Factors affecting survival to discharge in 53 cats diagnosed with uroabdomen: a single-centre retrospective analysis

The aim of this study was to assess outcomes in cats diagnosed with uroabdomen at a single referral centre.

Fifty-three cats diagnosed with uroabdomen at a veterinary teaching hospital were identified between June 2003 and September 2016. Data collected included signalment, presenting signs, aetiology, location of rupture, presence of concurrent injury, outcome of urine culture, presence of uroliths and packed cell volume (PCV)/creatinine/potassium levels at presentation. Cats managed medically and surgically were included, and the use of urinary catheters, cystotomy tubes and abdominal drains were recorded. It was determined if patients survived to discharge or if they were euthanased or died.

Seventy-four percent (n = 39) of cats survived to discharge. Elevations in creatinine (P = 0.03) were shown to be significantly correlated with survival to discharge. Sex, age, location of rupture, presence of uroliths, outcome of urine culture, presence of concurrent injury, potassium at presentation and PCV at presentation were not associated with survival to discharge. There was no difference in survival between cats that were medically or surgically managed.

Cats that develop uroabdomen have a good chance of survival. Electrolyte and biochemistry values should be assessed at the time of presentation, in addition to the presence of concurrent injury.