale, AZ .