Symptoms & Causes of Urinary Tract Problems in cats

Cats are susceptible to problems of the lower urinary tract. This includes the bladder and urethra. Urine is formed and stored in the bladder until it flows out of your cat’s body through the urethra.  If they are inflamed or obstructed your cat will not be able to urinate properly.

Some symptoms of of urinary tract problems can include:

  • Frequent urination, but only passing a small amount of urine
  • Urinating outside the litter box
  • Blood in the urine
  • Straining to urinate
  • Crying out in pain while urinating
  • Increased licking of urinary opening

What Causes Lower Urinary Tract Problems in Cats?

There are a few types of urinary tract problems in cats, including the following.

  1. Feline Idiopathic Cystitis – Occasionally, the inside of a cat’s lower urinary tract will get irritated without an infection or stones being present. Sometimes it can be a symptom of stress or a reaction to a change in diet. In many cases the cause is unknown.
  2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – Cats get UTIs when there is a bacterial infection in their bladder or urethra. Other diseases like diabetes and kidney disease can make infection more likely.
  3. Uroliths (Urinary Stones) – Urine naturally contains minerals that can clump up and form tiny crystals, and even large stones, in your cat’s bladder. They can irritate the lining of the bladder or urethra and cause both bloody urine and pain while urinating.

The production of crystals (like pieces of sand) in the urine can combine with mucus and form a “plug” blocking the urethra. The bladder cannot empty and is obstructed rapidly becoming very painful. An obstruction of the urethra is a medical emergency and you should call your vet right away.

Cats with a blocked bladder are often confused with the signs of constipation.  A cat that is showing signs of straining and discomfort should be vet checked as soon as possible.

 

Veterinarian – Emergency & Critical Care

Position: Veterinarian – Emergency & Critical Care
Location: EVH Emergency Vet Hospital, Perth Western Australia
Work Type: Full time, part time or casual

The role
EVH is seeking full time, part time or casual veterinarians both in Australia and internationally to join our team. When you come on-board we provide on-the-job and external training to help you deliver excellent emergency and critical care to your patients. Supported by other vets on duty, vet nurses and a managerial team we work together in your work day and with your longer term career goals

For international applicants the temporary skills shortage visa enables approved veterinarians to work in Australia with approved sponsorship in three streams. Our external training is providing through Sydney University CVE (https://www.cve.edu.au/ ) and Veterinary Information Network (VIN https://www.vin.com/vin). Our on the job training is provided by our senior veterinarians. We additionally financially support your career path through providing $7,500 per annum towards your continuous education.

EVH has MANZCVS Senior Veterinarians as well as our veterinary director who has a Masters of Veterinary Science. We also support the next generation vet students from Murdoch University and James Cook University to help them grow and understand whether emergency is an environment in which they thrive.
We then organise with you a set roster with flexibility to facilitate the best chance at achieving a life work balance. We offer 4 week paid leave per annum.

About us

EVH does not run with KPI’s. We think they stifle development and negatively affect veterinarian’s growth. The competitive nature of KPIs are the very core of what we don’t like surrounding the veterinary environment. We value teamwork, kindness and respect towards self, each other and the community we serve.
We encourage international applicants and financially support with relocation and visa costs. The temporary skills shortage visa enables approved veterinarians to work in Australia with approved sponsorship in three streams

In 2022 the expanded hospital will be complete and offer:

• New purpose built intensive care ward with oxygen cages, generators and ventilators.
• New SmartFlow for patient management within the hospital
• New dedicated imaging room with new GE Ligiq P9 ultrasound https://www.gehealthcare.com.au/products/ultrasound/logiq/logiq-p9
• New spacious IDEXX laboratory including coags , blood gases and Sediview for comprehensive in-house analysis
• New internal camera system offering higher visibility for each patient
• Dedicated cat ward away from the main thoroughfare and now in the quietest section of the hospital
• A new grieving room providing convenience for when families wish to visit their loved ones whilst in hospital or for when for when privacy is required

About You

• For international applicants the temporary skills shortage visa enables approved veterinarians to work in Australia with approved sponsorship in three streams
• You are respectful and compassionate. Working in emergency can be a dynamic environment and does take resilience which we support with a kind pragmatic working environment
• Apply if you are curious and have an enthusiasm towards staying up to date with treatments
• You could be a new graduate, GP veterinarian seeking a change of pace and diverse case load or a senior veterinarian looking for educational, gold standard medicine and tools
• You have a veterinary degree recognised within Australia or able to be registered with the WA Veterinary Surgeons Board.
• You want an appealing salary that will reflect your abilities and future performance in the order of $80,000- $155,000 + superannuation + group performance based bonus
• Ability to utilise the $7,500 per annum towards your ongoing education
• Want access to the EVH Pet Wellness programme which provides cost price treatment for your pets and discount for your family
• You want a balance between work and personal life
• You want assistance with transitioning to emergency with support on your shift, shift support, access to workshops, webinars and are enthused by a financial contribution towards your continuous education

For confidential discussion please contact through Sam Moore – Operations Manager sam@emergencyvethospital.com.au

About Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Perth is the capital city of Western Australia and situated on the west coast of Australia. With a population of just over 2 million we have access to beautiful beaches, river, parkland as well as cafes, tourist spots and architecture.

The city is frequently voted in the 10 most livable cities in the world. It offers a range of private, independent and public schools and well as 3 universities. It appeals to those who enjoy the great outdoors, long hot summer a laidback lifestyle or a place to raise family. To find out more visit the following websites:

https://www.australia.com/en

https://www.westernaustralia.com/

 

COVID-19 Coronavirus Update

The hospitals aim is to continue to be able to provide the highest levels of care to our patients. In order to do that we are taking these steps to protect you and our team.

If you are unwell or are in self-isolation, call us for advice – do not come straight to the hospital. Please note that EVH may have additional safety procedures in place, and these may vary based on the latest advise of the state government and health officials.

This may include:

  1. Contactless consultations
  2. A limitation of one client per pet
  3. That you wear a facemask when entering the hospital
  4. Payment over the phone
  5. More email and phone communication

It is important that we all work together during such trying times. Please speak with our vet care team upon arrival for more information. These safety measures are in place to ensure that we can stay open and are in a position to provide care for you and your pets during these extraordinary times. We ask that you follow government recommendations and if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms please stay at home and organise someone else to bring your pet in to us.

We all have a part to play and ask that you remember to:

  1. Keep up to date with current COVID-19 restrictions in Perth and surrounding areas
  2. Wear a face mask in certain settings and when required. (Masks are not necessary for children under 12)
  3. Practise physical distancing (keep at least 1.5 metres or two arms lengths from each other)
  4. Practise good personal hygiene (wash hands often with soap and water, or hand sanitiser and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use your elbow)
  5. Stay home if unwell and get someone else to bring down your pet
  6. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms get COVID-19 test
  7. Sign in using the SafeWA app or paperwork at reception

Thank you for your co-operation and understanding – we are here to work with you to provide care for your pet when you need us most.

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EVH Location

1 Chokolich Street
WANGARA  6065
Western Australia

T 9200 4460
E support@emergencyvethospital.com.au

EVH Opening Hours

Open 24/7 | 7 days a week | 365 days of the year

24 hours Monday – Friday
24 hours on Weekends
24 hours on Public Holidays

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